Holiday Prep Starts Now: Candy Retail Tips for September

You know how they say “time flies when you’re having fun”? Well, we are just MONTHS away from the holiday season, and we promise you that the time is going to go by fast! Before you know it, people are going to be coming into your candy shop donned in full Halloween costume gear, and the next minute they’re going to be asking you where they can find candy canes and marshmallow Santas!

That’s right! If you’re a candy store owner, you already know how busy the holiday season can be for you, and the earlier you start prepping for the holiday rush, the more success you’re going to see around Christmas time. Proper holiday prep doesn’t just help you meet consumer demand; it also improves your bottom line and helps set your store apart from the competition.

With the support from America’s favorite candy distributor, Redstone Foods, you can stay ahead of the holiday season with smart inventory management, eye catching candy display ideas, and a marketing strategy that gets people excited to do their holiday shopping with you. Join us as we help turn your September into a launchpad for a record-breaking holiday season!

Why You Should Start Holiday Planning in September

The truth is, successful retailers start their holiday planning at least three months out. The National Retail Federation consistently reports that holiday shopping begins earlier each year, with many customers browsing for gift ideas and good deals before Halloween even arrives. As people’s budgets get tighter this year, consumers are looking to spread-out their holiday expenses even more.

By ordering your seasonal inventory now, you’ll beat the rush, avoid any potential supply chain delays, and ensure you get your fair share of popular items like milk chocolate Santas, peppermint bark, and festive Christmas candy. Working closely with a reliable candy distributor like Redstone Foods guarantees you won’t miss out on limited-run favorites or trending new treats.

Here’s what your retail store should do in September to fully capitalize on the holiday shopping experience:

Step 1: Check Your Inventory & Secure Stock Early

Start by reviewing last year’s retail sales data. Which items sold-out first? Did you run short on your favorite candy bar SKUs? Were you left with extra stock after New Year’s? This kind of internal review is absolutely essential for any candy company looking to implement smart inventory management.

Once you’ve identified the gaps, connect with your supplier. At Redstone Foods, we can help you forecast demand and secure your holiday allotment before it’s gone. From Halloween classics to festive candy canes, novelty stocking stuffers, and gourmet liqueur chocolates, ordering early ensures your shelves stay stocked during the most important sales season of the year!

Step 2: Plan Festive Displays & Seasonal Store Experiences

The holidays aren’t just about what’s on your shelves, they’re also about selling nostalgia, joy, and the overall shopping experience. For many, the ritual is just as important as the purchase: bundling up in cozy scarves, sipping a warm drink, and strolling through festively decorated streets or twinkling malls. It’s a sensory journey of sparkling lights, Christmas carols, and the cheerful buzz of the local community.

Your candy shop isn’t just a storefront; it’s a potential destination on this seasonal adventure, a place where the magic of the holidays can be tasted – and felt! This is where your strategy comes to life. Creative candy displays and enchanting seasonal window art can stop passersby in their tracks, drawing them inside your candy shop.

For those browsing shoppers, a warm, inviting atmosphere with samples of peppermint hot chocolate or the scent of fresh gingerbread can be the irresistible nudge that transforms a window-shopper into a customer. A lot of people will be browsing as part of their holiday shopping rituals and it’s important to keep these customers in mind when planning for your holiday season’s success!

By focusing on the entire experience, you’re not just selling candy; you’re selling a memorable piece of the holiday spirit, ensuring customers leave with a bag of sweets and a reason to keep coming back!

Consider hiring a local artist to create holiday-themed seasonal window art or set up candy towers featuring bright Christmas present packaging. For brick-and-mortar stores, immersive displays make shopping fun and memorable, while online candy shops can highlight gift bundles and bestsellers in digital gift guides, sent to customers on your email lists, or through creative and engaging social media posts.

Step 3: Map Out Your Store’s Holiday Marketing

Don’t wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to start promoting your candy shop! September is the perfect time to schedule social media campaigns, community board postings, and email blasts to remind customers that your store is the go-to place for Christmas candy and festive snacks.

Think about collaborating with local businesses, running a charity drive, or creating a “12 Days of Candy” countdown to help build excitement throughout your community. Every touchpoint adds to the overall customer experience, ensuring shoppers think of you first when they need a sweet gift!

Step 4: Bundle & Gift with Purpose

Gift bundles are a proven way to boost sales during the holidays. By combining items like milk chocolate truffles, nostalgic candies, and seasonal novelties into ready-made packages, you can help save customers time, all while raising your average ticket value!

Redstone Foods can help you curate bundles that fit your audience, whether it’s families looking for stocking stuffers, tourists seeking locally inspired treats, or corporate buyers searching for the perfect gifts for their employees.

Redstone Foods: Your Partner in Holiday Success!

Getting ready for the holidays may feel overwhelming, but with the right partner it can be so exciting! At Redstone Foods, we offer one of the widest selections in the confectionary industry, backed by a team of dedicated customer service representatives that are here to make your holiday planning easier.

From securing seasonal favorites like candy canes and chocolate Santas to providing fresh expert insights on display ideas and marketing strategies, our team is here to help your retail store thrive!

Ready to create a truly sweet season? Sign up for an account today or give us a call. As America’s favorite candy distributor, we’re not just your supplier, we’re your trusted partner in success. Let's make this your most profitable holiday yet!

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