As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it’s essential to take a step back and examine how winter might affect your business. Several potential challenges come with the colder months, from lower foot traffic to increased heating costs. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are five ways winter can affect your business (and how to prepare):
Fewer customers
One of the most obvious ways winter can impact your business is by decreasing the number of customers who visit your store or patronize your service. People are less likely to venture out when it’s cold outside, reducing sales. Here are some ways you can offset this.
Creative Marketing
The key to offsetting this is to get creative with your marketing. Ensure you run ads focusing on seasonal specials or discounts during the winter months. You should also focus on promoting any online ordering or delivery options that you may have. By doing this, you’ll be able to reach more customers and keep your business running smoothly regardless of the weather conditions.
Diversifying Products and Services
It might also be smart to consider diversifying your products and services during the winter. For example, if you own a restaurant, focus on promoting heartier dishes that will warm people up. Or, if you have a retail store, make sure to stock up on items that are popular during the colder months, such as coats, hats, and gloves. By doing this, you can gain more customers during the winter.
Increased heating costs
During the winter, the average temperature in the country goes around 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, that’s cold enough to freeze water. Because of this, you’ll likely see an increase in your energy bills as you attempt to keep your office or store warm for employees and customers. One way to combat this is by investing in energy-efficient heating solutions. Here are some of those options.
Water Heater
You’ll still need water during the winter for your employees and customers. That’s why you need a water heater installed in your company, specifically a tankless one. A tankless water heater installation is affordable. It’s also much faster when compared to installing a traditional water heater and will save you plenty of money on your energy bill in the long run. This is because it doesn’t have a tank that needs to be constantly refilled with water, so it only uses energy when hot water is needed.
Furnace
This is one of the most popular heating options for businesses. A furnace circulates warm air through your ductwork, providing heat to every room in your office or store. If you don’t have a furnace, now’s the time to install one. Just make sure to have it serviced before the cold weather hits to ensure it’s running correctly.
Snow and ice removal
In many parts of the country, snow and ice are inevitable during winter. And while they may be pretty to look at, they can also pose a severe threat to customers and employees if left unchecked. That’s why it’s essential to have a plan to deal with these hazardous conditions. For example, if you own a retail store, you’ll want to ensure you have enough salt on hand to keep your sidewalks and parking lot clear and safe for customers.
If you’re a service-based business, on the other hand, you’ll need to take steps to ensure that any appointment-based meetings can still take place despite bad weather conditions. By being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way, you can help minimize disruptions and keep your business running smoothly.
Seasonal employee absences
When the weather is frightful, employees are not uncommon to call out sick more often than usual. To combat this, try offering incentives for employees who show up for work even when they feel under the weather. This could be anything from extra paid time off to gift cards or other prizes. You should also ensure adequate staff coverage by cross-training employees in different areas to always have someone available to cover absences. Taking these precautions can help ensure that your business runs smoothly even when absences are at their peak.
Holiday shopping rushes
Depending on your industry, wintertime might also bring an influx of customers looking to take advantage of holiday sales. If this is the case, it’s essential to be prepared, so you don’t get overwhelmed. This means stocking up on inventory, hiring additional seasonal staff, and ensuring your checkout process is as smooth as possible. By preparing for the holiday rush, you can ensure that employees and customers have a positive experience.
Winter is a beautiful time of year, but it can also be challenging for businesses. By taking the necessary steps to prepare, you can help ensure that your business runs smoothly all season long.
