Best Practices and up to the minute news on Customer Experience Management and Service Excellence
Best Practices and up to the minute news on Customer Experience Management and Service Excellence
No one wants to stop celebrating on January 2nd. So why does it feel like the holidays never even happened once the new year hits?
Numbers prove that guests want to keep up the good cheer: This year the restaurant industry saw a 24% increase in January sales compared to the previous year. With the added struggles of a virus variant and delayed air travel, people clearly wanted to make up for missing out in December 2022.
But it seems like everywhere we turn in the new year, advertising switches over to resolutions and diet plans and back-to-business themes. It’s as if consumers are encouraged to pay for their holiday sins and overcompensate for letting loose in the previous months. Well, they’ve paid enough, and it’s up to restaurants, hotels, bars and pubs to make the most of the season of celebration.
Give guests the freedom to celebrate in January. Here are a few ways to let them know the holiday fun (and spending) doesn’t stop just because the calendar says it should.
Why must the gingerbread lattes and roast turkeys cease to exist come January? Don’t stop serving crowd favorites. Extend holiday specials all month long and watch as guests come to enjoy what they wait all year for. Now they can wait less in between homemade favorites and fall spices. After all, it’s still winter. Keep that hot cocoa coming.
Host and promote a sequel holiday party that embraces the winter season. Themes are always fun, especially in colder climates. Provide ambiance like faux (or real) fireplaces and tinsel galore. Guests will love the opportunity to celebrate – again. What about those that were ill or missed get-togethers because of canceled flights? Now they have a chance to enjoy the holiday all over again.
The New Year’s resolution may feel played out, but when it’s rewarded with a discount, guests can’t resist. Create a resolution station where guests can write down their hopes for the coming year, then display the best of the best. Not only does this create a sense of community and nice personal touch, it also inspires guests to come back. Deals can range from free desserts to a grand prize one-night resort stay.
Does your online presence need a revamp? This may not sound like the most fun, but making sure your internet persona is in line with your brand vision is integral to the guest experience. Add components that enhance the user experience. Create contests on social media so guests can post about their positive experiences with a photo and caption, or create an original hashtag.
Make it your company’s day to celebrate – you! Employees can get in on the fun and help plan the festivities. Feature trademark dishes or create brand new drinks. Shine a spotlight on this unknown holiday, especially if it’s the first time you’re celebrating: Social media will be a must. Hire a DJ or utilize a music-loving employee. Go all out with decor specific to your brand (be consistent with color, font, and logos). Does your company have a mascot? They can make a surprise cameo, pleasing guests while showing major company pride.
January is a great opportunity for satisfying guests who don’t want to end the holiday season just yet. If you keep up the fun, celebratory energy, guests will be more likely to enjoy the winter like it was summer break. The holidays are what we make it. People seek joy and togetherness all year round, not just in November and December.
Keep the holiday magic in the air and you could make January the hottest month of the year.
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