The pressure to create a “perfect” Christmas in retail is immense. Forget all that. Right now, today, my suggestion is that you start a small conversation.
Walk outside with your A-frame sign and a marker. In big, friendly letters, write:
“HELP US SETTLE A DEBATE: When should Christmas music officially start?”
Underneath, make two columns: “November” and “December”. If you’re game, you could head a column “October”.
Leave the marker there for people to add a tick.
Or, do this on social media. Or, write it on your front window. or, put up a big sign in your shop. The key is: ask the question, invite engagement.
This isn’t about selling. It’s about connection. It makes people smile, starts conversations, and turns your shop into the heart of the town’s festive debate.
You don’t need a budget to create Christmas spirit. You just need to ask this simple question. Everything else grows from this first, tiny step.