Your guide to business during the April holidays
Autumn arrives. Leaves fall. And for businesses? Things get a little… interesting. April isn't just another month on the calendar. It's a unique blend of seasonal consumer shifts and a calendar packed tighter than a holiday suitcase. Lower foot traffic, evolving customer preferences and a series of public holidays present a dynamic business environment requiring strategic adjustments to maintain momentum. You're not just running a business; you're navigating a seasonal obstacle course, and we're here to help.
Autumn holiday shifts: How to gear up for the April holidays and beyond
Understanding the industry-specific triggers is crucial. For example, a coffee shop might introduce more hot beverage options while a clothing store focuses on autumn collections, but it's not just about product offerings. It's about operational adjustments too.
General operational adjustments
To navigate seasonal shifts, businesses should proactively adapt core operations. This might mean hosting a seasonal sale to reduce old stock or starting a digital campaign with an online competition to encourage more sales. Consider the following:
- Inventory planning: Reduce summer stock, boost autumn/winter items and clear old stock with sales.
- Staffing: Adjust based on foot traffic and potentially hire seasonal help.
- Marketing: Update with seasonal campaigns and promotions and use social media.
- Pricing: Re-evaluate for competitiveness and consider bundled deals.
- Operating hours: Review based on demand and communicate changes.
- Supply chain: Ensure readiness for seasonal product delivery.
Industry-specific adjustments
Businesses must tailor strategies to their industry's unique seasonal demands. This requires understanding how variations impact customer behaviour and operations. For example, a resort might include warm bonfire nights in their weekend schedules to attract new clients, or a retailer might offer complimentary hot beverages to attract customers to the store:
- Retail: Update displays and create a cozy atmosphere.
- Hospitality: Update menus with seasonal dishes and adjust seating.
- Tourism: Develop seasonal packages.
- Agriculture: Adjust planting and pest control based on weather.
The April saga: Tactical solutions for a challenging month
April is a unique beast. With Freedom Day, Easter Weekend and Worker’s Day on 1 May, it can feel like a constant interruption to your business, but with the right business strategies, you can turn these challenges into opportunities:
|
What to expect |
Possible solution |
|
Calendar pressure: Losing opportunities to trade days in April can significantly impact supply chains, cash flow and productivity.
|
Pre-empt payroll and cash-flow lags by planning ahead. Ensure suppliers are aware of holiday closures and adjust delivery schedules accordingly.
|
|
Public holiday sales fatigue: SMEs are competing for attention amidst a flurry of Easter promotions.
|
Prep public promos in advance and make them stand out. Consider offering unique experiences or value-added services instead of just discounts. |
|
Staffing gaps: Employees taking leave during the holidays can create staffing shortages.
|
Plan staff rosters well in advance and consider offering incentives for employees to work during peak holiday periods. |
Beyond these tactical solutions, April presents an opportunity to build relationships. Clients might be quieter, so use this time to check in with them—not to sell but to offer support and build rapport. A simple phone call or email can go a long way in strengthening customer loyalty.
How to influence consumer behaviour with behavioural economics
Navigating the autumn months as an SME requires careful planning, adaptability and a proactive approach. By understanding the seasonal shifts and addressing the specific challenges, you can not only survive but thrive.
At Standard Bank, we understand the unique challenges SMEs face. We're here to offer a guiding hand and provide the resources you need to succeed, every step of the way.
Financial adjustments
Maintaining financial stability requires planning and adjustments for seasonal fluctuations. This involves updating cash-flow projections, securing financing, adjusting budgets and implementing sound financial management practices:
- Cash-flow management: Update to reflect seasonal revenue and expenses.
- Financing: Secure if needed for seasonal fluctuations.
- Budgeting: Adjust to allocate resources effectively for marketing, inventory and staffing.
- Financial management: Implement careful practices to ensure stability.
Learn more about managing your cash flow
These business strategies are key to maintaining profitability during the quieter months. By adapting to seasonal shifts and understanding consumer behaviour, businesses can optimise resources, tailor marketing and adjust pricing to stay competitive. These changes mitigate revenue declines and create opportunities to attract customers, enhance loyalty and transform seasonal challenges into sustainable growth.