It’s time to move full speed ahead into the holiday season. You probably already have seasonal shapes on your shelves, and your decorations and holiday displays are going up. But just in case you haven’t started (or just want to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything), here is a handy checklist.
Create Samples That Sell!
- Refresh your samples. Give your customers some new ideas this season by showing simple designs that they can reproduce with great results. Use our handy Technique Guide to create a list of everyday tools to have on hand for customers to use as they decorate pottery. Tape, skewers, rubbing alcohol, glaze crumbles, and more.
- Display a variety of cute ideas for handprints and footprints. Parents are always looking for keepsake ornaments!
- Paint series or sets of designs. Seeing a complete set of four matching mugs or dinner plates is a nudge toward multiple bisque sales.
- Have a shape that’s not moving? Paint a holiday/seasonal design on it! Or give it a new name. A small canister can easily become a holiday candy dish.
- Create seasonal palettes for your customers to use as inspiration. Vintage Holiday, Winter Wonderland, etc. Incorporate colors that work well together and evoke a feeling shown together.
- Stay on top of your glaze supply to ensure you stay stocked on essential colors such as Hot Tamale, Candy Apple Red, Sour Apple, Green Thumb, Cara-Bein Blue, Fruit of the Vine, and Sunkissed.
Make the Studio Shine
- Captivate with Window Displays: Take a cue from retailers such as Macy’s in NYC that unveil their holiday windows. Choose a theme that goes with one of your color palettes or themes such as Retro Cocktail Party or use a classic movie to guide your displays. Challenge your team to really embrace the theme!
- Prop It Up: Use props that show why they need that painted piece! Put cookies by a Santa plate, a recipe with a platter, or a cozy mug with hot chocolate mix. It helps customers imagine the gift.
- Build the Excitement: To create urgency, post a countdown in your studio to show the “Days to Paint for Christmas” and change it daily.
Events for All
- Plan your events now and promote them constantly via social media, email, and in-store signs. Here are a few ideas:
- Story Time & Painting: Read a festive book and have the kids paint an item that goes with the story.
- Family Imprints: Dedicate specific hours or an event to creating clay or painted handprint/footprint keepsakes, a major holiday seller.
- Dessert & Coffee Night: Instead of “Wine & Design,” try leading a group through a festive design while they enjoy coffee and great holiday treats.
- Host Early Morning Painting Hours: This is perfect for parents with little ones who need to get out before naptime.
- Plan your content calendar now. Use high-quality photos for posts and short-form video for social media (TikTok, Reels) to promote events, gift ideas, general pottery painting fun!
Deck Out Your Team
- Get some fun seasonal aprons for your staff to boost the holiday spirit! Keep snacks and drinks on hand to keep your team fueled up for each day. Or have a set day on which your crew knows you’re providing a special treat to give them something to look forward to each week!
Remember to relax, breathe, and truly enjoy the season—you’re helping people create amazing memories and gifts!
