The holidays are approaching fast — but so are government shutdowns, economic jitters, and a general feeling of uncertainty. For small business owners in Fort Collins and across Northern Colorado, this season might feel more stressful than joyful.
Here’s the good news: you can still win the holidays. You don’t need perfect conditions to drive meaningful sales, delight your customers, and finish strong.
Below are seven quick, practical strategies to help you stay focused, build customer loyalty, and boost your bottom line — even when the bigger picture feels unpredictable.
1. Focus on What You Can Control
You can’t fix the economy or federal dysfunction, but you can absolutely deliver a great experience. Take care of what’s in your zone of control:
- Polish your in-store or online presence
- Train staff to offer warm, helpful service
- Communicate with customers consistently
Local tip: Many Fort Collins businesses are leaning into cozy, high-touch service this year — think warm lighting, local snacks, hand-written thank you notes. Small, human details go a long way.
2. Offer Payment Flexibility
Customers are cautious with spending right now. Make it easier for them to say “yes” by offering:
- Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options
- Gift cards with bonus value (e.g., buy $50, get $5 free)
- Early-bird holiday deals or bundle pricing
This helps reduce friction at checkout — and improves cash flow for you, too.
3. Simplify Holiday Shopping Decisions
Shoppers are overwhelmed and distracted. Help them by doing the thinking for them:
- Curate holiday gift bundles or themed kits
- Highlight “Top 5 Gifts Under $50” or “Staff Favorites”
- Offer easy local delivery or curbside pickup
Make it simple, make it fast, and make it feel thoughtful.
4. Double Down on Local
Your competitive advantage this season is that you are here — in the community, invested, and ready to deliver.
Ways to go local:
- Collaborate with other Fort Collins or Northern Colorado businesses on giveaways or bundles
- Join city-wide or neighborhood “shop local” campaigns
- Use signage and social content to remind shoppers: “Your dollars stay here”
Supporting local isn’t just a feel-good message — it’s a strategic one. Play it up.
5. Over-Communicate (and Be Human About It)
Don’t assume customers know your holiday hours, shipping cutoffs, or in-store events. Keep your messaging clear, frequent, and friendly.
What to share:
- Holiday hours and any closures
- Shipping and ordering deadlines
- Stock updates or low-inventory alerts
- Any last-minute specials
And don’t be afraid to show a little personality. A warm, human message builds trust.
6. Set Boundaries for You and Your Team
Burnout doesn’t serve anyone — especially not your customers. Get ahead of the chaos by:
- Finalizing your December staff schedule now
- Clearly communicating expectations around time off
- Recognizing and rewarding flexibility, even in small ways
A well-rested team is a helpful team. That translates into better service and stronger sales.
7. Stay Flexible — and Let Customers Know You Are
Things can still change. Shipping delays, supply issues, and political disruptions might show up at the worst moment. That’s okay — just plan for it and be transparent.
Example message:
“We’re monitoring our supply chain and staying flexible. If anything changes, we’ll communicate quickly. Thanks for shopping local this season.”
That kind of honesty builds long-term loyalty.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Uncertainty is real — but so is your resilience. Fort Collins is home to resourceful, community-focused small business owners who know how to adapt. This holiday season, lean into what makes you great: your relationships, your local roots, and your ability to move fast when it matters.
Want your business featured on Fort Collins Business Digest this holiday season?
Reach out — we’d love to share how you’re thriving. tyson[at]fortcollinsbusinessdigest.com
Fort Collins Business Digest 
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