From the sounds of Slade and Band-Aid permeating the airwaves to the snowflake fringed points of sale at seemingly every checkout, for better or worse, Christmas seems to start earlier every year. On average, the buying public might resent the idea of turning their thoughts to the festive season as soon as the Hallowe’en decorations are down, but with one-third of all retail sales taken in the six-week run-up to Xmas, the reality for retailers is that their Chrimbo considerations have to start a whole lot earlier...and I'd suggest that's as early as July! So for today’s episode, I’ve enlisted retail mentor (and my fellow ‘Get Set for Christmas’ workshop host) Joanne Griffin, who kindly shares her top Christmas planning and product tips. With 13 years of experience, from working at Not On The High Street to helping home, gift and lifestyle brands to spot new retail opportunities, Joanne has a great deal of commercial knowledge as well as an eye for design and truly knows what it takes to foster a fruitful festive season. In this episode, we talk about creating a stress-free Christmas by seizing upon a slow summer and getting a plan in place, the importance of looking outside your own niche for both product and marketing inspiration and how ever-evolving consumer attitudes and behaviours mean that you need to try to meet your customer where they’re at. Get in touch with Joanne about working together at https://www.creativeflowcollective.com/ and you can follow and connect with her at: https://www.facebook.com/creativeflowcollective https://www.instagram.com/creativeflowcollective/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/creativeflowcollective/_saved/ Further Resources: Use the code Podcast10 to get 10% off lifetime access to the Get Set for Christmas course. https://futureretailacademy.newzenler.com/courses/get-set-for-christmas-2021 Mentioned in this episode:Freebie downloadStock FreebieFaire 50% offerUse the code GamePlan25 to get 50% off and free shipping with your first order at faire.comFaire 50% off - use code 'GamePlan25'

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