Looking for a great way to boost holiday retail sales? Try these tips for retailing gift cards and see your profits rise.

• Create a client wish list: Stop at your local print shop and order specialized “wish list” stationary for your clients. Have them list the services/products they would like to receive and encourage them to pass it along to a loved one. When their boyfriends or husbands come to you for last-minute shopping, have a gift card ready to go and make everyone happy.

• Don’t forget pretty packaging: Half the fun of getting a gift is tearing open sparkling paper and breaking shiny bows. A gift card can be a bit ho-hum in that department. Stock beautiful holiday cards, tiny Christmas stockings and pre-wrapped and ribboned boxes to package the gift cards. This extra touch will entice clients to do their holiday shopping with you.

• Market to men: Take out your next ad in the sports page or put a spot ad on sports radio. Once you’ve got their attention, let them know how easy it is to pop into the salon, buy a gift card and give the lady in their life a very happy holiday!

• Get corporate: Think about all the vendors you do business with. Now think about your neighboring businesses. What if all of them decided to give gift cards from your salon/spa to their employees? Drop a hint or barter for goods and services.

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