How to survive slow months as a retailer: 6 tips for a strong start to 2026

The end of the year is approaching, which means one last peak period for many retailers. But what about those slow months after the festive rush? While your customers take a breather, you as a retailer may have to deal with returns, declining sales and excess stock.

However, this slow period doesn't have to be a downer. With the right preparation, you can use these weeks to start 2026 stronger: with more sales and higher customer engagement! Discover our 6 tips for a fresh start to the new year.

The period after the festive season is ideal for reconnecting with customers. They received gifts, bought from you or discovered your range while searching for gifts.

Respond to this with strong email flows:

• reactivate new customers who bought from you for the first time during the festive period

• offer inspiration with bestsellers that are back in stock

• create segments based on buying behaviour

• show them relevant additions to their recent purchases

Want to know more about email marketing? During the Trademart Retail Happening in January 2025, email expert Jasper Van Laethem shared interesting insights on how you can grow your business with smart email marketing.

Upselling and cross-selling help you get more value out of every transaction, without needing extra visitors. Create combinations that feel natural to your customers, such as products that complement each other, match well or complete a full concept. Bundles and sets work perfectly for this: they increase the value of the purchase and help customers make quicker decisions.

You can also offer special benefits without putting pressure on your own margins. For example:

• discounted prices for bundles

• an extra product when buying multiple items

• temporary set offers based on a theme or collection

  
  

The slow months are ideal for evaluating your product range and planning ahead. Which products sold well? Which ones less so? What are the important seasonal peaks and events in 2026 that you want to respond to?

This information helps you make smarter buying decisions. By planning your buying moments strategically, you can respond quickly to new trends, stay aligned with your customers’ buying behaviour and keep control of your stock.

At Trademart, you’ll find monthly buying events for each department where more than 500 exhibitors present their latest collections. Use our buying events to:

• discover the latest trends and collections

• compare different brands

• tailor your range to what actually sells

• ask questions and get advice from our exhibitors

Want to get your planning ready for the new year? Check out all the buying opportunities in 2026 that you really shouldn't miss.

Although more and more Belgians are shopping online, for many customers, the physical shop remains a place where they want to discover, feel, try and get personal advice. The slower period after the holidays gives you the opportunity to enhance your shopping experience.

Consider:

• redesigning your shop according to a new season or theme

• creating inspiration corners

• small events such as styling moments, demonstrations or workshops

• a preview of new collections, exclusively for regular customers

Do you have a webshop? Then now is the time to take a close look at it:

• optimise product pages and loading times

• increase trust with reviews and a clear shipping and returns policy

• test your checkout process and optimise where necessary

Read our 5 tips for a reliable webshop.