Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

As I talk to others about their Christmas shopping, the word "stressful" keeps cropping up.

What is it about Christmas shopping that makes it stressful, and how can small business retailers help?

Stresses At Christmas From Customer Perspective
Many of the stresses of Christmas shopping are either self imposed or unavoidable. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to buy the "perfect" present.

If you work fulltime or have family or other commitments, the logistics of getting to the shops can be a nightmare, especially in the lead up to Christmas.

10 Tips To Help Your Customers Have A Stress Free Christmas
1.   Offer flexiblity - extend opening hours
2.   Offer gift vouchers
3.   Have a chair to sit down for people waiting or just so customers can rest their feet
4.   Leave plenty of room for prams and wheelchairs to manouevre
5.   Offer mail service and/or online options
6.   Offer gift wrapping (free or paid)
7.   Give personalized service
8.   Be friendly, helpful and calm
9.   Be realistic with delivery time promises
10. Offer lay away