Preparing

The holiday shopping season is approaching, and for small business owners, this is an important time to prepare for increased customer demand, manage expenses, and identify opportunities to grow revenue.

According to the QuickBooks Small Business Data Research Hub, its September 2026 Holiday Shopping Survey projects $278 billion in consumer spending, including a record $118 billion share for small businesses. This highlights the opportunity for small businesses to attract customers during the holiday season.

So, how can business owners prepare?

1. Review your finances. Take a close look at your cash flow, outstanding invoices, and available funds before committing to additional inventory or holiday promotions.
2. Plan your inventory and expenses. Review previous sales trends to help estimate what customers may want. Avoid tying up too much cash in products that may not sell.
3. Make your marketing count. Consider holiday bundles, loyalty rewards, gift cards, or special promotions that encourage customers to shop with your business.
4. Keep track of your numbers. Monitor sales, expenses, and profit margins throughout the season. Higher sales do not always mean higher profits, especially when discounts and operating costs increase.

The holiday season can bring exciting opportunities, but preparation is key. Taking time to review your finances and create a plan now can help you make more confident business decisions in the months ahead.



What is your business doing to prepare for the holiday shopping season? Are you planning special promotions, increasing inventory, or focusing on managing expenses? Share your ideas with the QuickBooks Community!