In this solo “After the Show (but not really After the Show)” episode, host Crystal Vilkaitis dives deep into how independent retailers can make the most of Small Business Saturday—a national event that’s not just about sales, but about creating experiences and community connections. Crystal shares both tried-and-true tactics and out-of-the-box ideas to help retailers attract loyal customers, drive traffic, and make holiday shopping magical.

From bundles and VIP events to scavenger hunts, local collaborations, and even alpacas (yes, alpacas!), this episode is full of creative inspiration to make your store the place to be this season.

[1:04] - Why Small Business Saturday matters — it’s not just about sales but creating experiences and memories.

[4:46] - Go beyond discounts; make your store a welcoming space where customers can connect and unwind.

[6:33] - Bundle products by theme, purpose, or audience to make shopping simple and thoughtful.

[9:10] - Use AI tools to brainstorm creative ideas for offers and campaigns.

[13:05] - Offer VIP early access to make loyal customers feel valued and part of something special.

[16:03] - Try interactive ideas like scavenger hunts, golden tickets, or social media challenges to drive engagement.

[21:10] - Collaborate with nonprofits to give back and share post-event stories to build authenticity.

[22:24] - After the event, debrief with your team—review wins, gather feedback, and plan improvements for next year.

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