At their core, bakeries help people build and celebrate their communities. They are the heart of the towns, neighborhoods, and areas they serve. They are where customers come in excitement or to lift their spirits. Understanding and committing to fostering this sense of community is fulfilling and a vital way to build success as you grow your bakery.
During the spring of 2020, I was sitting at the helm of our family’s bakery, steering the business through the rough waters that the pandemic found us all in. I will never forget how the tables filled every morning with the same group of older men who found their anchor inside our walls. The backbone of our community had found their meeting place within our bakery. It was an honor, but also a responsibility that I felt in every corner of my being. Our bakery was the heart of our community. And during that season, it was more profoundly obvious than in any other time I can remember.
As the cooler weather approaches and the holiday season kicks into full gear, now is the perfect time to make sure your bakery continues to be a beacon of warmth and connection. Here are a few ways to keep the community spirit strong in your bakery this holiday season:
1. Create a Loyalty Program
Loyalty programs are a simple yet effective way to remind customers that their visits matter. By offering rewards for frequent purchases, you create an incentive for your community to shop local, which keeps them coming back. Plus, it shows that you appreciate their continued support during these busy months. Need help getting started? Our recent blog post details how to create a loyalty program that works for bakeries of all sizes.
2. Host a Holiday Vendor Fair
Host a holiday vendor fair in your bakery. Even if space is tight, inviting local artisans or small business owners to sell their goods brings a fresh wave of visitors into your shop. It’s a great opportunity to show your support for local entrepreneurs while generating buzz around your bakery. To make it easier for everyone, keep vendor fees low—just enough to cover the cost of renting tables and chairs. Be sure to promote the event on social media and through eCommerce platforms!
3. Spotlight Your Team
Customers want to connect with the people behind the products. Share personal stories of your staff on social media to give a face to the magic happening behind the scenes. This not only builds deeper community ties, but it also boosts team morale. When your customers know who’s baking their bread or making their morning coffee, they feel like part of your bakery’s family.
4. Keep it Simple and Focus on the Basics
Providing consistent, friendly, and attentive service with every customer will do wonders for your business’s reputation. Inspire and incentivize your sales team to commit to this focus. Additionally, keeping your store organized, clean, and decorated for the current season is a great way to inspire your customers to make more frequent stops.
Building community doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a series of intentional actions. But by incorporating these ideas, especially during the holidays, you can establish your bakery as more than just a business. You can create a gathering place that serves as an anchor for the people in your town, a place where community connections are made and celebrated.
In the end, it’s about stacking these small, intentional details that transform your bakery into a hub of warmth, joy, and connection. As the holiday season approaches, take this opportunity to be more than just a place for treats—be the place where community lives.
BakeSmart is here to support Retail Bakeries with the best bakery software available.