What I tell retailers every spring (that changes how they sell all year)
By Zack VanDenburg
Spring signals a shift — the buzz of the holiday season fades, and what you do now determines if the momentum carries or stalls. Set yourself up for stronger margins, steadier growth and a better customer experience with simple, doable tactics that pay off during the rush and the lull.
There’s a rhythm to retail, and spring is when savvy store owners start making moves. While it’s a good time to regroup after the busy and bustling holidays, this period is for more than refreshing displays. Spend the season tightening processes, tweaking systems and making strategic shifts that create ripple effects in your numbers all year long.
Spring is the time when smart retailers get ahead to improve their sales
The best time to fix your retail blind spots isn’t Black Friday — it’s right now.
Spring is your chance to zoom out, get honest about what’s not working and set up for a smoother, more profitable busy season. I’ve spent my career helping retailers make smarter decisions around payments, inventory, loyalty and checkout — and if you ask me, there’s no better time to do it than in the slower retail months, when your store is a little quieter and your mind is a little clearer.
I’ve seen too many business owners use spring to catch their breath instead of catching up on strategy and preparing for the seasonality slump in retail. But if you want to be ready for your busiest seasons — and actually improve profit margins year-round — this is when you need to tune your back-office engine.
In this post, I’ll share three areas I always recommend focusing on this time of year: your data, loyalty strategy and checkout experience. These are the areas where small changes now can make a massive impact when your store gets busy again.
Time to hit retail’s reset button
Whether you’re running a boutique or a gift shop, you probably have more breathing room right now. I encourage retailers to evaluate what worked, what didn’t and how you’re using your data.
Retailers I talk to often think they’re using data when they’re really just counting what’s on the shelf. Real data tells you how fast products sell, who’s buying them and what to do differently next time. It’s not just about keeping up, it’s about staying competitive. Stores like Amazon, Target or that shop down the street are already thinking this way. You just need the right tools and to rethink a few habits to make smarter decisions.
Retail data is more than what’s on the shelf
One of the biggest myths I hear is that retailers think they’re “data-driven” because they know their inventory count. But real value comes from understanding sell-through — how long it takes to move a product, and whether that product fits your customer base.
If I sell hats, it’s not enough to know I have 100 in stock. I need to know how long it took to sell the last 10. If it took me six months, then why would I reorder 100 more?
Too often, retail owners buy products they personally like and assume their customers will, too. But unless your data backs that up, you’re gambling with your cash flow.
This is when you may want to consider whether your POS is keeping pace with your needs. A modern POS system can track sell-through, monitor inventory in real-time and make data-driven purchase decisions. You don’t need a degree in analytics — you just need the right tools.
Takeaway
Use your Retail POS to understand which items move quickly, and build reorder rules around those insights. Real-time inventory tracking, integrated purchase orders and customizable reports make data actionable — not just available.
Loyalty should drive revenue and sales, not just rewards
When I say “loyalty,” most retailers think of points. But loyalty isn’t about punch cards — it’s about building habits. Done right, it can feel personal, even emotional. That’s what keeps people coming back.
Take Starbucks. I buy cold brew like clockwork. So, they send me targeted rewards — buy three, get one free. I feel like I’m getting something extra, but what they’re really doing is getting me to try that new breakfast sandwich. Next thing I know, I’m hooked on both.
That’s smart loyalty.
Retailers can do the same thing. Look at your customer data. Maybe you think you’re selling to women, but a POS with a CRM tool can tell you 50% of your shoppers are men. Now you can tailor your loyalty and marketing to that — offering specials, reminders or bundles that speak to the real buyer, not the one you assumed.
It’s not just about giving something away — it’s about building cart value and strengthening relationships.
The best loyalty programs make customers feel seen while helping you strategically move product.
Takeaway
Loyalty programs should be seen as revenue drivers, not just feel-good add-ons. Done right, they build brand affinity and boost average cart size — without discounting your profits away.
Checkout experience matters more than you think
A great customer experience starts with a smile. That’s true, but it doesn’t end there. If you’ve got a friendly team and a long line, you’re still losing business.
If your line is more than four people deep and you only have one register, you’re losing sales. People get antsy. They drop what they were going to buy and walk out.
Big chains like Chick-fil-A have this figured out — they use linebusters. That’s a mobile tablet or handheld device that helps break up long lines and keep people moving. You can do the same thing in retail.
So on a busy day, you can check people out anywhere in the store or even outside. Want to do a sidewalk sale? No problem. You’re not tied to the counter.
Too many retailers still think of mobile checkout as “extra.” I think it’s essential. If your customer experience is bogged down at checkout, all your good service up to that point doesn’t matter.
Takeaway
Retailers can’t afford to lose customers at the finish line. Invest in a mobile POS that reduces friction and makes every transaction — anywhere — seamless, fast and secure.
Retail success starts with smarter decisions
Retail is moving fast. Customers expect more — more personalization, more flexibility, more reasons to keep coming back. That’s why I think the future belongs to retailers who are willing to get smarter, not just bigger.
It’s no longer enough to just be nice and have good products. You have to know your customer. You have to know your data. And you have to make it easy for people to buy from you.
The good news is, none of this is out of reach. With the right POS system and a willingness to adapt, even the smallest shop can run like the superstores.
So if you’re not already thinking about your next move, now’s the time.
My 5 go-to retail tips for spring to improve sales year-round
Dig into your sell-through data. Stop guessing what to reorder. Use your POS to track what’s actually selling — and how fast.
Automate your inventory. Spreadsheets and binders aren’t just outdated — they’re risky. Your POS can track, reorder and transfer stock in real time.
Upgrade your loyalty game. Go beyond “earn points” and start offering personalized rewards that make customers feel understood.
Invest in a linebuster. A backup register or mobile checkout system can save you during crunch time.
Let gift cards work harder. They’re not just convenient for customers — they bring in new shoppers and upfront revenue for you.
Don’t wait for the rush to get it right
Spring is more than a slower season — it’s your strategic season. It’s the time to fix what’s not working and get ahead before things get hectic again. (Yes, back to school, Black Friday and the holidays will be back before you know it.)
From my experience, retailers who take this time seriously see real results. They buy better. They sell smarter. And they create experiences that keep customers coming back.
Data is gold. But it’s only valuable if you know how to use it.
So don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Make the changes now. Your future self will thank you.
Use the slower season to set yourself up for success when your store gets busy again. Learn more about how we can partner with you to streamline operations and run your business smarter.
About Me
I’m Zack VanDenburg, District Manager of POS Sales at Global Payments. I’ve spent my entire career in commerce and retail — from working the floor to building strategies that help retailers grow in-store and online. I specialize in helping small and midsize businesses upgrade their tech stack, streamline their operations and compete with confidence. I’ve consulted for retail brands and trained teams on how to turn data into dollars.
Heartland is the point of sale, payments and payroll solution of choice for entrepreneurs that need human-centered technology to sell more, keep customers coming back and spend less time in the back office. Nearly 1,000,000 businesses trust us to guide them through market changes and technology challenges, so they can stay competitive and focus on building remarkable businesses instead of managing the daily grind. Learn more at heartland.us