1. Plan Ahead with Strategic Scheduling
Effective scheduling is key to minimizing disruptions during peak seasons. Start early! Identify critical timeframes, like major sales events or holiday rush periods, and plan accordingly. If you can, complete the most disruptive work during off-peak times, like early mornings or late
evenings. When construction must occur during peak hours, prioritize quieter tasks that minimize disruptions to customers, such as painting or installing non-intrusive fixtures.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in retail trade industries increased by 494,000 during the 2023 holiday season, reflecting a stronger holiday buildup than in 2022. Over the past two holiday seasons, retailers added 454,000 jobs in 2022–2023 and 494,000 in 2023–2024, making a shift from pre-pandemic trends toward maintaining a larger seasonal
workforce.
2. Communicate Clearly with Stakeholders
However, scheduling alone won’t suffice. Clear communication with all stakeholders is critical for managing expectations and ensuring smooth execution. This includes informing employees, customers, and vendors about project timelines, areas under construction, and temporary
closures. Be proactive with signage, online updates, and clear in-store messaging to ensure customers are aware of any changes.
During renovations at its flagship locations, Nike implemented a communication plan that kept staff and customers informed through digital signage and their app. By providing constant updates, Nike ensured the brand’s image remained intact while customers were still engaged.
Nike’s approach highlights the power of using multiple channels—from digital signage to in-app notifications—to keep everyone in the loop and prevent disruptions. This proactive communication is key to maintaining a positive brand presence and experience, even during construction (Retail Dive).
3. Temporary Solutions to Maintain Operations
To minimize disruptions, consider temporary solutions that allow operations to continue smoothly. Setting up temporary entrances, rerouting foot traffic, or using soundproof barriers to shield construction noise are all great tactics. For high-traffic areas, sectioning off construction zones with minimal impact on the customer experience is essential. For example, department stores have used temporary partitions to create safe, clear pathways while still offering a smooth shopping experience.
Thinking outside the box with these temporary fixes can allow for efficient construction while keeping the store functional.
4. Maintain a Focus on Customer Experience
Above all, never lose sight of the customer experience. Even during construction, it’s crucial to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Temporary signage, clear pathways, and careful construction planning ensure that your store remains attractive and functional, even amid changes. Retail brands like Nordstrom have excelled at executing major renovations without sacrificing the shopping experience, thanks to thoughtful planning and a relentless focus on customer service.
Despite challenges like shrinking department store sales, Nordstrom has received positive feedback for its strategic store openings and renovations, showing how customer satisfaction is key even during times of change. Their ability to carry out renovations while retaining customer trust shows just how important a customer-first approach is, especially during busy retail seasons (Retail Dive, 2023).
Adapt to Changing Consumer Behavior During Peak Seasons
In addition to operational tactics, it’s essential to account for shifting consumer behavior during peak periods. With foot traffic patterns evolving, retailers can adapt their construction schedules based on customer shopping habits. Focus on optimizing store layouts for higher conversions rates, especially with the growing trend of online shopping. Forbes reports that 57% of shoppers plan to do at least some of their holiday shopping online, a reflection of how shopping habits are shifting.
At Schweiger Construction, we specialize in creating tailored solutions that help you maintain operational continuity while building the spaces your business needs to grow. Don’t let construction disruptions hold you back this peak season—contact us today to start planning your project with confidence.
