For many, September is a symbolic month. September means a fresh start, new beginnings, and change. But what does it mean for your business?

With everyone getting adjusted back to a regular schedule post summer, September means it is time to make sure your business is ready to adapt to the change.

We’ve outlined below what automotive, petroleum, retail, and hospitality businesses should focus on in September.

Automotive

For automotive clients, September means winter tire season is quickly approaching. Do you have a plan in place to address tire change over?

The quicker you can get the messaging out to your customers, the better.

It is important for dealerships to start thinking and planning how they will communicate tire change over and winter maintenance specials, whether it is through an email marketing or direct mail marketing.

Dealerships should also expect an influx of service appointments. While summer is all about road trips, many aren’t thinking about the health of their car while on vacation.

Petroleum

Gas stations should expect a shift in peak hours and mornings will be busy!

How can you take advantage of the busy hours? Offer time-based rewards on gas for the busy hours. Not only does it benefit you to offer the extra loyalty but it also drives business to your gas station instead of your neighbours.

We also recommend offering loyalty on C-Store products to help increase revenues and basket size.

Retail

Retail businesses could see a major change in peak business hours as students are back in the books.

First, if you don’t have a loyalty program, now is the time to consider implementing one.

Why now? To start, you can utilize your loyalty program by offering “after school loyalty specials” which will help bring in business once the bell rings.

Also, now is the time to implement and promote a loyalty program before the holiday season is in full swing.

Have you tried email marketing?

Email marketing is one of the easiest and cost-efficient ways to communicate with your customers. Let them know about upcoming promotions, in-store specials, their loyalty account update, and much more.

Hospitality

Now that summer break is over, restaurants will want to make sure they are targeting the dinnertime rush.

Consider daily specials to help drive traffic to your restaurant any day of the week, including specials for students and happy hours for adults.

If you have a loyalty program, factor in time-based loyalty offers to keep customers returning to your establishment. If you don’t have a loyalty program, we recommend starting a launch plan so you are up and running for the holiday rush!

Email marketing is also a useful tool for both restaurants and hotels to better open the communication line between you and your customers.