You did it! You made it through 2021 (that alone is something) and you pushed through the holiday season and made a lot of customers happy. We hope 2021 was your best year, ever. Now it’s time to wrap things up and start 2022 with fresh ideas and goals.

We love checklists, so here’s our 2022 ideas for beginning (and ending) 2022 with huge successes.

1. SAY THANK YOU TO YOUR STAFF. First, and foremost, say thank you to your hard-working employees with bonuses, heavy discounts on merchandise, or a party. Whatever fits your budget, make sure you personally thank each and every employee and let them know in speech or hand-written note how valuable they are to you and how grateful you are for their help.

2. CLEAN UP! Take down the decorations, freshen up the display windows, rearrange and clean shelves and floor displays, toss anything worn/torn/broken and freshen up the whole brick-and-mortar place. Do business online? Clean up your web site, update your blog, make a calendar of to-do content and give yourself (or your providers) deadlines to do so. Donate time-sensitive unsold teas to local shelters or plant nurseries (composts and plants LOVE tea leaves.)

3. SAY THANK YOU TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. Offer freebies with every sale during January whether it’s a tea sample, a customized tea spoon, or a holiday tchotchke, and of course, discounts! Set a time limit to create a sense of urgency for limited inventory to sell and a limited time to buy those leftover gift sets, holiday tea blends and accessories. Remember, you need to make room for new inventory.

4. START ST. VALENTINE’S DAY PROMOS NOW. Get the word out that you’re the place for the best gifts for loved ones. Create a special blend for the day like rose-scented Keemun. Display the prettiest teapots and cups, silverplate or sterling accessories, and design gift baskets that say “love” to both family and friends.

5. TAKE A CUSTOMER SURVEY. This is a great way to understand customer likes and dislikes to help you order more effectively for next year. Your customers’ loyalty is your greatest asset and best source for how to move forward. Ask them what they want more of, what they loved, what other services you can provide (curbside pickups, in-town deliveries, customized gift cards or other ways to use your shop as their go-to for gift-giving. Also, add a few questions about their tea favorites, what they’d like to try, and if they’re ready for in-store tea tastings. Encourage them to return the surveys by a particular date, or do it in-store, with free teabags or modest gifts.

6. SURVEY YOUR EMPLOYEES, TOO. This is the perfect time to ask what worked, what didn’t, what ideas for services and products they think might fill any void. Ask them to walk the store, think about displays and decorations, and consider inventory ideas for the coming year. Make this exercise fun by rewarding with yummy treats, new teas to consider, and silly gifts. (Everyone needs silly occasionally.)

7. PLAN THE YEAR NOW. Order, Hire, Arrange, Schedule N O W. That means everything from seasonal gifts and products to programming to marketing and advertising ideas to blogs and newsletters. Tap into resources with your suppliers for permission to add their tutorials on your website. Ask vendors about what’s new in teas and accessories. Cross market with local food sources.

8. TRY SOMETHING NEW. The best way to learn what’s new is to read trade journals, research what other tea retailers are doing, visit cafes and restaurants serving good teas, and always, taste new or new-to-you teas. Take what you’ve already learned about tea and amp up your education segment on your website. Share the info with “how to” sheets and add them to every sale. Add or extend Zoom tutorials and hire instructors to share ideas for tea table designs, recipe demos of Afternoon Tea favorites, or whatever interests your customers. Start a newsletter or blog if you don’t already have one. Add monthly in-store events if that’s feasible. Rethink in-store displays or hire a designer to do so. Ditto for window displays. Add a tea-of-the-month or new product idea to the web site.

9. CALL THE ACCOUNTANT. Get a head start on your tax return by asking about new deductions or changes in the laws, what they need from you. Gather necessary paperwork now while you have a little downtime. Being prepared saves money.

10. TAKE TIME FOR YOU. Remember, inspired leaders like you need time outs. Schedule regular “sabbaths” during the year to do nothing but daydream, rest, and regenerate. Completely ignore business for a day and play tourist in your home town or indulge in favorite hobbies and have fun. The payoffs are new ideas and fresh perspectives, and a renewal of body and mind.

WISHING YOU HEALTH AND PROSPERITY FOR 2022!