Time surely flies and the holiday season is just around the corner once again. As a working business you already know that, but here’s what you may be missing this year: The average consumer plans to spend $1,595 this holiday season, down 10% compared to 2024. This is quite interesting because while shoppers are pulling back their budgets, they’re still showing up. The data simply shows that consumers are being more intentional about their spendings. And that’s exactly why your in-store experience needs to work a bit harder.
And if you’re wondering how, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore why and how digital signage will turn into your silent salesperson, your brand storyteller, and your secret weapon for turning browsers into buyers during the most wonderful (and competitive) time of the year.
Why digital signage belongs in your holiday strategy
If you’re not sure about incorporating digital signage into your strategy, here are some stats to help you make up your mind: According to Intel, digital displays capture 400% more views than static displays, while 76% of consumers have entered a store because digital signage caught their interest.
But what makes digital signage truly powerful during the holidays is agility. When Black Friday turns into Cyber Monday, when a product sells out faster than expected, or when you want to push gift cards during that awkward post-Christmas lull, you can update your messaging in seconds. Digital signage bridges the gap between online convenience and in-store experience, giving shoppers that seamless, tech-forward feeling they’re craving.
Seven ways digital signage supercharges holiday sales
1. Promotes updates that actually keep up
Holiday deals change faster than your Wrapped playlist. With cloud-based digital signage, you can update promotions across all your locations simultaneously from your laptop. The beauty of advanced scheduling features means you can prepare your entire holiday campaign in advance, scheduling different content for morning commuters, lunch-hour shoppers, and evening browsers.
2. Creates urgency without being pushy
Nothing motivates holiday shoppers like knowing time’s running out. Digital signage lets you display countdown timers for flash sales, show real-time inventory updates (“Only 3 left!”), and highlight daily deals that change as the day progresses. Shoppers appreciate knowing when to act, and you create a sense of excitement that static signs simply can’t match.
3. Turns wait time into want time
During the holiday rush, when checkout lines snake through your store, screens can showcase gift ideas, promote loyalty programs, or highlight add-on products. Those minutes waiting in line transform frustration into opportunity, both for the customer discovering their next purchase and for you capturing that last-minute sale.
4. Delivers personalized experiences at scale
Schedule different content for different times of day when different demographics shop. Morning content for early birds grabbing gifts before work. Evening content for families shopping together. With flexible content scheduling, you can ensure the right message hits the right audience at precisely the right moment, without micromanaging every screen.
5. Showcases products in motion
Static images tell, but videos sell. Holiday shoppers want to see products in action. Digital signage brings products to life in ways that make people stop and imagine themselves using it. Bonus: You can showcase multiple products in rotation, maximizing your screen real estate without overwhelming shoppers with cluttered displays.
6. Amplifies your omnichannel strategy
Display your Instagram feed showing real customers with your products. Promote your mobile app with exclusive in-store pickup deals. Show QR codes for instant access to extended product info or online reviews. The remote management capabilities of modern digital signage let you sync your in-store messaging with your online campaigns effortlessly, creating that cohesive brand experience shoppers expect.
7. Provides data you can actually use
Unlike traditional signage, digital displays can track what’s working. Which promotions got the most attention? What time of day drives the most engagement? This is actionable intelligence for optimizing your holiday strategy mid-flight and planning better for next year.
Getting started without the holiday stress
Implementing digital signage for the holidays is actually simpler than you think. And you definitely don’t need a massive budget or a tech team.
Start with high-traffic areas: Near entrances, at checkout, or in key decision-making zones like fitting room areas or product displays. Modern digital signage solutions, like Yodeck, are plug-and-play, with free templates designed specifically for retail and holiday promotions.
The key is to start now. Even if you’re reading this in early December, you have time to get screens up and make an impact before peak shopping days.
At the end of the day, the question isn’t whether digital signage can boost your holiday sales. It’s whether you can afford to go another season without it.
FAQs
How quickly can I set up digital signage for the holiday season?
With cloud-based solutions, you can have your first screen running within hours, not weeks. The setup is typically plug-and-play: connect your player to a screen, sign into your content management system, and start displaying content. No IT expertise required.
What if I have multiple store locations?
That’s actually where digital signage shines. Cloud-based platforms let you manage unlimited screens from a single dashboard, updating all locations simultaneously or customizing content for specific stores, remotely.
Do I need to create all new content?
Not at all. Most platforms offer free holiday-themed templates and integrate with tools you already use (like Canva or PowerPoint). You can have professional-looking holiday signage in minutes.
Can I plan my digital signage calendar around seasonal peaks?
Absolutely. Advanced scheduling features let you plan your entire holiday campaign around seasonal peaks, automating content changes for different days, times, and even specific promotional periods, so you can focus on actually running your business during the rush.