Use this tool for your merchandising planning through 2030!

For over 100 years, retail candy makers and their suppliers have counted on Retail Confectioners International (RCI) to help them grow their sweet businesses. This week we’re highlighting RCI’s 2025-2030 Merchandising & Promotion Calendar as a resource to help with your planning through 2030.

Use this resource as a quick guide for social media scheduling, as well as retail store merchandising and marketing promotions. You may even use it as a reference when ordering ingredients and supplies, approving staff time-off requests around the holidays and for scheduling routine maintenance.

Although this valuable resource is normally exclusive to RCI members, we’re making it a FREE downloadable to all our blog followers. Click here to download the 2025-2030 Merchandising & Promotion Calendar. RCI members can find other resources like this by logging on to the RCI member site and accessing the Templates and Tools within the Business Tool Kit. The Annual Buying Calendar is another member resource, which suggests the best times of the year to order particular items to maximize production and profit throughout the year.

Happy planning candy makers! If you’re not a member of RCI, but are interested in learning more about the benefits of membership click here to request more information and get added to our email list.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Get Ready for Small Business Saturday with Tips + Downloadable Graphics

Small Business Saturday can be a sweet opportunity for retail confectioners to attract more customers, boost holiday sales, and connect with your local community. Launched by American Express in 2010, this event encourages shoppers to support local stores on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. With over 60% of shoppers taking part and $23 billion spent in recent years, it’s a day every small business should make the most of. Here’s how candy shops can do just that:

Offer Special Treats and Bundles

Create limited-time specials just for Small Business Saturday. You could offer holiday-themed treats, “buy-one-get-one” deals, free samples with purchase or exclusive gift bundles. Special promotions like these make the day exciting and help attract both new and returning customers who love getting unique, seasonal treats.

Emphasize Local and Handmade

Small candy shops have something big-box stores don’t: locally made, handcrafted sweets. Promote your shop’s personal touch and unique offerings both in-store and online. People love knowing they’re supporting a local business, and studies show that many customers are more likely to buy when they feel a connection to the business, especially with food and treats.

Above is a preview of RCI’s member-exclusive collection of graphics for small businesses. RCI Members: Click here to login and download graphics from RCI’s member site. Not an RCI member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Build Hype with Social Media and Email

Social media is a great tool to build excitement for the day. Share “behind-the-scenes” posts on Instagram showing how your candy is made or give previews of special treats. Engage your followers with sneak peeks, announcements, and even live updates. An email reminder to your customers with a discount or early access to treats can also bring them into the shop. RCI Members: Click here to login and download a collection of five social media graphics to help promote your small business on Small Business Saturday or any day of the year!

Partner with Other Local Businesses

Collaborating with like-minded businesses in your community can help bring in even more shoppers. For example, you could offer discounts for customers who visit another local store, or set up a joint event to encourage people to shop around. Cross-promotions help customers support several businesses in one outing and boost your store’s exposure.

Start a Loyalty Program

Small Business Saturday is a great time to introduce a rewards program. You could offer deals like “buy four, get one free” on small items or a discount card for future visits. Research shows that loyalty programs increase how often people shop, helping you keep customers well past the holiday season.

Participating in Small Business Saturday not only boosts sales, but it also lets you create connections and remind shoppers why local businesses are the heart of the community. Embrace the day, share your passion for confections, and enjoy the support of those who value what you do.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.

Use this tool for your merchandising planning for the next 4 years

For over 100 years, retail candy makers and their suppliers have counted on Retail Confectioners International (RCI) to help them grow their sweet businesses. This week we’re highlighting RCI’s Four-Year Merchandising + Promotions Calendar as a resource to help with your planning through 2025.

Use this resource as a quick guide for social media scheduling, as well as retail store merchandising and marketing promotions. You may even use it as a reference when ordering ingredients and supplies, approving staff time-off requests around the holidays and for scheduling routine maintenance.

Although this valuable resource is normally exclusive to RCI members, were making it a free downloadable to all our blog followers. Click here to download 4-Year Merchandising + Promotions Calendar for free. RCI members can find other resources like this by logging on to the RCI member site and accessing the Templates and Tools within the Business Tool Kit. The Annual Buying Calendar is another member resource, which suggests the best times of the year to order particular items to maximize production and profit throughout the year.

Happy planning candy makers! If you’re not a member of RCI, but are interested in learning more about the benefits of membership click here to request more information and get added to our email list.

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.