How to Create Buzz Around Your Chattanooga Business During The Holiday Seasons

Chattanooga, often nicknamed the “Scenic City,” is well-known for its breathtaking river views, nearby mountain landscapes, and an ever-growing entrepreneurial scene. With major attractions like the Tennessee Aquarium, the revitalized downtown area, and a thriving arts culture, Chattanooga has emerged as a magnet for both tourists and locals during the holiday seasons. This festive time of year offers an exciting opportunity for businesses to tap into holiday cheer, drive sales, and create lasting connections with the community.

Embrace the Scenic City’s Seasonal Spirit

Why the Holidays Matter in Chattanooga
Chattanooga’s festive spirit comes alive as soon as the weather cools. The city glitters with holiday lights, parades, and special events that draw locals and out-of-towners alike. From the popular Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights to the iconic Christmas-themed activities at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, there’s a wide spectrum of attractions that align perfectly with seasonal promotions.

Key Observations

• High Visitor Traffic: Chattanooga’s tourism spikes during the holidays as families come to explore the city’s seasonal attractions. Local hotels often report occupancy rates increasing by up to 20%.
• Community Gatherings: Locals love events like the MAINX24 festival on Main Street or the Lighted Boat Parade on the Tennessee River, creating plenty of opportunities for businesses to engage with crowds.
• Generational Mix: The city attracts a diverse crowd—from college students at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to retirees who call Chattanooga home for its scenic beauty and laid-back pace.

How to Harness the Holiday Spirit

1. Align With Local Events: If there’s a parade or holiday market happening near your business, offer event-related specials or coordinate activities to draw foot traffic after the festivities.
2. Decorate and Celebrate: Whether it’s stringing up extra lights or hosting a themed open house, create an inviting holiday atmosphere that appeals to families and tourists snapping photos.
3. Shout Out Scenic Spots: Highlight the city’s natural beauty in your holiday marketing materials. Include scenic shots or references to local landmarks like the Riverwalk, Lookout Mountain, or the Walnut Street Bridge to capitalize on local pride.

Emulent’s Insight:
When we’ve coached local retailers here, we suggest weaving Chattanooga’s identity (the mountains, riverfront, or art scene) into holiday visuals. One merchant near the Tennessee Aquarium, for instance, carried out a “Riverfront Winter Wonderland” theme, featuring local wildlife motifs in their window displays and online ads. Customers loved the hometown spin on a classic holiday concept.

Craft Irresistible Holiday Promotions Tied to Chattanooga Values

Why Promotions Are Key
While holiday cheer fills Chattanooga, shoppers are also on the hunt for the best deals and memorable experiences. People often have longer shopping lists during this time—whether for gift-giving or personal indulgences. Well-designed promotions can draw new customers and keep existing ones coming back, especially when they reflect Chattanooga’s love for community and local flavor.

What We’ve Seen Work Well

• Limited-Time Offers: The sense of urgency around a short-term discount or a one-day flash sale can spark impulse buys. Some businesses have reported a 15–25% bump in sales through 24-hour promotions advertised via email or social media.
• Gift Card Incentives: With gift-giving top of mind, offering a bonus gift card (like “Spend $50, Get a $10 Gift Card”) can generate extra holiday revenue and encourage repeat visits in the quieter months that follow.
• Tiered Discounts: Another favorite in Chattanooga is tier-based promotions. For example, “Get 10% off $50, 15% off $100, or 20% off $200” encourages larger purchases.

How to Implement Successful Holiday Deals

1. Plan Your Calendar Early: Map out your promotions for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and the lead-up to Christmas. Give each day a unique theme or discount to keep momentum strong.
2. Leverage Local Influencers: Chattanooga’s social media community is lively. Partner with local bloggers or Instagram personalities to showcase your deals in an authentic way—like “holiday hamper hauls” from your store.
3. Use Geo-Targeted Ads: Promote your deals specifically within Chattanooga. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to set a location radius, ensuring your ads reach the right audience.

Emulent’s Insight:
We recall working with a family-owned Chattanooga bakery that introduced a “12 Days of Truffle Delights” promo leading up to Christmas. By unveiling a new flavor daily and tying it to local holiday events (like referencing the Rock City lights or classic downtown carriage rides), they kept customers returning. Their foot traffic rose by 30% compared to the previous year.

Collaborate With the Community to Multiply Your Reach

Why Partnerships Amplify Your Impact
One hallmark of Chattanooga is its strong sense of community and collaboration. Locals flock to businesses that work in tandem with charitable causes, local vendors, or city-driven events. Partnering up can help you reach new audiences, keep marketing costs reasonable, and strengthen your brand’s community ties.

Examples of Impactful Collaborations

• Local Nonprofits: Partner with groups like the Chattanooga Area Food Bank or the United Way. A holiday food or toy drive can bring in foot traffic, media coverage, and a sense of shared purpose with customers.
• Schools and Colleges: If you can coordinate with local schools or the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, consider offering student discounts or participating in campus holiday events.
• Neighboring Businesses: Work with other retailers, coffee shops, or service providers to create a “holiday passport” program, where customers collect stamps at each location to unlock discounts or prizes.

Ways to Collaborate Effectively

1. Host Joint Events: Co-sponsor a holiday pop-up or neighborhood block party. By pooling resources, you can attract a larger crowd than you might on your own.
2. Donate Proceeds: Commit a percentage of your holiday sales on certain days to a local charity. Make sure to promote this on social media and in-store signage—customers love supporting a good cause during the giving season.
3. Cross-Promote on Social Media: Tag partner organizations, share each other’s holiday posts, and consider creating unique hashtags to tie the partnership together.

Emulent’s Insight:
We once guided two independent stores in Northshore—an artisan gift shop and a local bookstore—to host a joint holiday raffle where each purchase from either location earned a chance to win a grand prize hamper. Because they tapped into each other’s loyal following, both businesses saw a 20%–30% lift in foot traffic during the promotion period.

Capitalize on Chattanooga’s Outdoor Spaces and Winter Activities

Why Outdoors Matter Even in Cooler Months
Chattanooga’s residents are known for their active lifestyles, from hiking on Lookout Mountain to strolling along the Tennessee Riverpark. Winter might be milder compared to harsher northern climates, but the city still embraces outdoor activities—even during chilly holidays. Businesses that find ways to engage with these winter strollers or scenic events often find success.

How This Can Benefit Your Business

• Outdoor Holiday Pop-Ups and Markets: Setting up a festive booth at a local winter market can introduce your brand to folks who might not otherwise visit your storefront.
• Riverfront Holiday Strolls: With the Tennessee River as a backdrop, hosting or sponsoring a holiday-themed walk or run can garner significant attention.
• Photo Opportunities: Design an outdoor photo station—maybe near a popular park—where families can snap holiday-themed pictures. Make sure your business name or hashtag is visible, so you can drive brand awareness.

Implementation Tips

1. Partner With Local Event Organizers: If there’s an existing winter market or festival, find ways to get involved—either as a sponsor or a vendor.
2. Offer Weather-Friendly Products or Services: If the cold weather is intense, consider offering warm drinks or convenient branded scarves and gloves. People remember who kept them cozy!
3. Promote Safety and Comfort: Provide heat lamps or tent covers if you’re hosting an outdoor event. Show you care about the comfort of visitors, and they’ll be more likely to stay longer and spread positive word-of-mouth.

Emulent’s Insight:
One local outfitter we supported set up an “Ugly Sweater Scavenger Hunt” that ran along part of the Riverwalk. Participating families checked into the outfitter’s tent for hot chocolate and clues. They garnered significant social media traction, with participants posting photos, tagging the store, and effectively becoming brand ambassadors.

Enhance Your Digital Presence for the Holidays

Why You Can’t Ignore Online Channels
While the holiday season might bring more foot traffic to Chattanooga, it also encourages people to shop online—especially if they’re comparing deals or busy with seasonal events. Ensuring a seamless digital experience can be the difference between a sale and an abandoned cart, especially among tourists or busy families.

What We’ve Observed

• Last-Minute Shoppers Online: A significant portion of shoppers leave gift-buying until December. Offering expedited shipping options or clearly stating holiday shipping deadlines can boost conversions.
• Mobile-First Behavior: Many Chattanooga residents will check prices or scroll social media while out and about. Having a mobile-friendly site and an active social presence can capture impulse purchases or in-store visits.
• 24/7 Engagement: Even after your physical store closes, your website and social media remain open. Automated chatbots or clear FAQs can help customers around the clock.

Steps to Optimize Your Digital Strategy

1. Revamp Your Website for the Holidays: A festive homepage banner, holiday-themed product photos, and easy navigation to gift items can all enhance the seasonal experience.
2. Create Holiday Gift Guides: Help shoppers find the perfect present by categorizing products by interest or budget. Pair this with helpful blog posts that include local gift ideas and experiences.
3. Double Down on Social Media: Post behind-the-scenes content of your store decorating, share staff gift picks, and highlight any charity partnerships or event sponsorships. Use Chattanooga-specific hashtags (e.g., #ChattanoogaHolidays, #ScenicCity) to reach local audiences.

Emulent’s Insight:
We once advised a downtown Chattanooga boutique to create a “Top 10 Local Gifts” blog series featuring locally made crafts, each linking to their online store. By emphasizing local artisans, they saw a 25% jump in site traffic and a notable spike in holiday orders from out-of-town families wanting unique Chattanooga souvenirs.

Bringing It All Together

Chattanooga’s holiday season is a lively mix of scenic outdoor wonders, strong community ties, and cherished festive traditions. To truly make a splash, your business should integrate local charm with creative marketing and community involvement. The more you can immerse your customers in both the holiday spirit and Chattanooga’s distinctive character, the stronger your brand connection will become.

At Emulent, we’re firm believers in the power of local marketing done right. We’ve guided Chattanooga businesses to shape campaigns that reflect both the city’s holiday traditions and each brand’s unique story. If you need assistance—be it event coordination, local PPC campaigns, or social media management—we’re here to help you glisten like lights on the Walnut Street Bridge.