So if you’re a retailer, you’re probably fully prepped for one of your most important days of the year, the day after Thanksgiving. Some of you may even be opening for Thanksgiving Day. But if you’re looking for some last-minute inspiration on how to “plus” up your promotions, here’s a few ideas that you can still implement in time for the big day.

Put together various highly discounted packages only available on Black Friday. Write them on pieces of paper and allow customers to pick for a chance to get those great deals. Include a few free prizes as well to make it more compelling. (Could also be a good way of moving some older stock.)
Post a “secret” discount code on your Facebook page that’s only valid the first 2 hours of your opening.
Ask a small non-profit with a decent email list that if they email their list, you’ll donate a certain percentage of all sales on Black Friday to their organization.
Setup as much chairs as reasonable and refreshments to make waiting spouses and kids more comfortable.
If it makes sense for your store and product line, set up a quick checkout area (similar to Apple) for gift cards and your most commonly bought gifts.
Post flash #hashtag sales on your Twitter account of discounted items only available for a short period of time.
To create a sense of scarcity, update your followers on the quantity you have left of some of your hot items on your social media channels.
If you know your most loyal customers personally, set up an exclusive hour before your store opens to let them shop in leisure, serve refreshments, offer exclusive deals, and provide more attentive service. Other customers may start to hear about it and will want to get on your “list” for next year.
Write a blog post that lists some of your top products and who they would be the perfect gift for and why.
This isn’t terribly creative, however, I don’t understand why more stores don’t do this simple thing. Rather than spending money on a small print ad that people will unlikely read in the clutter of the newspaper during the holidays, print high-quality reusable shopping bags with your brand and give it to every customer on Black Friday. For the same amount of money, you can have hundreds of brand evangelists promoting your brand on this hugely important day.