During the festive season, most businesses change their marketing tactics and even products to fit the Christmas mood, hoping to attract customers and earn significant profits.

At Shelmith Muthoni’s shop, a wholesaler in Nakuru, we observe at least three clients who walk in and purchase LED and incandescent lights mostly used for decorating the house or a Christmas tree.

“In business, it is important to meet the demand of the day lest you fail to make any sales. In December, I stock items like fireworks, something I know will catch the attention of children and prompt parents to buy,” she explains.

Shelmith Muthoni at her shop where she has stocked heavily on Christmas themed items on December 10, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Muthoni further says, she has had to purchase balloons, Christmas trees, Santa hats, gift wrappers, among other Christmas themed items, in bulk.

She however reveals that the risk of this move is that these items are only bought during the holiday, meaning if she does not clear her stock by January, it will be dead stock, leading to losses on her part.

On the other hand, Patrick Mbugua who runs Barizi ice-cream has gone festive by adding toppings to the menu.

“To get into the festive mood, we have introduced several toppings that go on the over 10 ice cream flavors we serve. Previously, we served plain ice cream but with the festive season, we have added toppings to make the ice cream colorful, fun and different,” he says.

Mbugua notes that ice cream with toppings goes for Sh 280 while a plain one was Sh 250. The toppings include fudge, chocolate, colorful sprinkles and different syrups.

Across the road at a book shop along Kenyatta Avenue, * Alex notes that the business intentionally had Christmas themed artwork on its windows to catch the attention of passers by.

A Santa Claus artwork on a book shop along Kenyatta Avenue on December 10, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

“Christmas is associated with Santa Claus and gift giving, informing the artwork on our business. Not only do the drawings attract children, but also the attention of adults to our bookshop. In some way, this translates to sales, even though this is not our peak season.”

How Nakuru businesses are bringing the Christmas cheer to customers

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia