Meeting Customer Needs: Inexpensive Sensory-Friendly Ideas for the Holiday Season

December 12, 2023

The holiday season can be overwhelming with the twinkling lights, music, and crowds under the best of circumstances. For about 16.5% of the US population, overstimulation can be torturous. Over the last decade, sensory-sensitivity condition diagnoses, such as autism, have increased. Inclusion is now a mainstream topic that is generationally important to all. Taking this into consideration when preparing your business for the holiday season can make a huge difference in many lives. National chains are taking note of this need, and it doesn’t require a huge monetary investment to make the shift in your small business either.

Sensory-sensitivity Ideas from Large Business to Emulate

The conventional holiday retail experience teems with fluorescent lights, blaring music, and bustling crowds. This type of environment poses challenges for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Recognizing this barrier, many businesses are innovating by rolling out new sensory-friendly offerings and fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for the neuro-diverse. Here are a few big business initiatives that may surprise you as they’re being rolled out by businesses that are traditionally known for a circus-like environment or energy. You could incorporate each of these ideas without incurring a large expense:

 

Create a Sedate Environment

This first idea requires no additional expenditure from your business to help neurodiverse people feel more at home and enjoy the shopping experience with you. This year, Walmart is reintroducing sensory-friendly shopping hours. From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM daily, the shopping environment transforms. Within this timeframe, the store switches to static imagery on TV walls (no flickering or frantic displays), silence replaces the usual soundtrack, and the lighting is significantly dimmed. This thoughtful alteration caters to those who may find the standard shopping setting overwhelming, allowing them to engage comfortably with the products and services offered. Additionally, the sedate environment fits nicely with an early morning timeframe (although you could adopt the same idea at any time of day). Shoppers without sensitivity issues are not likely to notice.

 

Use Lighting in Dark Places

Another example in the realm of sensory inclusivity is AMC Theatres, which at first glance may seem hard to do after all movie theaters are loud and crowded. But AMC's sensory-friendly movie showings accommodate diverse sensory needs. During these specially designated screenings, lights are turned up to ensure visibility without discomfort, while the sound is moderated to a level that is pleasant but not overwhelming. Such initiatives not only cater to individuals with sensory challenges but also resonate with families and friends who seek a more relaxed, less intense, cinematic experience.

 

Encourage a Less Frenetic Atmosphere

Chuck E. Cheese, synonymous with joyous celebrations for children, has embraced inclusivity through its Sensory Sensitive Sundays. These events present a modified ambiance with dimmed lighting and a quieter atmosphere, offering a conducive setting for children and families who may find the usual high-energy environment overwhelming. Alongside these alterations, the presence of a trained staff attuned to the needs of sensory-sensitive individuals further enhances the experience, fostering a sense of comfort and support.

 

Go Beyond Dimming the Lights

The wave of sensory-friendly initiatives is not confined to retail and entertainment giants. Museums, music events, and entertainment venues across the spectrum have joined this movement, expanding the reach of inclusivity. Many museums worldwide have introduced sensory-friendly programming, ensuring that exhibits can be enjoyed without sensory overload. Music events now offer designated areas with quieter spaces and sensory accommodations, enabling everyone to revel in the magic of live performances. Entertainment venues have followed suit, implementing similar adjustments to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.

 

Plus, many organizations are getting certified as a sensory-friendly place. The Autism Society invites businesses to get listed as an autism-friendly business. You can also take a quiz to see how sensory-sensitive your business is.

 

For small businesses, the adoption of sensory-friendly practices represents an opportunity to foster inclusivity while catering to a broader customer base. Implementing simple yet impactful changes, such as adjusting lighting, moderating sound levels, or providing quiet zones, can make a world of difference. (We’re even seeing some airports create rooms to help with this like Presley’s Place at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Travel can be quite overwhelming as well.)

 

Understanding and acknowledging the diverse needs of customers can set your business apart (with very little monetary investment), creating an environment where everyone feels valued and comfortable. Businesses that prioritize accessibility often witness increased customer loyalty, positive brand perception, and a deeper connection with their communities. Additionally, these initiatives align with legal requirements of accessibility, ensuring compliance while demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility.

 

As the concept of sensory inclusivity continues to gain momentum, you can leverage this trend to not only enrich customer experience but also make a meaningful impact on your community. By fostering a welcoming environment that caters to diverse sensory needs, you can shape a future where inclusivity is the norm rather than an exception.

---------

 

Christina Metcalf is a writer/ghostwriter who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She loves road trips, hates exclamation points, and put her Christmas tree up in October this year because she “needed a little Christmas.”

_______________________________________

Twitter: @christinagsmith

Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking

LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

Your Chamber Listing Matters More Than Ever!

May 21, 2025
You’ve probably heard a lot about how AI is changing everything, especially how people search for local businesses. Tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft’s Copilot are being used every day to answer questions like, “Who’s the best roofer in town?” or “Where can I find a local accountant I can trust?” And guess where these tools look for answers? Trusted, local sources, like your chamber of commerce. That means your chamber listing isn’t just about visibility anymore. It’s also about credibility. When your business is featured on the chamber’s website, you’re getting more than a backlink with hundreds of dollars. You’re being associated with a respected, established source of local business information. That sends a powerful signal, not just to Google, but to the AI tools that are shaping how people find and choose who to do business with. This kind of trust is hard to build on your own. The chamber helps you shortcut that by putting your business in a position of authority. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your online reputation and as AI continues to grow, that value will only increase. If you’re already a member, make sure your profile is current and complete. If you’re not yet a member, this is one more reason to join . The future of search is changing fast. Being part of the chamber means you don’t have to keep up with every trend because we’re already doing that for you. Additional Information: Are you a new business? Already budgeted your expenses for the year? We've created a new opportunity to be included in our online directory. Visit our Get Listed page to learn more!

Winning Back Lost Customers: Smart Strategies to Reignite Trust and Revenue

May 19, 2025
Reacquiring a customer is up to 5x cheaper than landing a new one. Personalized communication and data-driven offers rebuild loyalty. Solving past issues signals integrity and earns second chances. Consistent follow-ups turn past silence into renewed revenue. A structured win-back strategy boosts long-term retention and ROI. 622 words ~ 3 min. read Customer churn is inevitable—but it’s not irreversible. Former customers represent one of your most valuable and overlooked assets. Why? Because they already know your brand, your product, and your promise. With the right strategy, you can bring them back—and reignite both trust and revenue. Why Former Customers Are Your Best Leads Research from Harvard Business Review reveals it’s up to five times cheaper to win back a former customer than to acquire a new one. Even better? Reacquired customers often spend more and churn less. Yet most companies ignore this goldmine, focusing instead on top-of-funnel growth. Let’s change that. Step 1: Understand Why They Left Before launching any win-back campaign, diagnose the departure. Common causes include: A negative service experience Pricing or product fit concerns More enticing offers from competitors Life changes unrelated to your business Exit surveys, reviews, and support tickets are essential to uncovering these root causes. Step 2: Segment and Prioritize Not all lapsed customers are equal. Use your CRM to segment by: Time since last interaction Lifetime value Products purchased Loyalty status Prioritize those with high potential value or known dissatisfaction you can resolve. Step 3: Personalize Outreach Generic “We miss you!” emails don’t cut it. Instead: Use their name and reference past purchases. Acknowledge their absence (“We noticed you haven’t been back since January…”). Address known issues (“We’ve improved our shipping times significantly…”). Tools like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, and HubSpot make this scalable and automated. Step 4: Offer Meaningful Incentives Sweeten the invitation back with offers tailored to their preferences: 20% off their favorite item Early access to new features Complimentary consultation or VIP perks Pro Tip: Align incentives with why they left. If it was pricing, offer a discount. If it was service, offer personal support. Step 5: Build a Follow-Up Framework One message won’t do it. Develop a three-step campaign: Re-introduction email — Personalized with incentive Follow-up reminder — Share a testimonial or success story Final nudge — Include scarcity (e.g., “Offer expires in 48 hours”) Automate where possible, but stay human. Step 6: Repair and Retain When customers return, show them you’ve changed. Implement: Surveys asking what’s improved A loyalty program to encourage continued engagement Ongoing check-ins to stay top-of-mind Bottom Line: Lost customers aren’t truly lost—they’re waiting to be re-invited. With empathy, insight, and smart execution, you can win them back and strengthen your business for the long haul. The key is in personalization, resolution, and consistency. Start where others stop—and turn yesterday’s customers into tomorrow’s champions. --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

Small Business Resource Round-up

May 19, 2025
Since this is Small Business Month, we thought it would be the ideal time to call attention to some of the resources out there for the small business. With an increase in awareness of how important small businesses are to the local and national economies, large businesses are getting into the groove and pledging their support to help small businesses too. TikTok Gives Ad Credits TikTok has announced a $1 million advertising credit initiative to support U.S. small businesses during Small Business Month. This campaign aims to help entrepreneurs expand their reach and grow their businesses on the platform. Campaign components include: · U.S.-based small businesses can apply for advertising credits to enhance their presence on TikTok. · Small Biz Fest TikTok Academy Webinars. Starting May 15, weekly webinars will provide expert advice on creating effective ad campaigns. · “100 Ways to Grow on TikTok” Video Podcast Series. This series shares success stories and insights from entrepreneurs who have leveraged TikTok for business growth. · Small Biz Fest Roadshows. In-person events in Los Angeles, New York City, and Austin will offer guidance on optimizing TikTok strategies. Additionally, TikTok will highlight small businesses at state capitols in New York and Texas, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage with policymakers and discuss the platform's economic impact. For more information and to participate in these initiatives, visit tiktoksmallbizfest.com . Stamps.com Grant Stamps.com has launched the Small Business Flexibility Grant, offering a $25,000 award to support U.S.-based service-oriented small businesses. This initiative aims to help businesses overcome operational challenges, particularly those related to manual processes like mailing and shipping. Key Details Eligibility: · U.S.-based service-oriented small businesses · Minimum of three employees · Operating for at least two years Application Period : May 1–31, 2025 Announcement of Winner : June 2025 Use of Funds : No restrictions; businesses can allocate funds as needed to enhance flexibility and efficiency. Applicants are required to answer questions about their business operations and how they plan to use the grant to address flexibility challenges. The grant is designed to empower small businesses to automate manual tasks and improve operational efficiency. For more information and to apply, visit www.stamps.com/grant Walmart’s “Grow with US” Program Walmart has launched the Grow with US program, a comprehensive initiative designed to support U.S.-based small businesses in scaling their operations and gaining national exposure. This program is part of Walmart's broader commitment to invest $350 billion in American-made, grown, or assembled products by 2030, aiming to support over 750,000 jobs. Program Overview Grow with US is a voluntary, four-step program offering: 1. Education . Access to Walmart’s Supplier Academy, featuring 30 e-learning modules across four learning paths: Welcome to Walmart 101, Retail Ready Capabilities, Business Fundamentals, and Advanced Learning. 2. Product Discovery. Opportunities to showcase products through Walmart’s U.S. Open Call, RangeMe platform, and Walmart Marketplace. 3. Mentorship. Pairing with experienced Walmart mentors to navigate the retail landscape. 4. Financing. Access to financial support through Walmart’s Early Payment Program and Bridge Marketplace. Participation Details Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses can participate by providing a voluntary Small Business Administration (SBA) certification or requesting verification through Walmart. Open Call Event: Applications for Walmart’s annual Open Call event open on June 24, 2025. This event, scheduled for October 7–8 in Bentonville, Arkansas, allows small and medium-sized businesses to pitch their shelf-ready products directly to Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants. Road to Open Call Events: In May and June, Walmart is hosting regional pop-up events in cities including Orlando, Kansas City, Baltimore, Austin, Columbus, and Atlanta. These events offer entrepreneurs the chance to meet with Walmart buyers, receive feedback, and potentially secure a fast pass to the main Open Call event. Verizon’s Small Business Accelerator and Grant Verizon has announced a commitment to support U.S. small businesses through a $5 billion investment over the next five years. This initiative includes the launch of the Small Business Supplier Accelerator, aimed at integrating small businesses, many veteran-owned, into Verizon's supply chain by offering training, mentorship, and flexible procurement terms. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program In partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon continues its Small Business Digital Ready program, offering: · Free online courses covering topics like digital marketing, finance, and operations. · Expert coaching sessions and community events to enhance business skills. · Access to $10,000 grants for eligible small businesses. Grant Eligibility and Application To qualify for the $10,000 grant businesses must: · Be a for-profit U.S.-based business. · Register on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal: https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/onboarding · Complete two learning activities (courses, coaching sessions, or events) between January 1 and June 30, 2025. · Submit the grant application by June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT. Need a few more resources? Of course you do. You can never have enough. Check out this list from the US Chamber of Commerce. PS: Be sure to check out: Small Business Grant Program from the City of Leavenworth. Small Business Micro-Grant Program from Leavenworth County Development Corporation Grants Calendar from Kansas Department of Commerce Economic Development Incentives from the City of Lansing ------------ Christina Metcalf is a writer and speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is also the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith