The Top 10 Promotions Every Pawnbroker Should Run This Holiday Season
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. Customers are hunting for great gifts, managing tight budgets, and often seeking short-term cash—all in the same week.
For pawnshops, this is a major opportunity to increase foot traffic, improve margins, and build loyalty that carries into the new year.
Here are 10 practical, high-impact promotions pawnshops can run to move inventory, grow sales, and strengthen customer relationships this season.
1.“Age It Out” Holiday Discounts for Aged Inventory
Aged inventory ties up capital and valuable display space. December is the best time to move it strategically.
How to run it:
- Create clear discount tiers based on item age (90–180 days, 181–365 days, 365+).
- Use signage or color tags so customers can instantly spot deals.
- Highlight high-demand categories such as jewelry, tools, electronics, and designer accessories.
2. Holiday Gift Bundles That Actually Feel Curated
Bundles increase perceived value and average ticket size.
How to run it:
- Build 8–12 themed bundles at different price points (“Gamer Pack,” “Basic Tool Bundle,” “Starter Music Kit “).
- Label bundle savings clearly.
- Train your staff to recommend bundles at checkout.
3. Limited-Time Holiday Layaway With a Clear Deadline
Layaway helps customers secure gifts early while spreading out payments.
How to run it:
- Offer holiday-only terms (e.g., 20% down, must be paid by a specific date).
- Promote layaway everywhere—receipts, signage, text reminders.
- Use it to support big-ticket sales like jewelry, premium electronics, and instruments.
4. "Bring It Back, Trade It Up" Events: Drive Inventory & Sales
Trade-up events encourage customer redemptions, immediately create fresh, desirable inventory, and provide a massive boost to sales.
How to run it:
- Offer Bonus Value: Offer customers a bonus value when they trade in items.
- Highlight Key Upgrades: Specifically promote high-value item categories.
- Create Urgency: Make it a limited-time promotional event.
5. Double-Points or Loyalty Bonus Days
Loyalty programs encourage repeat business—and the holidays are the best time to grow participation.
How to run it:
- Enroll every shopper into your loyalty program at checkout.
- Offer double points on select days or categories.
- Reward past buyers with exclusive “VIP shopping windows.”
6. “12 Days of Deals” Countdown
A holiday countdown drives urgency and multiple return visits.
How to run it:
- Pick 12 days in December and assign each a theme or discount.
- Print and post the full calendar online + in-store.
- Use simple categories: tools day, jewelry day, bundles day, gaming day, etc.
7. Text-Only Flash Sales for Your VIP List
Text alerts reach customers faster than social or email.
How to run it:
- Send 2–3 text-only flash sales per week during peak weeks.
- Keep offers simple and time-boxed (“Today only: 10% off all laptops 3–7 p.m.”).
- Segment customers by interests when possible (tools vs. jewelry buyers).
8. Gift Card + Bonus Credit Promotions
Gift cards deliver instant cash and guaranteed foot traffic later.
How to run it:
- Offer structured bonuses (“Buy $50, get $5”; “Buy $100, get $15”).
- Make bonus cards redeemable only in January to boost post-holiday traffic.
- Display gift cards prominently at the counter and online.
9. Community Give-Back Promotions
Community partnerships deepen customer goodwill and increase in-store visits.
How to run it:
- Partner with local charities (toy drives, coat drives, food banks).
- Offer a reward: “Bring a toy, get 10% off one item.”
- Promote heavily in-store and across your social channels.
10. “Finish Strong” New Year Clearance
Turn the post-holiday lull into an opportunity to clean up inventory and increase January cash flow.
How to run it:
- Offer markdowns on select aged or slow-moving inventory.
- Promote “last chance” deals on holiday bundles.
- Use this as a January reset for inventory and displays.
Final Takeaway
Holiday success comes from strategic pricing, strong promotions, and consistent execution. When you plan thoughtfully, December becomes more than a sales rush—it becomes a powerful opportunity to strengthen customer loyalty and set your store up for a strong Q1
Bravo Store Systems helps pawnshops:
- Identify fast-moving categories
- Manage layaways and trade-ups
- Send targeted promotions
- Track inventory and sales
- Maintain audit-ready workflows for mixed pawn/FFL stores
All from one connected platform.
Book a Bravo Holiday Walkthrough and see how Bravo helps pawnshops run organized, profitable holiday promotions
Bravo Customer Bonus
We know how busy the season is, so we put together some examples of effective holiday ads that you're welcome to use for your store. These are available to you courtesy of Bravo to help you connect with your customers and drive traffic during the busiest time of the year. Click here to access them!
