As we enter the fall and winter months, there’s a trend that’s been growing in popularity for the last several years businesses need to be aware of. Typically this time of year is considered cuffing season by the younger generations, but what we need to be focused on is shoulder season. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about shoulder season and cuffing season. Before we get into shoulder season, what’s cuffing season?
For those who aren’t familiar, cuffing season occurs when single people seek out short-term romantic relationships that last during the fall and winter months with the plan to enter spring single again. Whatever the reason – keeping warm during the colder months or having someone to buy gifts for during the holidays – cuffing season has become a regular part of the younger generation’s vernacular. Which in turn has inspired shoulder season.
Knowing what we know about cuffing season, is shoulder season similar? Besides referencing its name, not at all. According to NerdWallet, shoulder season “typically means the period of time between a region’s peak season and offseason. This timespan can last months or just weeks. For instance, if a place’s peak season is summer and its offseason is winter, then the shoulder season would be spring and fall.”
NerdWallet (as well as other sources) goes on to discuss the reasons why shoulder season is a great time to travel; namely because of lower prices, nice weather, and less crowds. But if traveling during shoulder season is the new trend, what does this mean for businesses?
It’s Shoulder Season – Here’s What That Means for Your Business
Businesses who might not be prepared to deal with an unexpected influx of busyness post busy season may struggle in one crucial way: by not having enough. Not enough staff, not enough inventory, not enough of what they need to create an amazing guest experience.
For locations that have a lot of tourists visit during peak months, this drop off into shoulder season can be stark. You may be laying off dozens of employees and cutting back your menus to account for the drop off in business. Only to be busier than you thought – but not busy enough to hire back all those employees. What’s a business owner to do?
Our suggestion is to find a staffing partner you can trust. Though we can’t (necessarily) assist with getting more product inventory, we’ll help you fill in gaps on your team so you can give guests the experience they deserve. The best part about joining forces with a staffing firm (like LGC…we don’t know about the others) is that you can request as many staff as you need, right when you need them.
And when your in-house team does the trick, there’s no pressure to place an order. A trusted partner will be there by your side whether you’re going through a spike in business (like shoulder season) or a slower point where you don’t need staffing assistance.
Though there are possible challenges that come with shoulder season, it has benefits as well. If you’re experiencing an uptick in business due to shoulder season, it may help you recoup any profits lost during peak season or if it’s particularly busy, from COVID.
Not only that, but travelers are likely to spend more money while visiting your business because of the money they saved by traveling off-peak.
One of the best ways to prepare for the possibility of a shoulder season spike is to retain a staffing partner that can quickly fulfill your needs and pivot your staffing plan when necessary. LGC has been a proven staffing leader the past twenty years and understands what it takes to get you the people you need. Contact us today to learn more about our customizable solutions.