Consumer expectations are in constant flux, driven by rapid technological advancements, economic shifts and evolving lifestyles. This holiday season — traditionally a peak period for retail — is no exception. To thrive in this retail landscape, your business must adapt its strategies to meet the evolving demands of your customers while simultaneously maximizing seasonal promotions.  

One very effective holiday sales strategy is to incorporate lease-to-own, quickly becoming a more widely used and successful way for consumers to shop. Acima Leasing provides a unique solution that caters to the needs of modern holiday shoppers. How? We break it all down here!  

Understanding the Modern Consumer 

Today's holiday shoppers are a complex mix of deal-seekers, convenience-oriented individuals and experience-driven consumers. They juggle tight holiday budgets and limited time. This year, consumers are increasingly adding a few more priorities: value, flexibility and a seamless shopping journey. 

By offering Acima Leasing’s lease-to-own solution, you can cater to this evolving consumer behavior. Lease-to-own in retail allows a customer to get key items, all without using credit*. This approach aligns with consumers’ desire for value and control over spending, especially over the holidays. 

Consumer Priorities: 

• Value: Consumers want to get the most out of their shopping, seeking quality products and various methods to get what they need. This creates a desire for deals and promotions that offer significant savings for the items they want. 

• Flexibility: Many customers are searching for alternatives to financing. Whether using credit isn’t an option or they prefer not to, customers are looking for options that better fit their financial situation. Lease-to-own offers an easy lease renewal payment option that aligns with each customer’s payday, as outlined in their application. 

• Seamless Experience: A better shopping experience, both online and in-store, is crucial for today’s shoppers. Customers appreciate a smooth, intuitive process from browsing to checkout, enhancing their overall satisfaction. 

Expanding Your Customer Base 

Today’s consumers are no longer satisfied with only being offered these options to complete their transactions (cash, credit card or in-store financing). They are looking for alternatives that provide more flexibility. Acima Leasing enables you to tap into a broader customer base by offering that flexibility.  

Key Benefits: 

• Inclusivity: You’ll be able to attract customers who are looking for alternatives to financing. This opens your business to a segment of shoppers who previously might have been excluded. 

• Convenience: Regardless of whether your business is brick and mortar or online, Acima Leasing provides access for your business to be discovered by those looking to use a lease-to-own solution to shop. Customers can discover how convenient it is to shop with you. 

Drive Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty 

Modern consumers value a sense of control over their shopping more than ever before. Suppose they don’t have a good experience with a retailer. In that case, the likelihood of a repeat visit diminishes significantly (no matter how good of a deal or how high-quality the product may be).  

By offering an alternative to financing, you can foster a sense of trust and loyalty with your customers. Acima Leasing is an easy way to increase the potential of a good customer experience and develop loyalty among your customers. A lease-to-own solution empowers them to shop for desired products while lessening their stress over how they shop — an improved experience!  

Enhancing the Customer Experience:  

Allowing customers to shop in-store and online through Acima Leasing can save time during the busy holiday season and provide the access to shop in ways that fit their lifestyle and needs. 

Gain a Competitive Advantage 

Offering a lease-to-own solution through Acima Leasing sets your business apart from competitors. You can attract new customers and retain existing ones by providing a unique and valuable service that your competition may not. Getting the word out about this lease-to-own option during the holiday season (e.g., as part of your promotions and other messaging) may help increase foot traffic or online traffic to your business, which may help give your brand that competitive edge. 

Stand Out from the Crowd: 

• Unique Offering: A lease-to-own solution can help differentiate your business from others; this alternative to financing can be a major selling point to those customers looking for flexibility during the holiday season. 

• Attract New Customers: Draw in shoppers looking for more flexible payment options. By meeting their needs, you can turn one-time visitors into loyal customers. 

• Boost Retention: Providing consistent value and convenience encourages repeat business. Offering a solution that meets your customers’ needs goes a long way toward getting them to return and shop with you again. 

Work with Acima Leasing for Holiday Success 

As the holiday season approaches, consumers seek more than just products; they desire flexible and convenient shopping experiences. Incorporating Acima Leasing into your strategy aligns your business with these evolving expectations. Offering lease-to-own has the potential to open the door for more transactions and improve customer satisfaction which can position your business as a preferred shopping location. 

Steps to Success: 

1. Integrate Lease-to-Own: Offer lease-to-own with Acima Leasing both in-store and online to ensure that your customers are aware of these options at every touch point. 

2. Train Staff: Ensure your team is knowledgeable about Acima Leasing and can assist customers effectively. Well-informed employees can better explain the benefits and process to shoppers. 

3. Monitor Feedback: Listen to customer feedback to continuously improve the shopping experience. Use this information to fine-tune your approach and better meet customer needs. 

From implementing the solution, to training your staff, to providing effective marketing materials, Acima Leasing has all the support you need to communicate about lease-to-own.  

Contact us today to learn more about getting enrolled as a merchant and meeting the demands of modern holiday shoppers.