11/6/25
Success on Black Friday begins long before the doors open. Preparation, teamwork, and training set the stage for stronger sales and unforgettable customer experiences.
Every year, Black Friday tests the limits of preparation, coordination, and customer service across the retail industry. With U.S. retail sales during the 2024 holiday season topping $964.4 billion, a 3.8% increase from 2023, it’s clear that Black Friday remains a powerful driver of in-store traffic and sales.
For retail managers, this day isn’t just about ringing up transactions. It’s about creating a smooth experience for shoppers who arrive expecting quick service, expertise, and excitement.
The most successful stores have associates who can do more than just quote prices; they can also explain the value behind them. Research from Retail Systems Research (RSR) and Jumpmind indicates that 99% of retailers consider it essential for store associates to provide product knowledge that exceeds a customer’s own online research.
That’s where consistent training makes the difference. Associates who understand the benefits of technologies like Intel Core Ultra processors and AI PCs can position devices as performance-driven investments, rather than simply purchases.
For managers, encouraging staff to stay active in the Intel® Retail Edge Program can make this preparation seamless. The Program’s short, mobile-friendly learning modules keep product knowledge fresh and easy to access, even during busy holiday shifts. Associates who participate regularly gain the confidence to answer complex questions and guide customers toward the right solutions.
According to the RSR and Jumpmind’s 2025 retail study, 45% of retailers report that associates spend too much time trying to find answers to customer service questions, and 38% note that administrative tasks drain valuable time from sales.
Streamlining processes before Black Friday enables your team to focus on engagement, rather than paperwork.
Evaluate your team’s workflow now:
Technology can help. Tools like in-store mobile devices, POS systems, and other digital retail platforms enable associates to access specifications, availability, and comparison data instantly.
When associates can quickly demonstrate performance advantages, such as the multitasking capabilities of an Intel® Core™ Ultra processor, they create more confident customers and drive faster sales.
In a world of online convenience, in-store interactions must deliver something digital platforms can’t: a personal connection. The same research noted earlier finds that 35% of retailers cite meeting higher service expectations as their biggest challenge.
Managers can set this tone by reinforcing a few key behaviors:
Stores that highlight the human aspect of technology, especially during busy events like Black Friday, foster lasting loyalty well beyond the sale.
Retail depends on data. Sales histories, inventory levels, and previous Black Friday trends reveal patterns that can help with staffing, product placement, and promotions. Looking back at last year’s performance can show which products attracted the most attention and where bottlenecks happened.
Shoppers use multiple channels before making a purchase, often starting online and completing the transaction in-store. That makes omnichannel coordination essential.
Ensure your associates are aware of which deals are online-exclusive and which are available in-store, so they can guide customers smoothly through either path.
Black Friday success depends on energy and teamwork. Associates who feel supported and appreciated will sustain their enthusiasm throughout the day. Brief pre-shift meetings, accompanied by encouragement and goal reminders, can make a significant difference.
Consider small morale boosters:
Rewards integrated in the Intel® Retail Edge Program, such as Chips, Badges, and Status Levels, can also motivate ongoing learning and friendly competition. This directly translates into improved sales and service outcomes.
This Black Friday, technology isn’t just what you sell—it’s how you sell. Associates equipped with digital tools can access the latest product specifications, AI performance demos, and side-by-side comparisons that help customers make informed choices more quickly. Retailers who integrate these experiences create a more modern and seamless environment that mirrors how shoppers research and buy online.
The Intel® Retail Edge Program continues to support this evolution through trainings and resources for retail associates and managers alike. Whether it’s mastering the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra processor-powered PCs or discovering how AI PCs help each type of customer, trained associates bring innovation to life on the sales floor.
Black Friday is the ultimate test of readiness. When store managers combine well-trained associates, streamlined operations, and a culture of customer focus, they transform high-demand moments into opportunities for success. A knowledgeable team not only meets today’s expectations but builds long-term trust that keeps shoppers returning to their store.
Empowering your associates through continuous learning with the Intel® Retail Edge Program is one of the most effective ways to ensure your store stands out this holiday season.
The best-performing retail teams know that success on Black Friday isn’t just about one day; it’s about the habits and preparation that carry through the entire holiday season. When associates stay informed, motivated, and confident in the products they sell, every customer interaction becomes a chance to build loyalty.
By focusing on training, teamwork, and customer experience, managers can sustain momentum long after the Black Friday sales period ends. With the right preparation and the ongoing support of the Intel® Retail Edge Program, this year’s holiday season can be your most successful yet.
Learn how the Intel® Retail Edge Program can help your team prepare for the busiest shopping day of the year:
