Stop the Winter Sales Freeze: 10 Tips for Coffee Shops

Picture your coffee shop windows spilling soft, golden light onto the winter snow. Inside, the bubble of voices, the aroma of fresh-brewed espresso, and warm, comfortable seating make customers want to linger. Your daily and weekly receipts keep your shop financially in the black.

It’s true that winter hits most coffee shops hard. As an owner or manager, you’re contending with shorter days, snowstorms, icy sidewalks, and customers who’d rather stay home in their pajamas.

But cold weather also brings new opportunities. While some shops just try to survive winter, the best ones turn their cafés into cozy escapes for customers.

Here are 10 ways to help your shop stand out this winter.

1. Make Convenience Your Competitive Advantage

When windshields frost and breath turns to mist, convenience matters most. Customers still want their coffee, but they don’t want to leave their cars.

The top shops offer order-ahead options, such as curbside pickup and delivery. This lets customers skip parking and avoid trudging through the slush.

Drive-thru-only shops can gain a competitive advantage by speeding cars through the line. No one likes being stuck idling in a line that doesn’t move.

• Add a “Warm Up With Easy Pickup” banner to your website and social media posts.
• Reduce delivery fees when the temperature drops below freezing.
• Bundle deals. Try a dozen cookies or select pastries with two hot drinks.
• Provide bulk delivery to local businesses, schools, and doctors’ offices.

The easier you make it for customers, the more you’ll sell. Take away winter hassles, and your sales will increase.

2. Dominate Local Search Results

When it’s cold, customers look online before going out. They search for things like “Best local coffee shop,” “Coffee shop near me,” “Best hot chocolate,” and “Café open now.”

If your shop isn’t at the top of search results, you could be missing sales. Try these steps to show up first in local searches:

• Update your Google Business Profile photos to highlight your winter vibe.
• Post your seasonal specials weekly on your website and Google profile.
• Ask happy customers for reviews (and reply to every single one).
• Ensure your site works on mobile.
• Work location keywords into your content naturally.

3. Create Seasonal Drinks That Warm the Soul

A special drink can bring in customers. Flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, and steamed milk are perfect for attracting people.

Winter is a great time to offer limited-time-offer drinks. You can use Crimson Cup’s seasonal recipes or make your own. One advantage of our drinks is that you can use our professionally designed posters to pique interest.

• Super Bowl Sundae – Chocolate, almond, and caramel.
• Snowball Mocha – White chocolate and coconut.
• Love Potion Latte – Strawberry and amaretto for Valentine’s month.

4. Show Off Your Warmest Moments on Social Media

Customers spend more time on their phones in winter. Give them something they’ll want to like or share.

• Close-ups of steam rising from drinks, backlit by window light.
• Behind-the-bar shots of your baristas making drinks.
• Your coziest corners.
• Genuine moments of staff enjoying drinks.
• Consumer-generated content: ask customers to tag you in posts.

5. Transform Your Café Into the Neighborhood’s Living Room

When it’s cold, people need a reason to go out. Events can be that reason, especially if they cater to groups.

• Markets for local makers and crafters.
• Acoustic sets and open mic nights.
• Author readings or book clubs.
• Game nights with trivia or board games.

6. Reward Loyalty When It Matters Most

Winter shoppers love deals. Bonuses and special discounts can surprise your regulars and attract new customers.

• Double points on snow days.
• Free pastry with winter drinks.
• Discounted bundles.
• “Bring a friend” specials.

7. Capture the Catering and Group Order Market

Winter brings office parties, school events, and family gatherings — all perfect for coffee catering.

• Joe-to-Go boxes in multiple sizes.
• Pastry platters and hot chocolate kits.

Request 24 hours’ notice and keep it simple with a web form or a dedicated phone line.

8. Amplify the Cozy Factor

Beyond the drinks, create a space customers want to linger.

• Use warm, adjustable lighting.
• Add blankets and pillows.
• Decorate with seasonal but subtle touches.
• Add a fireplace or space heater if you can.
• Provide books and magazines for browsing.

Drive-thru shops should focus on clear menus and fast service.

9. Share Stories That Build Connection

Customers care about where their coffee comes from, who makes it, and why it matters.

• Spotlight team members (with permission).
• Share sourcing stories from Crimson Cup’s direct trade relationships.
• Show behind-the-scenes prep.
• Highlight your local impact and the causes you support.

10. Tap Into Winter Wellness Trends

In January, customers seek healthy options. Offer these and turn first-timers into regulars:

• Dairy alternatives like oat, almond, and coconut.
• Sugar-free syrups and natural sweeteners.
• Protein coffee and smaller sizes.
• Matcha and tea lattes for caffeine-conscious drinkers.

Your Winter Sales Action Plan

Winter doesn’t have to chill your revenue. Choose three ideas from this list, try them this week, and see what works for your shop.

Need help growing your coffee shop? Crimson Cup offers award-winning coffee, hands-on training, and support through our 7 Steps to Success program. To learn more, email Scott Fullerton or call 1-888-800-9224.