Consumer spending has increased this year, particularly around the Thanksgiving holiday. According to an article in The Street, though, this increase in sales has not benefited all businesses.

Small businesses have been missing out on the sales boost because most can’t afford to offer deep discounts, the article states. There are still ways to for small businesses to attract clients, however, by adding value instead of discounting.

The first tip the article gives, is to connect with your customers.

“The small independent retailer can get to know customers over the years, build an ongoing relationship and call up customers and appeal to them on a personal basis. There’s an ability to be competitive by doing that,” Daniel Butler, vice president of retail operations at the National Retail Federation, says in the article.

The article also recommends letting your customers know that the service you offer, such as tanning packages, can also be given as a gift. Offering gift cards or gift certificates, is a great way to increase sales and to potentially see new clients.

One last tip the article gives is to offer bundles that add value. If you are offering a tanning package, throwing in some free lotion samples or an upgrade to a higher level can give the customer a greater perceived value for the money they spend.

Read the rest of the tips at The Street