Ready for the Rush: Automatic Doors and the Holiday Shopping Surge

The countdown to the holiday shopping season is on, and retailers are gearing up for what promises to be another record-breaking year. With U.S. holiday retail sales projected to top $1 trillion in 2025 and more shoppers choosing in-store experiences, stores face higher expectations—and more pressure to deliver a seamless visit for every customer.

While much of the focus lands on promotions and inventory, there’s a crucial element that shapes every shopper’s first impression: the front door. During peak season, automatic doors quietly work overtime, welcoming waves of customers and setting the tone for their entire visit. When those doors work flawlessly, everything feels effortless. But even a small hiccup can create stress, slowdowns, or lost sales.

The Holiday Rush—Retail’s Most Demanding Season

The holiday season isn’t just a boost for sales—it’s an operational stress test for every brick-and-mortar retailer. In 2025, U.S. holiday retail sales are projected to reach $1.05 trillion, with in-store purchases expected to grow by 3.6% year-over-year (forrester.com). While online shopping trends continue to rise, it’s clear that physical retail experiences remain central to the holiday shopping tradition.

Shoppers are starting earlier than ever: According to Experian, 45% of consumers begin their holiday shopping before November, extending the busy season and increasing the pressure on retail facilities throughout the fall and early winter. This means a sustained need for operational excellence, not just a few peak weekends.

Self-gifting is on the rise: More than half of holiday shoppers plan to purchase gifts for themselves while hunting for deals, leading to higher basket sizes and more return visits. Retailers are responding by creating in-store experiences that encourage browsing and impulse buys—making smooth entry and navigation even more crucial.

Mobile, AI, and value-driven discovery: Shoppers are relying on mobile tools and AI to compare prices, locate products, and hunt for personalized deals. Despite all the digital discovery, many still prefer to claim deals and enjoy experiences in person, driving consistent foot traffic to physical stores.

In-store value-seeking persists: Even with the convenience of e-commerce, many consumers head to stores to find unique deals, interact with products, and soak in the festive atmosphere. The tactile, social, and immediate aspects of shopping can’t be fully replicated online.

For facilities and operations managers, this surge isn’t just about customer numbers—it’s about managing variability, maintaining safety, and keeping every aspect of the in-store experience frictionless from first step to checkout. Small details, like the effortless function of an automatic door, can make or break that first impression.

Why Automatic Doors Are Critical During the Holidays

Automatic doors are much more than a convenience—they’re a frontline asset in managing holiday crowds and delivering a standout customer experience. During the busy holiday rush, their importance comes into sharper focus for several reasons:

1. Seamless Entry for Shoppers on the Move

When your store sees a flood of families, groups, and solo shoppers juggling bags, strollers, and gift lists, seamless movement is essential. Automatic doors eliminate the bottleneck, ensuring that customers can flow in and out without friction. It’s a small detail that prevents congestion and stress at the entrance, setting a positive tone before shoppers even start browsing.

2. Accessibility for All

Holiday crowds are diverse. Parents with young children, elderly customers, and individuals with mobility challenges all need to feel welcome and accommodated. Automatic doors ensure that every shopper, regardless of physical ability, can easily enter and exit your store. They help maintain ADA compliance and reinforce your commitment to inclusivity and equal access.

3. Crowd Control and Safety

Managing high-volume foot traffic is a safety concern as much as an operational one. Automatic doors help regulate the flow of people, minimizing bottlenecks and reducing the risk of accidents or confrontations in crowded entrances. On peak days like Black Friday, well-functioning doors are an unsung hero—keeping both customers and staff safe while maintaining order.

4. Energy Efficiency in Winter Weather

With doors opening and closing automatically—and only as needed—stores can better control interior temperatures. This reduces heat loss, cuts down on HVAC strain, and helps keep the indoor environment comfortable despite frequent comings and goings. Over the course of a busy holiday season, these small efficiencies can add up to real savings.

5. Modern Appeal and Brand Perception

Well-maintained automatic doors signal that your store is modern and focused on customer convenience. Shoppers may not consciously notice when doors work perfectly, but they’ll definitely notice a malfunction. Clean, smooth, and quiet operation leaves a favorable impression—contributing to your brand’s perception as attentive and up to date.

For property managers and facilities leaders, investing in automatic doors isn’t just about maintaining the status quo. It’s about making a statement: that your space is ready for today’s shoppers, committed to safety, and proactive about the customer experience.

Preparing for the Surge—Inspection, Service, and Optimization

Don’t wait for a crowded entrance to spot a problem. A pre-season check ensures your automatic doors handle the busiest days without a hitch. Schedule a professional inspection to catch wear, test sensors, and fix minor issues before they disrupt business. Certified AAADM technicians can make quick adjustments and confirm compliance. A little prep now prevents big headaches later—so you can focus on welcoming holiday shoppers.

Future-Proofing with Smart Automatic Door Solutions

Technology is raising the bar for retail doors. Today’s smart automatic doors use touchless sensors, remote monitoring, and instant diagnostics to keep things running smoothly. These upgrades allow facilities managers to spot potential problems before they become emergencies, maintain safety standards, and improve energy efficiency. Investing in smart door solutions now helps ensure a hassle-free shopping experience for years to come.

Final Checklist—Is Your Store Ready?

Before the rush hits, run through this quick checklist:

• Have your automatic doors been inspected recently?
• Are all sensors, tracks, and safety features working?
• Is your entrance clear of obstructions?
• Does your staff know who to call if an issue comes up?
• Have you scheduled preventative maintenance with certified technicians?

A little preparation now helps you avoid surprises—and keeps your store open, accessible, and welcoming all season long.

Get Ahead of Holiday Crowds: Ensure Your Doors Are Ready

The holiday season brings opportunity, but also pressure to get everything right—starting at your front door. Well-maintained automatic doors make a powerful first impression, keep shoppers moving, and safeguard your business against downtime and compliance risks.

Don’t leave it to chance. Get ahead of the rush by scheduling a pre-holiday inspection with our certified team. We’ll make sure your doors are up to the challenge, so you can focus on what matters: giving every customer a smooth, safe, and memorable shopping experience.

Ready for the holiday crowds? Contact Door Services today to schedule your automatic door checkup.