For retailers, Thanksgiving means Black Friday is right around the corner and that requires a lot of preparation. Retailers like Batteries Plus Bulbs have learned that the best way to prepare for Black Friday is to create a supportive atmosphere for their employees by offering incentives for working during the hectic shopping season. "If a store receives a positive online review, I buy everyone lunch," says Batteries Plus Bulbs general manager and franchise owner Matt Phillips. Phillips assists in the operations for seven stores in Washington and according to him, making employees feel like valued team members goes a long way. Although additional incentives improve employee morale, sometimes the best strategy is the most obvious – overstaffing. According to Batteries Plus Bulbs franchisees Jane Watts and June Riner, "This eases the pressures on our employees and allows them to spend more time with our customers, keeping the store clean, stocked, and safe!" Read More opens in new window