Retailer's Corner: Effective Marketing Strategies

Make It Personal!
 

“Develop the best customer service and staff ever. People are attracted to smiling, friendly, happy and informed people. Your customer will remember how they are treated in your store (good or bad!). Where they recall a positive experience, they will stop to shop first.” - Lilly Stamets

“A one-on-one relationship with your customers is the biggest advantage your store has over anonymous web shopping. So in your marketing, connect with your customers:

• Feature customers in your social media with their favorite purchases
• Use their endorsements or testimonials in your advertising
• Send a special invite, thank you note, or a real piece of personal mail.” - Diane Sulg

Interactive Store Experiences
 

“Give customers interesting reasons to visit your store. A place to connect with friends or make new ones. Consider ways of actively getting guests in your store.” - Non-Profit Retail Symposium

“In-store tastings, trunk shows and holidays are some 'big impact' methods that increase sales. One of the great things about working with smaller vendors, is that you can create special events for your store. Ask food vendors for samples for a tasting. Ask accessory companies about doing a trunk show, or even creating a product that is unique for you.” - Raymond McKenzie

"'Make and take' is also extremely popular. Consider cash and carry events such as:

• Host a craft project or design class in your store, including materials
• Beads, strands and pearls for makers to string a bracelet (little girl jewelry!)
• Florist teaches techniques to design own arrangement or fairy terrarium.” - Non-Profit Retail Symposium