RETEX Cooperative, Inc., Copyright

By Bill Collins & Rachel O'Ryan

Driving sales at store level is tougher in today's economy, but not impossible. Maximize your chances with in-store events that are geared to different age groups and themes.

Homecoming is the equivalent of an Autumn Prom. This is a great time for cosmetics, fragrance, hair and personal care products to step into the shopper spotlights. A men's line of products could present their items via an in-store shopper event themed to classing young guys up for a big night out on the town. To get attention, have the in-store events hosted by Cheerleaders. For teen girls, hair, perfume, jewelry, skin and make up clinics are always a big hit - girls never get tired of playing dress up! Mix and match fashions are a must this year - suggesting items that have several uses or even an accessory to brighten up an existing outfit can create sales.

Sponsoring events is a way to increase traffic to your locations. Halloween is an excellent holiday to do so. Some ideas include:

Halloween Costume Contest, that is broken out by age groups, can increase a crowd on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Have small prizes for each age group. Awards for creativity, funniest, scariest and famous look a likes can be offered to each age group. Invite school principals, local politicians and celebrities to be judges and make sure to advertise events on your website as well as theirs!
Woof and meow! Don't forget to dress your pets! Canine and Kitty costumes are everywhere. Including them in the contest is a sure winner too.
Offer trick or treating down every store aisle as an alternative to door knocking. This can be repeated several times prior to Halloween or shoppers can trick or treat by age groups.

Bring in a spellbinding storyteller for a sunset tale of terror.

Have a pumpkin decorating contest by decorating with magic markers, stickers and glitter.

Hometown football is a time honored tradition celebrated by teens, teachers, coaches and parents. Present items from the deli, beverage and snack lines for alcohol free tailgate parties and victory parties. Bring out the local high school quarterbacks and have a "quarter back" sale on every item purchased during the event.

Less we forget there are a little over 100 days before Christmas...it's never too early to start planning for the biggest shopping season of the year. Expect that most families will put a limit on gift spending and may focus more on a bigger holiday meal and togetherness than present exchanges. Also, look at practical gift items - a new washing machine, an ice scraper, mitten & scarf sets - for more mentally justified spending.

Additional ideas for the Holiday season include working with credit card companies on a "free finance charges" for spending done in November/December. The money shoppers save on interest can be channeled into gift giving. Also, it's a very good year to consider bringing back "Lay Away" and Holiday Shoppers Club programs.

In a tough economy, focusing on the sale alone won’t get traffic in the store. Interesting events and outstanding customer service will put you in the right direction. A positive attitude and smiling faces make spending money a bit easier during economically trying times.

For additional information on in-store marketing, contact Member Care.

WHY JOIN? FIND SOLUTIONS HOW DOES RETEX WORK?	4 H's to Increasing Retailer Revenue - Homecoming, Halloween, Home Town Football and Holidays. SampleSecure's Suggested Tips for Shopping Success *By Bill Collins & Rachel O'Ryan* Driving sales at store level is tougher in today's economy, but not impossible. Maximize your chances with in-store events that are geared to different age groups and themes. Homecoming is the equivalent of an Autumn Prom. This is a great time for cosmetics, fragrance, hair and personal care products to step into the shopper spotlights. A men's line of products could present their items via an in-store shopper event themed to classing young guys up for a big night out on the town. To get attention, have the in-store events hosted by Cheerleaders. For teen girls, hair, perfume, jewelry, skin and make up clinics are always a big hit - girls never get tired of playing dress up! Mix and match fashions are a must this year - suggesting items that have several uses or even an accessory to brighten up an existing outfit can create sales. Sponsoring events is a way to increase traffic to your locations. Halloween is an excellent holiday to do so. Some ideas include: Halloween Costume Contest, that is broken out by age groups, can increase a crowd on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Have small prizes for each age group. Awards for creativity, funniest, scariest and famous look a likes can be offered to each age group. Invite school principals, local politicians and celebrities to be judges and make sure to advertise events on your website as well as theirs! Woof and meow! Don't forget to dress your pets! Canine and Kitty costumes are everywhere. Including them in the contest is a sure winner too. Offer trick or treating down every store aisle as an alternative to door knocking. This can be repeated several times prior to Halloween or shoppers can trick or treat by age groups. Bring in a spellbinding storyteller for a sunset tale of terror. Have a pumpkin decorating contest by decorating with magic markers, stickers and glitter. Hometown football is a time honored tradition celebrated by teens, teachers, coaches and parents. Present items from the deli, beverage and snack lines for alcohol free tailgate parties and victory parties. Bring out the local high school quarterbacks and have a "quarter back" sale on every item purchased during the event. Less we forget there are a little over 100 days before Christmas...it's never too early to start planning for the biggest shopping season of the year. Expect that most families will put a limit on gift spending and may focus more on a bigger holiday meal and togetherness than present exchanges. Also, look at practical gift items - a new washing machine, an ice scraper, mitten & scarf sets - for more mentally justified spending. Additional ideas for the Holiday season include working with credit card companies on a "free finance charges" for spending done in November/December. The money shoppers save on interest can be channeled into gift giving. Also, it's a very good year to consider bringing back "Lay Away" and Holiday Shoppers Club programs. In a tough economy, focusing on the sale alone won’t get traffic in the store. Interesting events and outstanding customer service will put you in the right direction. A positive attitude and smiling faces make spending money a bit easier during economically trying times. For additional information on in-store marketing, contact Member Care.	Return to RetexNews
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