In an age where customers can buy items at the tap of a button and have them delivered in a matter of hours, drawing customers in-store and building a community for your brand is very important.
While most retail store brands strive to bypass the omnipotent E-Commerce space, occasionally thriving retail stores will always have an added advantage when done right. They are better curated to create experiences for their customers.
When engaged appropriately, i.e., using the correct product, decor, signage, and colors, eight of ten consumers will likely buy your promoted products after engaging with your brand’s event.
Whether that’s through holding different events in your store or creating brand awareness through various socials, there are many ways for you to give people a compelling reason for visiting your store.
Note that not all store locations are perfect for events. If you have had a keen look at the most popular retail events, they occur in unique places worldwide – an area with a specific vibe where everyone can have fun and learn.
So you might be asking yourself, is that it? Yes and No.
Merely bringing your customers to the shop isn’t the first step. Strive to give them an experience. Let your guests get something valuable out of it.
Provide exclusive discounts and teach new things. After all, you want to draw customers into your store.
If you’re still wondering how to host a retail event, here are some event ideas for retail stores and how to draw customers into your store.
Involve Your Customers In Launching Your Products
There’s no more excellent way of valuing your customers than involving them in exclusive decisions. You can invite your loyal customers to a product launch party so that they will be the first to learn about it, test, and own it.
Enticing your customers to see and experience your products, be it wine and cake tasting or various perfume scents, inspires them to purchase. You can also allow your customers to reserve spots in your store. With that, they can follow up on future retail special events.
VIP Setups
Make it a special occasion for your customers so that they won’t have second thoughts about showing up again. One way to achieve that is by introducing VIP events. VIPs are usually reserved for the wealthy or clients with high budgets.
Consider these successful in-store events examples common in VIP retail events;
- Analyze the guest list to avoid overcrowded events. VIP events need to have a personal experience.
- Use the invitation-only tone. While it shows you the guest limit to your event, it shows how much you value your VIPs.
- Create a VIP impression. You could attach a personal touch like favorite drinks and celebrities.
- A VIP lounge would do, with a higher level of attention to detail. For instance, you could include champagne and sofas rather than the local wines and stools. If you invite your whole client list, ensure you have created VIP access for the most valued and loyal ones.
Take Advantage Of Holidays And Seasons
Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas attract customers looking for exceptional spending opportunities. Most retailers today are using events to drive holiday traffic into stores. Think of inviting Santa Claus for a magical photo opportunity while campaigning and donating to local organizations. That would help you engage with your customers for the season.
Class Events
Events, where people learn and have their questions solved, attract more customers. If your store focuses on the wedding niche, you could hire a professional dealing with the same. Some ideas you can target for your audience include:
- Recent weddings your store has organized
- Guide on lifestyle, beauty, and fashion
- Process of wedding plan
- Tips for bridal makeup and fashion
- Planning for the wedding and honeymoon financially
- Honeymoon planning
It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise to your target audience as you invite them to partner with you in the future.
Offer Recycling Opportunities
You can offer to take old clothes and unwanted items for recycling. It motivates people to visit your retail store and replace the old things. Ensure that your recycling event relates to your brand and product, though. It’s a rule of thumb; people love proper disposal. So if you motivate them to dispose of their old stuff, get them along with discounted similar new stuff.
Count Children In
Create an area in the store where kids can be entertained while the parents can explore and engage with the brand. Creating a safe space where the kids can play, color, and participate in activities can be a huge upsell for your brand and parents.
Keep Your Customers Coming With Retail Store Events
It doesn’t stop selling your products but building a solid relationship with your customers. Investing in-store events or connecting your customers to people with similar interests makes you more than a retailer. With that, you realize your sales are growing in the process.
Note that you can’t buy effectiveness. So you don’t have to worry about an expensive budget hosting an event in your retail store. The aim should be going above other stores and building transactional connections with your clients.
After you have settled on the best ideas for your retail event, you will need a platform for the gathering. Getting a location relating to your product and service can be overwhelming. It is not as easy as reading it. That’s why you will need professional event rentals like Aurora Event Rentals to help with planning and arranging for your event needs so that you are left to focus on hosting the event entirely. We have you covered if you need lighting and event rentals, party backdrops, DJ equipment, or a party dance floor!