In-store retail events are an excellent way to get feet through the door, drive sales, and give people an experience they will remember, so let’s look at four examples.
1. Learning events
Workshops, demonstrations, and classes are all brilliant ways to give attendees to your store a truly valuable experience. Who wouldn’t enjoy a free opportunity to learn a new skill or discover a new hobby? Whether you invite a local interior designer to demonstrate the art of feng shui or a local chef to hold a chocolate masterclass, these kinds of retail events can really improve your brand image and increase on-the-day sales.
2. Book signings
Book signings are the original retail event and still hold strong as one of the most popular ways you can get people through your doors. Even if you don’t own a bookshop, you can still host a book-signing event; for example, a cafe might have a stand of recipe books, a gift store might have a selection of travel books, and a pet store may have guides on pet-owning. All these books have authors.
3. Product launch events
Showcasing a new product via an in-store launch event is another classic retail event that has stood the test of time. The good thing about product launches is that unlike learning events or VIP events, the store can remain open to all. It is a good idea to offer a discount for on-the-day purchases and, if possible, the opportunity to taste or test the product in question.
4. VIP events
Invite your biggest spending customers and/or members of your loyalty scheme to an exclusive VIP retail event in-store. This may incorporate a workshop, a product launch, or a demonstration. If you are not sure how to host a VIP event, marketing strategy consultants such as Really Helpful Marketing offer excellent insights.
Whatever sort of event you hold at your retail site, this is an excellent way to obtain and retain customers. Providing shoppers with tangible experiences will set you apart from your competitors.