Retail Marketing Strategy - Attention Getting

Retail Marketing Strategy

Need a better retail marketing strategy?

There is a local retail store I really love, but I tend to only visit when I know that their seasonal and/or holiday products are in. So how do you keep customers coming back to your retail shop on a more regular basis? This is just one of the topics I cover in my 12-Month Marketing Plan for Retail Stores, but here are six ideas to help you out.

Table of Contents

1. Always Have Changing Inventory

I know this is a challenge, but your regulars may not be coming back to your store because they assume it is just the same old, same old. So make it known that on the 1st of every month there are new items in the shop (through social media and putting signage in the windows and a sandwich board sign on the sidewalk), even dedicating an area of the store to “New In Shop” (a trick online shops do).

2. Consistent Deals

Everyone loves hunting for a bargain. That is why stores such as TJ Maxx have thrived. So try to have an ongoing “bargain hunter” section in your shop (maybe a back room) with discount priced or discontinued items.

3. Take Advantage of the Seasons & Holidays

People are definitely more likely to buy at certain times of the year, such as for fall decorating, clothes for a summer vacation, items for back to school, and these events are more time-sensitive, meaning customers may not want to take a chance on online purchases arriving in time. So make sure your shop capitalizes on these occasions in terms of product offerings and sales promotions.

4. Support Local Designers or Artisans

If once a month you profile a different local designer in your store in the form of a pop-up shop that they host (you get a percentage of sales), you now bring their customers to your shop (not to mention their friends and family).

5. Hold In-Store Events

The nice thing about in-person shopping is that it is more of an experience. Bring customers in by offering one-day demonstrations, special guests, exclusive services or a limited collection. Get creative such an in-store Easter egg hunt for the kids or a live in-store streaming of New York Fashion Week – whatever suits your business.

6. Email & Social Media Alerts

Email is still effective if used properly. Simply ask customers if they wish to get your monthly email alert showcasing new items in the shop, in-store events and one-day sales. Alternatively, ask them to follow your social media pages where you will post new items in the shop on the first of every month. Offer them a 15% coupon if they share the post with their followers. Put all of this information on a business card to give them, as well as put the information on the tags of the products you sell, on the final printed invoice and even on your store bags.

Retail Marketing Strategy

Time will tell if shopping habits change again, but for now, brick and mortar stores still have hope as long as they get a little more creative. Download today my PDF , 12-Month Marketing Plan for Retail Stores, to get more awesome ideas!