Dog Days? Shake Your Tail to Fetch Some Sales...
Yes, we know it's hot and everyone (but you) is on vacation. But that doesn't mean flowers are any less fabulous, your bills are any less expensive or your marketing can be any less creative. But it does mean you can have some fun in your shop and try out some new, slightly unconventional promotions. Here are a few we served up in the August issue of Floral Management. To give your some some extra sizzle in August, why not:
...Wear flowers in your hair, around your ponytail, on your wrist, in your lapel and on your hat? If you don't put that floral fashion forward, why would your customers?
...Take a page from the bookstore with staff "picks." Post your staff's favorite arrangements on your website, Facebook page and especially in store, either with an in-store chalkboard or some signage, like bookstores and wine stores do. Let staff name the designs and describe them in their own words.
...Create a mad dash to your doors. Wonder if anyone is paying attention to you in the social media echo chamber? Tell Facebook fans and Twitter followers to stop in within the next two hours for a $5 (or free) bouquet and don't let them leave without getting an e-mail address.
...Take the plunge with swim teams. Why let dance recital stars get all the flowery praise. Parents are huddled around pools throughout the summer watching their guppies, sharks and fish race for gold. Partner with the local pools to offer winner bouquets and/or snack baskets.
...Cater to homesick freshmen. As parents pack up the kids for college, why not offer a monthly care-package special for the year. Flower one month, baskets of study buddies the next (energy bars, chocolates, caffeine), "Life is Good" t-shirts for Spring Break, etc.
- Amanda Long
along@safnow.org
SAF Sales Wake-Up, Aug. 21, 2010
