Retail events are a great way to create memorable customer experiences during the Christmas period. Retailers put on amazing events all over the country, from Santa’s grottoes and winter wonderlands to family fun days and festive food festivals. This edition of the Silverback blog will explore some ways retail event marketing can be used to generate more revenue for your business this Christmas season!
During retail events, marketers can create a more immersive experience for their customers and inspire them to spend time in your retail store. According to Eventbrite’s 2015 State of the Retail Industry Report, consumers ‘want unique retail experiences that go above and beyond any other shopping centre or online marketplace they might visit’. This report maybe six years old, but the demand remains largely unchanged. After a difficult two years, consumers are looking for a shopping experience much like the way things were pre-2020. Retail events should be at the heart of every retail marketing strategy this Christmas.
This short post will explore some ideas of retail event marketing to help your business generate more revenue.
Some retail event ideas include:
Santa’s Grotto
The retail industry is constantly evolving, with retailers working hard to make sure consumers are satisfied. This Christmas season will be no different, as retailers work towards creating fantastic experiences for their customers. One way retailers can look to achieve this is by holding the timeless Santa’s grotto in-store and allowing children (and adults!) the opportunity to meet Father Christmas.
This retail strategy is a great way for customers to experience an event they won’t forget, and stores can benefit from increased footfall as families flock in-store to meet Santa Claus.
Festive, in-store classes
In true Christmas spirit, you could host a class with other local businesses so everyone benefits from the event. If you run retail events with other businesses, it is important to make sure that everyone has a similar demographic of customers or clientele so they can benefit from one another’s retail experiences!
You could also hold festive cooking classes or cookie baking sessions for example. A fantastic opportunity for customers to bring along children or grandchildren and spend some special time with them during this busy holiday season!
Pop-up shops
In retail, the Christmas season is a big deal. It’s not just about buying gifts for others and celebrating with family – it’s also an opportunity to drive revenue through unique customer experiences. Pop-up shops can offer something new while reinforcing your brand promise and building loyalty among customers. Events are a way to test out new concepts as well. Bear in mind that retail events should be tailored to your customer base and offer something they can’t get elsewhere – whether it’s a new product, a limited-time promotion, or an experience tied with the holidays. You could also create “store within a store” areas within retail events where you can offer customers something they won’t find elsewhere, like personalized gift items. A fantastic example of this would be everyone’s favourite Toys ‘R’ Us, the world’s greatest toy store, making a comeback in the famous Macy’s.
As we look forward to a Christmas of near-normality retail events are set to become increasingly popular, it is important to think about how you can create exceptional retail experiences for your customers during the Christmas season. The retail experience that will be created by holding an event at this time of year should feel festive and special. There are plenty of ways you can create exceptional retail experiences during the Christmas season. What retail event ideas have you had?
If you’re looking to create a successful retail event this Christmas season, be sure to get in touch and learn how Silverback can help your event be one to remember this Christmas!