By: Rachel Schrauben
As the temperature falls, along with the leaves, and pumpkin spice lattes are sipped, it’s easy to get excited about the return of fall.
As store owners, this time is crucial to prepare for the holiday rush and to start out Q4 on a high note. It’s also ample time to clear inventory before stocking shelves with holiday gifts and décor.
To help get you feeling festive, we’ve compiled a list of 10 Fall-inspired promotions to get shoppers inside your doors.
USE THE LOVE OF ALL-THINGS HALLOWEEN
- Include a piece of candy with every purchase. Satisfy their sweet tooth and have them come back for more.
- Plan an employee pumpkin decorating contest and have customers vote on their favorites (also a great option for decorating the store!)
- If you have extra space, create the perfect Instagram-inspired backdrop. With the use of props and product placement, your store name could be front and center. Hello, free publicity!
ELECTION DAY PROMOTION
- Celebrate our civic duty and give shoppers a small discount with proof of “I voted!” sticker!
CELEBRATE VETERAN’S DAY
- Honor our vets with a special gift. Provide a percentage off or a coupon for their next visit.
DEER WIDOWS WEEKEND
- As hunters head into the woods, it’s time for the deer widows to find all the deals at local stores! Opening Day 2022 falls mid-week, giving store owners twice the weekends to host events. Host a Ladies Day/Night Out and let them leave the kiddos at home (supervised, of course). Take notice, the early holiday shoppers will be out in heaps.
FALL FRENZY
- Football is on everyone’s mind and using Friday nights under the lights as a reason to push merchandise might be key on Weekend eve. Don’t dismiss Saturday afternoons or #SundayFundays as a chance to discount shoppers who purchase something while wearing their favorite players’ jerseys.
- Temperatures are falling. Warm up your customers with a complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, or cider. Heat apple cider on low and slow heat in a crockpot makes for a delicious treat and make your store smell amazing!
- Celebrate the nature-loving leaf peepers this fall! Peak peeping season varies by geographic location. It’s predicted that peak season will start at the top of the Upper Peninsula in the first week of October and will hit the Michigan/Indiana and Michigan/Ohio state lines more toward Oct. 25 and 29. Rally your neighbor stores and create a quick scavenger hunt.
THANKSGIVING
- Tell your customers how you really feel. Include a short, handwritten note, or card with each purchase. This simple act will keep shoppers coming for years to come!
