EVENT IDEAS FOR ATTRACTING TRAFFIC.

Events are an excellent way to attract new shoppers. While they are hard work and, sometimes, a pay-off is not achieved at the event, they are key in getting your business more noticed. 

We recommend you develop a calendar of events. Start with what is achievable: once every 3 months, once every 2 months ... you decide what works for you.

This is not a definitive list. It is offered to get you thinking. 

1. Kindness project. Invite people to paint small rocks with messages of kindness for them to take and place within the community. You provide all the materials ... hopefully, materials you sell.
2. Jigsaw race. 4 tables of 4 people at each table. One 500 or 1,000 piece jigsaw at each table. 
3. Crossword frenzy. Everyone does the same relatively easy crossword. Have fun. Compete.
4. Poetry writers. Gather a small group to write together and write on a community related theme.
5. How to choose and write on a card. Show people what to look for and be ready with advice on what to write. Offer those attending a 25% discount off all cards bought. Promise to show new cards, just released. Plus, offer wine and nibbles. Do this session when the shop is closed.
6. How to format and write a letter. Basic letter formatting, basic handwriting skills. It would be a good session to leverage an older person's passion for a younger audience.
7. Crochet class. A local crochet expert shows how it is done.
8. Open mic. Local would-be comedians to try out jokes.
9. Singer showcase. Local singers get an audience, maybe for the first time.
10. Songwriters. Get a local songwriter to host a workshop on writing a song.
11. Poetry slam. Look it up, it's fun.
12. Storytellers. Local writers read a chapter of a new work.
13. Playreading. Local playwrights host a live reading of a new work.
14. Knitters. They come, knit, chat and teach others how to knit.
15. Cross-stitch class. Cross stitching is massive again, having found a whole new audience of 20-40 year olds who cross stitch fierce art.
16. How to tie a tie. Tying a tie is becoming a lost art. Share it.
17. Local language. Invite indigenous groups to speak and perform in local languages and let others hear them for the first time.
18. Buskers. Have a set time each week where local buskers can perform in-store or nearby.
19. Cards I've received. People bring in cards from 30, 40, 50 and more years ago and talk about stories related to them.
20. Games. An event based on any game you sell.
21. Papier-mâché. Get people together to make something big, something local, something people will talk about.
22. Book lovers swap. People bring in 2 or 3 books and swap them with others.

The goal is for your shop to be glue for the local community.

HOW TO PROMOTE THE EVENT.

1. Posters in-store. Use Canva to make these.
2. Social media. Create an event for your page.
3. Flyers in shopper bags. Canva again.
4. Direct contact with local clubs, community groups, schools and nursing homes.

Build an email marketing database.

HOW TO RUN THE EVENT.

1. Keep it relaxed.
2. Locate it in a specific section of the store.
3. Don't stress about getting in the way.
4. Have some refreshments, appropriate to the time of day and the target audience.
5. Maybe partner with a local group.
6. Maybe do it when the shop is closed.
7. Assess how it went after the event is over.
8. Have fun as events should help you enjoy your business more.
9. Take lots of photos and share on social media to build a buzz for your next event.