Sales may be bustling right now, but at some point, sales will slump and need a boost of energy. Most home improvement retailers experience slow periods in January, February, June, July, and August. It’s critical that your long-term strategy for 2022 incorporate activities that will engage consumers and motivate them to shop your business.
So, what do you do in the months between the two peak selling seasons—spring and fall? Get creative and develop ideas for promotions your staff can implement without breaking the bank. Give people a reason to make add-on purchases when they come in to shop. It’s also wise to promote your business as a destination by partnering with other companies to hold events. These activities help build traffic and attract customers.
Advertise In-store only deals
Promoting your business on social media and your website can be an inexpensive way to advertise special offers and events. Consider using your online platforms to highlight products that are only sold in-store. They may be niche items unique to your store, or time-sensitive deals that are only available for a few days.
Partner with a Local Business or Organization
Every community has charitable organizations that are looking for businesses willing to partner with them for fundraisers. Select the charity of your choice, decide on a theme and a list of activities, then get to work. Be sure to invite your most loyal customers to the event and people who already donate to the organization. Let them know a portion of the sales will benefit a worthy cause. Food is always a crowd-pleaser. Consider serving hot dogs, burgers, and popcorn.
Hold a Ladies Night Event
Get fancy and send an invitation to your female customers requesting that they attend a ladies’ night event. Activities can include classes taught by local experts or hands-on product demonstrations. Painting, tools, and seasonal gardening are popular topics that customers will find interesting. Remember to offer beverages and light snacks to make the event a success.
Give Loyal Customers Special Discounts
Many retailers have loyalty programs that identify their most profitable customers and the products they most frequently buy. Send these customers a personalized e-mail or postcard offering them a special discount on specific product categories—for example, lawn and garden, paint, or plumbing. Using the theme “customer appreciation” will make them feel special and show you value their patronage.
Offer Free Coffee and Donuts to Early Risers
Early-risers want to get in and out of stores fast to get started on projects. Stores that build good relationships have an easier time weathering the slow days in summer. Homeowners and contractors need a trusted source for purchasing hardware, plumbing, electrical, and building materials. Opening your doors early in the morning and serving hot coffee and donuts is also a great way to meet more plumbers, electricians, roofers, and carpenters. Prominently display a sign in your window that invites folks to shop your home improvement business during early morning hours.
Customer Appreciation Day
Everyone likes a chance to win prizes. Create your sale and let customers enter a drawing to win prizes popular in the summer, such as a compact grill, lounge chairs, grilling utensils, BBQ sauces, or ice coolers. The sale should be held during a specific period to motivate customers to shop during slow periods. Remember to post the name of the winner on your community board. Summer is a great season to figure out the events that bring in more customers from the surrounding community. Everything you learn will be helpful when you plan activities for the fall season.
Plan ahead to work out the details required to hold a successful event. Now is the time to develop an action plan for the upcoming year–before sales get slow. Your reward will be more loyal customers and increased profits.
