Popina Swimwear, in Portland OR, knows how to turn an ordinary sale promotion into a VIP Spa Day experience. Probably the least favorite shopping anyone has to do is for a new bathing suit. Let's face it, it's probably because the old one no longer fits and we all know what that means... To get people in the mood to try on bathing suits (yuck), Popina needs to create an atmosphere that is all about fun! They understands this better than any business I've visited in a long time, creating an experience worth remembering as well as a kick@#! promotion.Partnering with swimwear giant, Tommy Bahama, for an annual sales event, Popina brings vacation living inside their retail store. Starting with cocktails (or mocktails), the crew at Popina's served up fruity drinks to thirsty shoppers, chatting and relaxing with customers as if at the beach, complete with live Calypso music. I swear I could hear the ocean and feel the salt spray.Knot Springs Spa crew liberally gave back massages, Urban Waxx did their thing and special sale items, only available on that day, made me feel like a VIP at this event!The 3 "must haves" to turn an ordinary event promotion into an experience are: a. sensory enhancements, b. comfort zones and c. inspiring purchases.a. Cater to all 5 senses to turn a regular sale or promotional event into something truly special.

MUST HAVE: Themes that promote brand

MUST HAVE: Realistic interior decorations

See. Depending on your products or services, themes transform an everyday room into another place, taking the shopper out of the everyday. Decorations are the first thing seen when entering a space. Sale signs are low, not in the center, though it's not hard to find deals. Popina's swimwear lends itself to a vacation paradise so they invested heavily inside their store on a true-to-life cabana and beach grasses throughout the store.

MUST HAVE: Staff that makes people feel good

MUST HAVE: Keep kids occupied. Shoppers become buyers with more time to themselves

MUST HAVE: Reward shoppers with discounts

2. Hear. Focus on the sound that will fill up your space, either front and center or easing into the background. Whichever you decide, make the decision, don't forget about music and just put on the radio. Keep to your theme as much as possible. Bringing in live music makes a space more vibrant, stimulating shoppers who may realize your investment. Loud, popping sounds usually deter people from staying in place very long.3. Taste. Popina's festooned bartenders offered delicious drinks, with alcohol or without, that transported us to the beach. Real glasses are a great touch, if you have storage room, and the budget.Even if you don't have the space for a large serving area, refreshments are mandatory for event promotions. Providing a sample of locally made chocolates, cheeses, jams or just about anything will be recognized and appreciated by shoppers. This is an easy way to invite partners into the promotion and increase your marketing potential exponentially. 4. Feel. Popina's turned up the heat - literally - making it feel good in light weight fabrics. While waiting to be served employees adorned shoppers with hair flowers and lei's. They always have a lounge for partners who may have had enough time on their feet. A kids space can turn shoppers into buyers when they are given the time to actually decide and select favored items.Lighting not only illuminates products, it can make people feel excited, relaxed, energized or a range of emotions depending on color, illumines and light fixtures. Add costumes, cloaks, tiaras or get crazy with ideas to make your store feel like a different place. Remember your brand when purchasing any new items. Even if only a one day promotion, stick with the colors or shapes reminiscent of your existing marketing brand.5. Smell. Add a scent that reminds people of your theme. I swear I smelled coconuts at Popina's and possibly it was from the fruity rum drinks but more likely, it was an automated air freshener. Lavender is relaxing, ginger stimulating and roses not only smell good but are gorgeous! Sometimes popcorn works to get people in a mood, though might not be good anywhere around fabrics or art. Fresh air is always popular if possible!b. Comfort zones are not just the physical lounge and kids areas. Think about what makes your target market comfortable, especially in how they will use your product or service. Try to give them that experience in your store.Popina's takes the guessing out of bathing suit shopping with incredibly knowledgeable sales staff. Their products are designed to fit women and men, not just look great (though they do that too). Dressing rooms have erasable white board signs attached, literally giving over the room to the shopper by putting her name on it. That little act alone takes the pressure off the time it takes to find the perfect suit. Though Popina's was hopping during VIP Spa Day, no one was rushed through their buying decision process. c. Last, but not least important, is to provide inspiring purchases.I was met at Popina's entry and given the skinny where I could find Tommy Bahama's sale stuff, Popina's deals, where I could get the coveted back massages, drinks and more! It seemed like he was helping me find my own good deal while being shown the best stuff to choose from.Fabulous products only offered on sale day will fly out the door. Extra bonus discounts on complimentary goods and reward points, coupons, offers go a long way to increase buys. Use every part of your store to create special sales areas.Take away shopper's fear of decision making by hosting events in your business, focusing on adding food, drinks, music and fun and make an experience worth remebering.

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Must Haves that turn an ordinary sale promotion into an experience