Today Only Coupon Brings Customers Inside

Bring customers inside businesses on Street Fair dayby enticing them with "Today Only" coupons distributed out front. Dress up in fun costumes to draw attention to your front door. "Show - don't tell" says Michele Reeves, Civilis Consultants. Shop owners need to activate the street in front of their business by offering free goodies, games, pictures or any interactive experience that will draw people in.The most obvious way is to actually become a street vendor on Fair day. Businesses along the street or in the surrounding area (including members of your association if there is one*) have to bring their wares outside and make them look great. “Curb appeal can account for up to 80% of first-time sales” says Roger Brooks, International.Business owners, in the area where your fair takes place, are paying rent already. It’s the one day each year they get a little bit more real estate to do promotions and make more sales. While Street Fairs are ultimately a huge marketing opportunity, "Today Only" coupons may help increase revenues on a very busy day.

Event planners and organizers hear how hard it is for owners to manifest extra employees for these busy days. There are other ways to draw folks inside though, keeping in mind that someone - or something - is on the street to get their attention.Sloan Boutique - Affordable Fashion for Every Woman, uses a simple 20% coupon to draw people inside their shop. Make you flyer "TODAY ONLY" with a big discount. Alternatively, offer 1 or 2 items for sale only on Fair day. Sloan displays unique seasonal clothing just inside the door, so regulars recognize the value of entering the shop that day. Make sure to put your business contact information on all materials or merchandise that you hand out, sell, or give away.Other ideas include:

Make a Good Impression - A Street Fair is often the first impression of the area for Fair attendees. Make sure your storefront and sidewalk are clean and inviting. Have extra staff on hand. Provide water. Put out and maintain extra garbage containers. Make your restrooms available if possible. Be able to provide information and directions about Fair activities and other businesses in the area.Host a Special Event - It’s not hard to create your own contest, display, demonstration, charity benefit or sale. Even a small and simple activity will help people remember your business and can bring new customers back throughout the year. Promote your activity with a small handout, poster attached to a sign out front or on promotional material distributed by the Fair organizers.Advertise - The more businesses that help bring crowds to the area the more exposure we will generated for everyone. In addition to advertising your activity, mention the Street Fair in your regular advertising leading up to the month of the fair. Participate in discounted group advertising offered by news magazines, papers and local community newspapers. Make sure that the thousands of people that visit your area know how to find you again!Cater to Walkers and Bikers - Think about items you can offer that might appeal to  shoppers who are on foot or on bike. Distribute small promotional merchandise that is easy to carry or reusable shopping bags with handles.  Easy refreshing snacks and beverages will entice shoppers to your business.“Give Back” to the Community - Show gratitude to the customers and neighbors that support your business during the other 364 days of the year! Offer discounts, coupons, free activities, samples and giveaways as a way to say “thank you” to the community that helps to make the area a vibrant business district. Customers (both old and new) will feel appreciated.

*Organizers take note: registration for a vendor booth in one of the vendor areas is usually waived for Association members.