OCT NOV
“ SEASON OF THANKS” SHOPPING PASSPORT Create a card that customers can have stamped to earn a reward for various activities. For example, customers can receive a stamp if they make a purchase, attend an event, bring a friend, donate to a charity or order a special gift. The number of stamps they earn will determine the reward( e. g., 3 stamps earn a small gift; 6 stamps earn $ 5 reward). Customers who complete a passport can earn an entry for the grand prize drawing.
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT DEBUT“ We have three store locations, so we do our Hallmark ornament debut in our mall location in Albany, and it always has a great response.”
Kevin Ferguson, Willamette Valley Christian Supply, Albany, Centralia & Troutdale, OR
MINISTRY APPRECIATION MONTH October is Ministry Appreciation Month. To celebrate, give customers a coupon for nominating and sharing why they appreciate their church leader, and give nominated leaders a gift certificate to your store.
10 CRA today / www. christianretailassociation. org
CHURCH LIBRARIANS ' DAY October is also Church Library Month. Manager Bethany Martin serves breakfast and lunch for church librarians. During the event, staff also help librarians preview books and recommend books that fit the needs of the different libraries.
Bethany Martin, Faith & Life Bookstore, Newton, KS
CHILDREN’ S BOOK FAIR“ Around October, we host a book fair for a local Christian school where we set up a small bookstore pop-up for the students to shop books, toys, DVDs, T-shirts and more! This year we plan on combining our annual children’ s reading challenge with our book fair. This will allow kids to shop for the books they will be reading each week. This reading challenge encourages children to continue reading throughout the year!”
Candice Redmond, Christian Book & Gift Shop, Greeneville, TN
BOOKS ON THE MOVE Start a club that’ s good for the body and soul. In a twist on a traditional book club, participants can discuss the assigned book while enjoying some exercise and crisp fall air as they go for a walk and talk about the book.
“ BLESSING BAG” PACKING EVENT Host a packing party for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes or partner with a local ministry to collect socks and blankets.
PAMPER PARTY“ In November, we like to kick off our holiday hours by hosting a women’ s Christmas event where we host fun authors who have written a new book geared toward women. We will have prize giveaways, enjoy sweets and treats, and plan a fun activity for women. Last year we invited a local permanent jewelry company, and this year we may do the same! We love to support our other local business owners in any way we can.”
Candice Redmond, Christian Book & Gift Shop, Greeneville, TN
WELLNESS EVENT“ We promote and participate in a mall sponsored event in November called‘ Living Well.’ They include health providers, like chiropractors and counselors, and our bookstore. It’ s a forum for shoppers to gather information and a time to slow down a bit and be refreshed in a season of busyness.”
Kevin Ferguson, Willamette Valley Christian Supply, Albany, Centralia & Troutdale, OR
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY“ For Small Business Saturday, we have a‘ Craft and Tasters Market.’ We open our conference room and a small portion of the store for vendors to set up a table filled with their crafted items or home baked goodies. It’ s a great draw.“
Amber Gincerowski, Arrowhead Christian Store, Johnson City, NY
“ Our local Chamber of Commerce has done a‘ 12 Days to Small Business Saturday’ promotion for the past few years. Even though we’ ve seen SBS‘ stolen’ by the big box stores, which has decreased our traffic on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this 12-day promotion features local businesses, highlighting products and sales they might be having for Black Friday and SBS. The attention that this social media promotion brings to the businesses featured increases foot traffic, especially for customers who are wanting to support their local businesses.”
Twila Shreves, Hidden Treasures Gifts, Altoona, IA
VIP CHRISTMAS SNEAK PEEK Invite your most loyal customers to an exclusive first look at your holiday offerings with an after-hours event. Offer a small“ early bird” discount or a free gift with purchase.