DEC
events & outreach
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE“ Our most successful fourth quarter event is our Christmas Open House on the first Saturday in November. We invite people to attend with an actual invitation( color printing through uprinting. com for the win!) that includes a coupon for 30 % off one item. During the event, we have a giveaway item— the last few years it’ s been something we have laser engraved. We serve coffee and cookies from a local baker( I think we asked her to make 32 dozen cookies last year, and we were still out of cookies by 2 PM!). We have other specials throughout the day and a gift card drawing for $ 50 each hour. At the end of the day, there is a grand prize drawing. We also have a local musician come and play, so that just adds to the festive nature of the day. We are looking to include Friday this year as we have heard from many sports parents that they’ ve missed out on the event.”
Amber Gincerowski, Arrowhead Christian Store, Johnson City, NY
KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY“ The first Saturday in December we have our annual Kids’ Christmas Party. The event always has a craft, story and snack. Sometimes, we’ ve also done face painting, balloon animals and ring toss games.”
Amber Gincerowski, Arrowhead Christian Store, Johnson City, NY
NEW YEAR ENVELOPES During the last week of December, hand out red envelopes to customers who make a purchase. These envelopes cannot be opened until the customer comes back in January. In each envelope, include a special discount or gift card.
Heide Kuhlman, Blessings Big & Small, Watertown, Aberdeen & Huron, SD
“ Our Holiday Open House is in November each year. We will have the main Christmas tree up with the focus on ornaments, nativities and other Christmas items. This is also our store’ s anniversary month, so we usually celebrate that too with drawings for door prizes as well as serving cookies and wassail.”
Teresia Bruce, The Salt Cellar, Lawton, OK
“ Merle Norman cosmetics( we share a space with them) and I have a Holiday Open House the first or second week in November, and it has become a HUGE day for us. Both of us have good sales, and even though Merle Norman is beginning to slow down for the year, it’ s the beginning of the BIG PUSH for me. Needless to say, it’ s beneficial for both of us.”
Twila Shreves, Hidden Treasures Gifts, Altoona, IA
BOW MAKING CLASS Plan a night for customers to wrap their Christmas presents while they learn how to create gift toppers and bows. Charge a small entrance fee for supplies, and have live music in the store to make it festive. PALS AND PJS EVENT“ Last year we had our first Pals and PJs event. It was the last Thursday before Christmas. If you wore your pajamas, you got 30 % off Christmas merchandise, which also helps us clear out the holiday inventory.”
Michele Yarbrough, The Armory Bookstore, Monroe, GA
www. christianretailassociation. org / CRA today 11