Paint Night Goodruby Christian Bookstore’ s monthly Paint Night has become a creative way for new owners Ryan and Elisa Dale to connect with their community in Casa Grande, AZ, while spotlighting local artisans. Hosted in the store by a local artist whose prints are also sold at Goodruby, the event gives participants a fun and welcoming experience for $ 35 per session, including all supplies. Guests are invited to arrive early during a special shopping hour from 5:00 – 5:30 p. m., where they can browse the store and receive discounts on purchases before painting begins. Limited to just six painters per session, every Paint Night has sold out. Elisa has also expanded the concept by preselling Mother’ s Day tickets and partnering with other local makers, including a coffee artisan, flower grower, jewelry vendors and gift creators whose products are featured in the store. In return, these vendors actively promote that their goods can be found at Goodruby Christian Bookstore, creating a mutually beneficial network that strengthens local business connections and drives new customers into the shop.
Community Involvement Karen Welch has found that building strong relationships with local businesses and community organizations is one of the most effective ways to increase traffic and sales during the slower summer months. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce and part of the planning committee for downtown events, Karen stays involved in community activities that bring people into the area. Because her store is located on the town square in Murray, KY, she is able to benefit from the steady flow of visitors attending downtown
events and the local farmers market, which attracts hundreds of people each weekend. By keeping her store open on Saturdays and opening a coffee bar with cold drinks and fresh coffee, she creates an atmosphere that welcomes visitors to come inside, relax and browse. Even before she had her coffee bar, Karen noticed that offering complimentary freshbrewed coffee invited shoppers in, made them feel valued and encouraged them to stay and shop.
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Elevate your store from a retail space to a gathering place