Marketing Trendz Volume 23 September/October 2018 Edition | Page 9

community relations WAVE WALKERS The Facts • Launched: 2009 (presented by Brookdale Trinity Towers in 2018) • Target market: mature guests 50 years and older, of all fitness levels •Designed as a mall walkers club for those who share a similar interest in taking regular treks through the mall during early morning hours • Events take place on the last Tuesday of the month in the food court • Get-togethers include refreshments, activities, bingo, and guest speaker presentations on health-related topics The Stats • Number of members: 300+ • Attendance: Approximately 100 walkers show up every morning, with 40 to 70 members attending each event • Membership: An average of five to 10 new people sign-up at each monthly event • Tenant engagement: retailers are encouraged to donate door prizes, set up activities, and offer refreshments like coffee, snacks, and smoothie samples • Community partners: Zumama, Corpus Christi Parks and Rec, and the American Cancer Society • Program details: Incentives are updated regularly and shared at the monthly event, and a current list can be found on La Palmera’s website • Traffic and sales: The club’s monthly events has the greatest impact on food court sales Arts and crafts are among the activities on offer to the Tide Turners. The Target • Boosted social posts: La Palmera targets guests (55 to 64-year-olds and 65 to 74-year-olds) who like walking and general exercise, and live in or close to local retirement homes The Cost BOTH CLUBS • Emcee and equipment rental and set-up: US$250 per month • Refreshments: US$80 per month • On-site signage: US$250 per year The Facts • These are complimentary programs • Programming is offered in a safe and climate-controlled environment • PMembers get a welcome kit, ongoing shopping discounts, deals, and incentives from La Palmera tenants • Guests can sign up online or in person at the concierge desk (main level) THE MEDIA MIX Media + Press • In the past: The programs and events were routinely publicized via press release and local calendar listings to promote awareness and membership • Now: The center transitioned to promoting specific events with special themes, such as the annual Tide Turners’ Breakfast with Santa • Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat filters set-up for special events • Digital: e-blasts to members and La Palmera’s website • Guests post stories and images to social media • Hashtag: #mylapalmera • On-site signage: poster and panel inserts • The team invites shoppers to sign up for the clubs via newsletters, directs members to the center’s website site to learn about current incentives, and tracks clicks via bit.ly PAGE : 9