Here are some left-field marketing ideas for Easter in case you want to kick up interest over the next three weeks. I have deliberately not included traditional ideas such as colouring competitions:
- Give rabbits a discount on a set day or days. Promote it widely – get the local paper in for a photo. Make the discount worth it for them dressing up.
- Have an egg eating competition – who can eat the most in 30 seconds.
- Offer free fried eggs one or two mornings for a gold coin donation to a local charity.
- Make a giant papier-mâché egg with things you sell (old newspapers, coloured paper, paint). Go big, I mean really big. Taller than a person. Let the kids paint it. Make it a local thing for people to come see.
- Promote reconnect with a friend – send an easter card. Give people a reason beyond the season itself to send a card. Offer a discount: but a card and get 25% of your next. Alternatively, offer to post an Easter card free for any customer.
- Have an easter Egg hunt for over 70s. Egg hunts are usually for kids but those over 70 will have a different recollection of the season from when they were kids. Cater to them with a hunt in your shop for tasty eggs.
- Respect the season. Easter means different things to different people. Respect this outside of the fun you may have. Be sure about your greeting and that it is appropriate. Maybe include a nice message on your receipts.
- Do good. Collect for something during the season. Given the animal themes, maybe a local animal shelter.
- Invite a wall of stories. If you have a wall available, cover it with paper and invite your customers to write or draw what Easter means to them. this makes the season more interactive.
- Give away eggs. Freely and with a smile! Contact Chocolate Gems, they have excellent counter packs of eggs you can buy in bulk. They taste delicious and make for ideal counter giveaways.
Easter is considered by many to be a small season. I see it as big and full of opportunity and primed for fun in the newsagency.