December is to shopping what Halloween is to candy. While it is a busy season for college stores, it is also the perfect time to take advantage of the shopping spirit and run a holiday sale. That’s why we have compiled some last-minute holiday promotion ideas to increase foot traffic in your store.
The Five Days of Finals
Finals can be a stressful time for students. Set up five daily sales the week of finals on popular items to provide students with the opportunity partake in some retail therapy before they head home.
“We always have a Five Days of Finals sale in the spring and fall. Each day a different type of item will be on sale. One day it might be anything with sleeves and the next day it’s anything blue and white that will be on sale. The sale always brings favorable responses,” said Angie Berry, trade book coordinator, Hillsdale College Bookstore.
The Ugly Sweater Sales Event
Host an event any time in December for students, faculty and staff to show off their ugliest sweaters. Set a time when the sweaters will be judged and the winner will be announced. Make sure any merchandise your store has on sale is visible from where the judging will take place and consider giving anyone who participates a coupon to use in your store.
“We have an ugly sweater contest were students come in wearing them. The ugliest sweater will get a prize, but all the participants get a coupon to purchase something in the store so no one goes away empty handed,” Berry said.
Faculty and Staff Open House
Invite faculty and staff to an evening open house where they can mingle and pick up some Christmas gifts for their families. Provide treats like cookies, hot chocolate and apple cider. Play music in the background. Also, use this time to get to know the faculty better so when you contact them about adoptions, they will have a face to put with the name.
Jolabokaflod Event
Want something other than a sale to bring people into the store? Try hosting a Jolabokaflod event. Jolabokaflod is an Icelandic tradition of giving away books at Christmas. Set up a book collection, wrap the donations and give them away on an established date. This gives people an incentive to come into the store — and it only costs as much as the wrapping paper.
