How a ''Shop Local'' Campaign Can Support Your Leavenworth Community
As the holidays approach, many small businesses are starting to think about ways they can attract more customers and boost sales. One great way to do this is to participate in or start a holiday "shop local" campaign. These campaigns are designed to encourage people to buy gifts and holiday items from local businesses instead of big box stores or online retailers. They can have a big impact on the local economy and community. By promoting local shopping, you encourage shoppers to keep money within the community. From the Leavenworth-Lansing Chamber of Commerce, here's a look at how to participate in a shop local campaign.
Start a Shop Local Campaign for the Holidays
There are several ways to get a shop local campaign started in your community. One option is to partner with other local businesses and form a coalition. This group can then work together on marketing and promotional efforts.
Another option is to work with your Chamber of Commerce or other business organizations in your area. These groups often have existing relationships with media outlets and can help get the word out about your campaign.
Promote a Holiday Shop Local Campaign
Once you've got your campaign up and running, it's important to promote it as much as possible. There are several ways businesses can do this:
Put up posters and flyers in store windows and around town
Send out e-newsletters and social media posts
Run ads in local newspapers and on radio or TV stations
Host events or special promotions
Have a holiday open house
Offer discounts for shoppers who mention the campaign
Give away festive goodies like candy canes or ornaments
Partner with other businesses for joint promotions
Type up a gift guide in Word then convert it to a PDF for an email campaign
Incentivize Local Shopping
In addition to promoting your shop local campaign, you can also offer incentives to encourage people to participate. Some ideas include:
Offering discounts or coupons that can only be used at local businesses
Holding drawings or contests with prizes that can only be redeemed at local businesses
Set up a customer loyalty program for local businesses
Giving away gift certificates that can only be used at local businesses
Supporting Other Local Businesses
One of the best things about shop local campaigns is that they help build camaraderie among small businesses. As part of your campaign, consider partnering with other businesses for joint marketing efforts or co-hosting events. This is a great way to show support for fellow small businesses while also getting your own business name out there.
Businesses Can Give Back During the Holidays
Giving back is always important, but it takes on added significance during the holidays. As part of your shop local campaign, consider donating a portion of sales to a local charity or hosting a food drive for a food bank. Not only will this help those in need, but it will also make people more likely to support your business.
The holidays are an important time for small businesses, and participating in or starting a holiday shop local campaign is one great way to boost sales and support the community. These campaigns have numerous benefits, including helping to strengthen the local economy, promoting camaraderie among small businesses, and giving back to those in need. If you're thinking about starting a shop local campaign in your community, we hope this overview has given you some helpful information and ideas.
If you're ready to grow your business with the help of great local resources and partnerships, join the Leavenworth-Lansing Chamber of Commerce.