Spring Forward, Fall Back… Daylight Savings Time arrives in 47-and-a-half* states next Sunday March 14 at 2am.

I know, I know, who can afford to “lose” an hour in this time-pressed world?

That’s what your clientele is thinking, so why not use it to call attention to your shop? After all, answering your customers’ needs is what promotion is all about, right? Here’s an idea for a mini-promo that you can plan in just a few days, thanks to your wise use of your web site, blog, Facebook, Twitter, after-hours phone message and the like:

The Lost Hour:

Adding an hour onto Monday evening when shoppers are invited in for nibbles and a beverage plus whatever special attractions you can arrange on short notice

(that consignor who sells some allied product, your friend the chair massage lady, the travel agent who can pull together a “Packing for Vacation” 10-minute demo, the antiques dealer down the block who can show folks how to add a touch of history to their decor.)

A door prize (“must be present to win”) would be nice, the “unveiling” of a new area (spring items? the wholesale jewelry you will receive this week? fresh dressing room decor?) could be fun. You could even do a “back room tour” to show your clientele all you do to make your shop the best in town.

No additional discounts, though, please…if you’re in the habit of such, break it.

Bill it as “We’re giving you back the hour that you lost…don’t waste time at the mall searching for your style, something that suits your budget, and wandering the parking lot trying to find your car. Come spend a fun hour with MyShop and discover the delights of timely style for you/ your family/ your home…”

More info on how to Promote with Pizzazz, more ideas on events you can use…