Auntie Kate The Resale Expert

May’s almost here. It’s too late to plan a promotion around May Day* (which has kind of died away anyway. Seen any Maypoles around recently?) but how about:

May 4: Teacher Appreciation Day. Time for a swing shop of small theme-appropriate gifts, a discount to teachers for the day (or week), or even a bowl of apples for all, the traditional gift to a teacher. Nothing wrong with writing a hand-written note to anyone whom you consider has taught you to be a better shopkeeper.

May 5: Cinco de Mayo is a fun holiday to build a promotion around. This Mexican holiday calls for hot tropical colors, pinatas, and the flavors of our southern neighbor. Tequila optional and inadvisable before closing time.

May 7: Garden Appreciation Day. Fill your windows and swing shop with florals and have a giveaway of two tickets to near-by gardens, or find a garden center to donate a basket of pretty gardening tools or a rosebush in return for your publicizing their business.

May 9: This year’s date for Mother’s Day. But then, you knew that. A nice touch is a carnation (look for a wholesale florist in your area) to each woman of child-bearing or older age who comes in. And no, do not ask if she’s a mother. Unless you want to break a few hearts.

Need more planning time? Memorial Day’s late this year: May 30. Surely you can have all the beach balls and swim rings inflated and hung from the ceiling by then.

Remember, fun promotions separate your shop out

from the dreaded Sea of Sameness which is retailing in the 21st century. Enjoy your promotional events, and they will be memorable to your clientele. (Ads, social media, bag-stuffers, answering machine messages, postcards, in-store signage and press releases don’t hurt either.)

And remember, promotions don’t have to include slashing your already-wonderful prices.

* I loved May Day. Here’s what Wikipedia says about it: In some parts of the United States, May Baskets are made. These baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone’s doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver.