Auntie Kate The Resale Expert

Everything goes better with chocolate. Who doesn’t like chocolate (well, my stepsister, but she’s weird. Doesn’t like pizza either. Note, STEPsister.)

Coming into fall with its luscious warm colors, what better fun promotional event than exactly that:

Everything goes better with chocolate.

Gather up all your chocolate-colored stuff. Create vignettes, swing shop, 2- and 4-ways with chocolate as a theme.

When you’re doing displays and signage, remember that Chocolate goes with raspberry, blueberry, even vanilla…

Re-do your showcases with chocolates sprinkled in amongst the merchandise. Create hangtags for prime goods (and don’t forget: dark, semi-sweet, milk chocolate…and white chocolate.)

Is there a local chocolatier/ bakery that would like to participate, get their name out there, help you advertise and pass out samples at the event? More chocolate ideas (and BUTTONS!) from The Merry Chocoholic.

If yours is a high-end boutique: will the local jeweler consider coming to show a display of the newest precious-gem fad, chocolate diamonds? If you’re a furniture/ home goods shop, ask a decorator to set up and man a display on how Chocolate fits in every decor. If your shop is kids-only: have a storyteller reading or the video of Willie Wonka running in a corner.

If you have a light-hearted staffer, how about renting her/him a Hershey’s Kiss costume? Or with a crafty team member, friend, even step-sister: make Hershey’s Kiss hats for all staffers? Decorate with balloons?

Drawing for (depending on your target market) an infant Kiss Halloween costume, Kiss sofa pillow, or just a “truckload” of real Kisses.

Goodie bag on leaving: Hershey’s kisses, several envelopes of hot-chocolate mix, a favorite chocolate recipe card (including on it,  your shop information of course) and best of all…

A Delayed Gratification coupon

…something with a specific dollar amount, good for the week after your event, to lure them back! Or you could call it your Sweet Deal coupon, your Life is a Box of Chocolates gift card…  (Please note: this is the only price-reduction suggestion. Promotional events, for the most part, should NOT involve lowering prices. They are for adding value. Make that your mantra.)

More ideas and plans for consignment and resale promotions are available in the TGtbT.com Products for the Professional Resaler Shop.