One of the unspoken goals of any business is to widen its embrace in the marketplace… to become the go-to source for more and more of its marketplace needs. Is
your business reach a bit broader in your community
than it used to be? What have you seen/ heard/ been told that your target market is in the , um, market for, and how could you integrate that with your business?
Does your community need a gathering place for a business-card exchange? Why not offer your shop and provide wine (you could even arrange for a short presentation by a noted professional to draw more participants… who therefor ebecome familiar with your business)? Is there an interest in pet adoption, that you could host once in a while?
What local need could your business fulfill?
Here’s some that other consignment, resale, and thrift shops have chosen to add to their businesses. Maybe one will be a good fit for your community, your location, and your business.
- Rentals: Baby gear, party tableware, evening wraps?
- Local services needed, such as pack-n-ship services. One charitable thrift shop actually made its mark by being, believe it or not, the drop-off/ pick-up location for a dry cleaner’s in another town.
- Providing a sales outlet for a local charity. My shop sold poinsettias one year for a charity (and got great holiday decor out of it!) and handcrafted pins another year. Both drew goodwill and a lot of press attention, as well as new faces who “only came in for some plants.”
- Allied businesses. Some consignment shops provide space for tux rental companies, another rented its extra space to a Haloween costume pop-up shop.
- “Home party” companies: Would your shop be a good venue for an after-hours event which will draw new potential customers to your location?
- Local social groups and services. A dance studio could hold a dance-outfits swap in your shop… which puts your shop on the mental map of all those parents.
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 