12 ways to make your in-store Christmas event stand out

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

With the season of goodwill upon us, there’s no better time to invite people in to explore your shop. So, why not plan an in-store event to celebrate the festive season and inspire some shopping? Whether you want to host a limited-time sale or an elegant occasion, check out these tips to get the most out of your next event.

1. Spread the word about your event.
2. Add a personal touch to event invitations.
3. Decorate your space.
4. Attract walk-ins.
5. Welcome guests in style.
6. Use social media.
7. Offer Christmas promotions.
8. Reward early bird shoppers.
9. Treat your guests to something delicious.
10. Offer gift wrapping.
11. Follow up with guests.
12. Share a recap on your social media channels.

Before your in-store event

1. Spread the word about your event.

One of the most important parts of planning a Christmas event is making sure people know it’s happening. Spread the word with signage, like an A-frame sign on the pavement, a banner outside your shopfront and posters in your fitting rooms. Keep the info on these signs to a minimum – just your business name, your brand logo and any essential event details (like the date and time).

Postcards and flyers are also handy tools to promote upcoming events. Put them into shopping bags and consider including a voucher or promotion on each one to encourage customers to come back for your event.

2. Add a personal touch to event invitations.

Despite advances in communication technology, one thing remains: getting a handwritten Christmas invitation in the post feels special. The feeling you get when you open the envelope and realise someone sat down, pen-in-hand and took the time to invite you personally is powerful. You can always follow up with an email or social media reminder of the event, but receiving an invitation in the post is a surefire way to make a memorable impact.

3. Decorate your space.

You’re hosting a Christmas event, so set the stage and get festive! Beyond the banners and posters promoting your event, get creative with Christmas lights, floral arrangements, wreaths, scented candles and more.

During your in-store event

4. Attract more walk-ins on the day of your event.

Catch the eye of shoppers walking by with outdoor signage that stands out. Indoor events can often look private and exclusive – but if that’s not the image you’re going for, do everything you can to make your shopfront look welcoming. Make sure your exterior signage tells people that an event is happening right now and that everyone is welcome. If you’re able to, you can also station an employee outside on the pavement to invite passers-by inside, perhaps with the promise of a warm drink.

5. Welcome guests in style.

Once you’ve tempted a crowd through the door, it can be challenging to greet everyone in person. So, display a sign on an easel with a warm, welcoming message, like “Happy Christmas! Help yourself to a drink and a bite to eat.”

6. Use social media.

Show customers that your business is social media savvy with a dedicated event hashtag or selfie station. Decorate a corner of your shop with a photo-ready backdrop or seasonal props and encourage guests to take advantage of this photo op – and, most importantly, share their photos on Instagram, Facebook and more. Remind them to tag you in their posts and use your event’s hashtag so you can re-post their content!

7. Offer Christmas promotions that encourage people to come back.

There’s a good chance that some of your event guests are first-time visitors to your business, drawn in by the excitement of an event (and the allure of free refreshments). So make sure they have a reason to come back and engage with your business even after the festive season is over. Add a voucher to the back of your business cards and hand them out to each shopper, or print promotional postcards that guests can take home with them.

Or add a handwritten note to shopping and swag bags thanking people for attending.

8. Reward early birds with a branded keepsake.

When it comes to hosting well-attended in-store events, giveaways are a tried and tested way to get people through the door. Give people a reason to show up early by rewarding the first 25 shoppers with a branded promotional item, like a handy tote bag or a cosy jumper. This generous gesture not only gives your guests something special to take home, but it also gets your name around town and creates lasting positive associations with your business.

9. Treat your guests to something delicious.

Nothing makes a Christmas party merrier than festive snacks. Even if you can only stretch to sparkling water and some snacks from the supermarket, offering your guests refreshments is essential, especially during the Christmas season.

You can even take it a step further and serve goodies from other local businesses – maybe sweets from the chocolate shop down the street, or yuletide punch made with seasonal fruit from a nearby farm. And if you’re handy in the kitchen, why not whip up something homemade? Whether you bake a batch of gingerbread biscuits or create a stunning cheese display, event guests are sure to love this extra effort.

10. Offer gift wrapping.

Make the Christmas shopping experience extra memorable for customers by offering gift wrapping. Offer it for free during your in-store event and take this opportunity to show off your branding. If you wrap something in tissue wrapping paper, seal it with a logo sticker. Is a customer shopping for a loved one who lives on the other side of the country? Get their gift ready for the post with a padded envelope and branded packaging tape.

After your in-store event

11. Follow up with guests while memories are still fresh.

After welcoming people to your shop, a brief thank you card keeps the positive momentum of your event going well into the New Year. According to Erin Shea, a Senior Marketing Director at Vista, “your interaction with customers doesn’t end when you pack up. Make sure you follow up with any leads gathered at the event as quickly as possible. Do your best to contact them within 48 hours by email or, even better, follow up with a personal note on a customised, event-themed postcard

12. Share a recap on your social media channels.

You hopefully captured some great content during your event, whether it’s behind-the-scenes footage or customer selfies. Share a recap of your event on your favourite social media channels to get people excited about future get-togethers you might host.