What can I do to better promote my vintage clothing store?

Question

There are two other vintage clothing stores in my area (both within 1 mile from my store...my location is great!), however, they have been around for nearly 10 years and are quite established, and unfortunately, both refuse to recommend or acknowledge my store's existence.

I have been open for about 5 months now, and have developed quite a few repeat customers, or those that come in by word of mouth.

Other than business cards, I have done nothing in the way of printed advertising.

I am working on a limited budget here... Any ideas?

Answer 1

Hello,



I don't know how big your store is or what, if any, era you concentrate on, but have you thought about sponsoring a decade night? Let's say the 1950's and you call you local newspaper and TV stations, tell them you have a human interest story/local business owner story, you can decorate your place like the Hollywood glamour 50's and invite people to come down for refreshments and music (you may want to contact local caterers and see if they would be willing to donate food and drinks in exchange for a cross promotion for the night). Tell them to glam up and offer a prize for the most authentic 50's outfit (A small trophy shouldn't be too expensive). You could also give out a one time use discount coupon to all that attend.



You could take a photo of someone (you or a staff member) wearing a complete outfit from your shop. and put a discount offer on the back of the photo (like a postcard). Send a staff member or if you work alone, hire a local college or HS student for a few hours to pass them out in high traffic areas in your town.



Also leave a stack in other non-competing stores.



If you don't already, you can offer your current customers a "word of mouth discount". Say if Mary's sister comes in and purchases something over $20 then you give Mary a 5% off discount on her next purchase.



Contests are always a good thing as well. You can put a poster in your store window asking passers by to come in and fill out an entry form for your contest (something from your shop, a gift certificate that sort of thing), the foot traffic should result in at least some sales.



Best of luck to you,

http://bloggingmyownbusiness.blogspot.com



http://boutiquepublications.com

Answer 2

Check out your local library for the book, "Marketing without Money" by Nicholas E Bade. You'll find lots of ideas on your limited budget. The main thing is to target your customers so find them... where do they hang out??? Perhaps give a talk on something related to your local library or write a newspaper article that targets your market. You don't want to make it a blatant sales pitch but get yourself known as an expert in vintage clothes, organize a fashion show to promote a local charity, and just think outside the box to gain the respect of the community. Bade's book will give a few other ideas. Selling is only a portion of the reason you're in business... finding and filling a need will attract the money to you.

Answer 3

I would start off with free local listing websites. People are always buying and selling their personal items over the internet so your advertisement will be added along with the others. It's not the best method but as much exposure as possible will go a long way. I would also partner with other local restuarants by offering coupons at their counters so if someone walks in while waiting for his/her food will find stuff to read and pick up and you will have the opportunity to grab his/her attention. Get involved with as much local community events as possible, especially business expos where you can have booths just to present information. This should help initially until you get some financial backing to pay for advertisement.

Answer 4

One Word.....Myspace



Theres a program u can buy for about 20 dollars called EEK Adder....Its a program that automatically sends Add request to people to join your "friends" List



Best part of the program is it adds 300 people at a time(obvisouly not eveyone will accept) but you can specifically pick a zip code to add people from...meaning you could focus on your target market wherever you live....



My friend has a small online store selling his own brand of clothing....he used myspace to spread the word and has over 10,000 friend on his page.....its a great way to promote your buisness....advertise sales and just let people know your there



Myspace is free and the program can be found online for around 20 bux.....Hope this helps & Good Lcuk

Answer 5

I'd offer coupons advertise in schools directories -

place an ad in a local paper - with your hours - and what you have - (that the other stores don't).

Perhaps have a special promotion - and go in and bring local merchants a little goodie bag and introduce yourself -

perhaps go to the same coffee spot a lot and get to know people so they suggest you -

Answer 6

1) Pray & ask the Lord to help you .2) Go to staples or some other place where they make copies and they can make you up some fliers ,that will cost under $50.00. 3) Take those fliers and staple them to telephone poles around your area.4) You can also pay a neighborhood youth to leave these fliers underneith car wipers.5) Do this until business starts picking up and then advertise in some local paper.

Answer 7

No you do not need £200,000. A business website costs from £100 - £600 (if you want it hosted then the web designer will charge monthly) First you must start small, once people like your design, make more.

Answer 8

asks local restaurants if you can post a flyer or a buisness card on tables. put flyers in phone books hide cards in library books. get a sticker for you car.



take drastic measures.