Family Fun Month
August the kids go back to school, the weather will start getting colder, the days will start getting shorter; families will be rushing to get in some quality time with each other before fall rolls around. What better time to have Family Fun Month? And according to several recent surveys, family time is more important to people than ever before. In a nationwide survey in June 2001, The Harris Poll telephoned 1,011 adults to ask, “What are your two or three most favorite leisure-time activities?” Spending time with family was the third most popular response, and gardening was the fifth most popular response. It just goes to show that people value their families and want to be with them as often as possible.
Okay, enough with the mushy stuff how can this benefit your business? Connect those two popular responses from the survey, and you could have a winning combination. August is the month to promote… well… anything that can be included in family activities. Here are just a few ideas:
Birding. Birding doesn’t have to be a one-person activity. It’s an easy hobby to children include in. Set out your birding merchandise birdhouses, birdfeed, books on birds, etc. with signage promoting birding as a family activity.
Plants, Pots, Soil, Etc. Families can and do spend all day in their gardens. Set out your planters, garden gloves (all sizes), garden tools, soils and especially plant material. Put together a few mixed containers to give them some ideas, and don’t forget the children’s merchandise to wrap up the family message.
Children’s Tools. Nothing says family like children. If children are in your garden center (see page 38 for making your store children friendly) and see products in their sizes, shapes and colors, they will most likely bring mom to the display where she will find more for the whole family.
And Most Importantly
You know the drill this promotion won’t work if you don’t have the proper signage. Make sure the “August Is Family Fun Month” sign is big enough to catch the customer’s attention. Ask local associations and organizations for flyers of family events scheduled around your area such as festivals, carnivals or shows and include these with your displays. You can set up your display in any way or with any theme you want. Just make sure the message is clear: Gardening is fun for the whole family.
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