Retail Marketing Strategies – Create an image for your store

As a retailer, what do you think of, when the word “marketing” is mentioned?  Many retailers think advertising.  While advertising is one of the key elements of marketing it is merely one of the tools used in a retail marketing strategy. Your retail marketing strategy is part of what sets your store apart from your competition.  Developing a strong retail marketing strategy can make your store relevant to its customers.  A good retail marketing strategy enables you to build an image and make your store stand out from other retailers. 

In order to construct your retail marketing strategy you must first determine who your ideal customer is. For example, if your business is a drug store you may determine that your target customers are mothers with young children and senior citizens.   You would then consider what things that mothers and seniors look for in a drug store retailer and build your retail marketing strategy to communicate how your store meets those desires. 

Once you have determined who will receive your message and what your message should be then your next step will be to make that message memorable.  Of course it must communicate the benefits that your store provides but just as importantly it must do so in a manner that is “sticky”. Get creative and make the message your own.  A few years ago the motel chain, Motel 6 unveiled the very effective marketing message of, “We’ll leave the light on for you”.   This marketing strategy was very successful because it felt “homey” and was therefore emotionally “sticky”.

Once you have written your “sticky” message it’s time to implement your retail marketing strategy.  This can be done using radio, newspaper, direct mail, on-site events, store apparel, store signage, and your store logo.   Your retail marketing strategy should be communicated by implementing a combination of these methods at the same time.  Promote everything that represents what your store is. Promote your products. Promote your services Promote your location and your staff, and your store hours. Remember you are marketing your store’s image.

Interested in retail marketing strategies? Then get your copy of Discovery Based Retail today!