10 Ways to Celebrate Neighborhood Pet Store Day in Your Retail Store
Independent pet stores are more than just places to buy pet supplies; we're essential parts of our communities. Our informed and passionate teams work hard to provide education, product knowledge, and an unrivaled experience for pets and pet owners alike. The first annual Neighborhood Pet Store Day provides us with the ideal opportunity to highlight and amplify the indie pet difference, raise local awareness, and showcase our unique value proposition. Here are ten creative ways to host a memorable event for your customers on September 23, 2023, and ensure the continuation of this special day for years to come!
Create a festive store: Decorate your storefront with pet-themed banners, balloons, and signs to attract more customers and create an enthusiastic atmosphere. Encourage team spirit by designing a special T-shirt for your staff members, sparking excitement and adding to the day's festive atmosphere. Purchase some promotional items such as stickers from Sticker Mule, for a fun take-away for your customers.
Offer a selfie station: Set up a photography area in-store where customers can snap memorable moments with their furry friends. Encourage them to share the photos on social media and tag your business for additional exposure.
Use NPSD branded marketing materials: Utilize the Neighborhood Pet Store Day materials provided to IndiePet Retailer members, boosting your local reach and hyping up the big event. You can download the event logo, printable signage, and more from the Brand Toolkit.
Collaborate with local rescues: Set up booths or tables in-store, allowing rescues to bring adoptable pets and share photos on social media. Make raffle baskets filled with their products, selling tickets, and donating the proceeds to support their noble cause.
Organize a donation drive: Ask partner rescues to provide wish lists of essential items and invite customers to purchase them for donations. To encourage participation, offer discounts to customers who bring in new or gently used items, boosting sales and supporting local businesses.
Offer special discounts: Work with your vendors and distributors to offer special discounts on popular brands. Take advantage of Astro offers that will be available especially for this event. Create a poster, handout, or social media post that lists all the discounts to get more engagement.
Show off your best-selling products: Use engaging window displays, end caps, or table tops to highlight your top-performing products and discounted items.
Create an interactive experience: Organize various activities, such as discounted grooming services, invite a food truck to park outside your store, or set up educational talks hosted by professional trainers.
Have fun with social media: Ask your customers to share their pet photos from the day and then host an online photo contest. Invite your followers to vote for their favorite by liking their favorite and then award the winner a special prize.
Join in on the fun: everyone is talking about Neighborhood Pet Store Day, from manufactures, indie retailers, like yourself, and consumers gearing up to support the September 23, 2023 event and treat their pet to a day out on the town.
Windy City Pet Store in Laramie, WY shared a banner in their store on social media and plans to celebrate the day with their customers.
Event Sponsor, Grandma Lucy’s has been highlighting indie retailers on their social media channels leading up to the big day!
The sky’s the limit with what we can do! Join us and help make this Neighborhood Pet Store Day an occasion to remember! To learn more about Neighborhood Pet Store Day, and your store to the independent retailer locator, or to RSVP your participation please visit:
Neighborhood Pet Store Day is an important event to demonstrate the unique value of indie pet stores and celebrate the vital role we play in our communities. We invite you to create an unforgettable day to showcase your expertise, engage customers, and reinforce the bond between pet owners and their local pet stores. Share your event day tips and ideas with IndiePet in email or on social media and let us know how you plan to celebrate.
