Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

In store events are often a great way to get attention. Have a birthday party at all 4 stores and give a discount. Ask your customers to bring friends.

Have a friends and family event or promotion. For each friend you bring we will give you a chance to win "something".

I'm a B2b guy, not a B2C guy, but you want some creative ideas, so here goes...

...expanding on Harry's idea for a moment... you have 6,000 customers and 4 stores - if you were to do a map of where your customers live, do you have clusters of customers who are a bit remote from current stores? If so, could you have a "tent sale" type event where you "bring the store to them" - and invite them, and ask them to invite their friends?

This might endear you to current loyal customers, and so also help you gain new customers and assess potential future store locations. And, it might help promote your brand to folks who might not see your store, in these "nearby" markets. You say you cannot afford "massive" advertising, but if you have targeted a few remote markets, maybe you could do some targeted advertising in those markets to promote the event.

Another idea - have you seen the show, "What not to wear"? Maybe you could do a take-off on that idea, in these remote markets, to build buzz and traffic. Have fun, and good luck.

I agree with some of the response posts. Your timeline has you holding your 2 year anniversary in Sept. I have had success previously with new store openings by community events, your could do same with your anniversary sale. You can hold "End of Summer Celebration", use your current customer list to send either postcard mailer or email. Use activities that will impact your target demographic customer, is it causal wear, business or formal. Partner with other nearby retail neighbors and use the power of their customer base and offer promotional savings to cross shop. If you have outdoor space and can have outside activities, this may include games, local musicians or activities to both have fun and retain potential customers but also have a great revenue weekend.

I also like loyal customer programs. You can have reward system for purchases to use as coupons on future purchases or set up that for each referral they can be eligible for free accessories with purchase. High margins and low impact to bottom line.

Good Luck!