Promotions help retailers attract new customers, engage with old faces, and build loyalty. But every promotion works differently, so it can be tough to decide which approach is best for your company. That’s where this guide to the 5 types of retail promotion can help.
If you’re not sure what your promotion will need, see our guide to the types of event signage. And if you’d like to push sales while doing your part for the environment, find out how you can go green with the top 5 eco-friendly printing practices.
1. Discounts
Discounts sell products are a fraction of the cost, encouraging customers to spend more!
Percentage off
These types of sales promotions cut the regular price of a product. 50% can be more inviting than £4.50 off the retail price, so percentages can help your sale promotion look more impressive than it is.
Money off
This could be £10 off a purchase when spending £50 or more. It’s a good tactic if you’re offering a deep discount and want to highlight how much the customer is saving.
Buy one get one free
Want to get rid of old stock quickly? A BOGOFF sale gives the customer an extra item for free when buying a qualifying item at full price.
These promotions need advertising to work. If you have a good retail space, then you could use posters or banners, impactful window graphics, and point-of-sale display items. See our sales promotion tips for more ways to get your message seen.
2. Limited-Time Sales and Flash Sales
A limited-time sale can last for weeks, days or just a few hours. Here are some of the variations.
Seasonal sales
A type of retail promotion that covers specific seasons, like a summer or winter sale. Alternatively, you could run a holiday sale over Christmas or Easter.
Flash sales
These short-term promotions last for a few hours or a day, much like Black Friday. They typically give big discounts on selected items, creating a sense of urgency for impulse buys.
Given these promotions are over in a flash, all large-format advertising materials must be ready to go on the day. And by keeping your social media channels updated, you can announce your flash sale online to generate a lot of buzz.
3. Loyalty Programs and Rewards
Loyalty programs encourage repeat buying and long-term commitment. These types of sales promotions build brand loyalty, especially when the rewards are generous.
Point-based programs
Rewarding customers for every purchase means they’re less likely to go elsewhere. These types of retail promotions motivate customers to come in and buy more often, especially when they can get something for free.
Tiered programs
These programs sort customers into levels based on their spending habits. The more someone spends, the higher their ranking. Retailers often create silver, gold and platinum membership levels, each providing better offers.
So how can a loyalty program work for you? You’ll need staff to help encourage sign-ups, and you could print cards, leaflets and posters to explain the process. To reach a lot of people in one go, why not launch your program with a brand event or activation?
4. Free Samples and Gifts
While some types of retail promotions give money off, samples entice visitors to try before they buy.
Product samples
Samples can spread awareness and help build a fanbase; QV Skincare did just that when they toured the UK (from London to Edinburgh!) with a branded Airstream, complete with sampling stations. Learn more about QV’s campaign here.
Gift with purchase
Free gifts, however small, are quick to get people excited. One example is a free makeup bag with a purchase of £40 or more. You could hand out USB sticks, coasters or keychains – all advertising your brand.
A sample can be handed out on the spot or through a planned, limited-time promotion. See how to choose the right display products to help your sampling day stand out.
5. Contests and Giveaways
These types of sales promotions encourage people to get involved and share your content online.
Social media contests
Not all social channel competitions are just about liking, sharing or commenting. Tombola used one of Promohire’s support vans to drop boxes across the UK – taking a photo of each box in a well-known place. If you could guess the location, you’d be entered into a free prize draw!
In-store giveaways
Some retailers run giveaways, entered by filling in a form, taking part in a demonstration, or buying a product of a certain value. This can raise foot traffic and raise engagement levels.
If you’re spearheading a retail contest, event or sale, see our ultimate guide to retail promotions and learn how to target your audience through compelling offers.
Ready to make your promotion a big success?
No one wants their sale or promotion to crash and burn. That’s why it’s worth getting the high-quality prints needed to attract customers and get the word out there.
The Raccoon branding store has everything you need to run a physical retail promotion. So, what are you waiting for? Click below to visit our wide range of products. These can all be customised using our free online tool – no design skills needed!
