Events to keep them coming back...

[J Phipps TN]

I am having a Silhouette Artist in the store this week-end for the third time. We had him twice at Christmas. This time is just in time for Mothers day.

Anyway, here's the question,

What are some other events, besides the typical Art show to keep traffic flowing?

I do newsletters and post cards with coupons regularly and those work pretty well, but the silhouette artist is probably the best thing we have done since opening.

Does anybody have any other unquie ideas that would keep people coming in to see what's going on?

We also do a Christmas open house with door prizes and refreshments, that too is good. But what about the summer months, when nothing is going on?

What's the one big thing your customers just can't wait for you to do it again.(besides wonderful creative framing)

Jennifer

[J Phipps TN]

OK what's the deal? Do you not have any ideas?

[Maryann]

We've had a glass blower in about twice a year. Manages to gather a crowd with blowing glass in our large window and has developed a following. We carry his glass year round. Also has managed to NOT burn the place down.

[j Paul]

Originally posted by Maryann:
We've had a glass blower in about twice a year. Manages to gather a crowd with blowing glass in our large window and has developed a following. We carry his glass year round. Also has managed to NOT burn the place down. What kind of portable equipment does this guy have for blowing glass. I thought those furnaces had to be kept going day and night. Now I have seen some guys do "lampwork" which is done over a small torch and the work is on small mandrels, mainly beadwork etc.

[Maryann]

I misspoke...he does flamework here - not glass blowing. Has a portable kiln, 2 tanks and torch. Still quite a spectacle in the window.

[trapper]

Diane just stands in the window and paints away on her easel..! Every day people come by. Some to see how it is progressing along. Right now she is painting our pet Ferret ( Sam ) to promote her commisioned work for the painting of peoples pet.
Ferrets are a blast! Natural magnets for people.
Even for the folks who can't stand them..They have to look to satisfy their curiosity.
Beats me..
but it works for us!