There’s a bookstore that has recently caught our attention because they’re doing some things in unique ways. If you know anything about bookstores, you know it’s a hard industry to make a profit in. You’re competing against mega sellers who can discount books way below what a mom and pop can, and you’re dealing with Amazon. Now some booksellers have joined forces with the virtual mega-giant and sell their books there, while others have dug their heels in, many shutting their doors.
But this is not about books. Not really.
This is about operating in a very competitive market and using swag to build loyalty, interest, and brand recognition all to drive business to the store, an approach your business could easily replicate.
3,2,1 Books recently opened up in Tyrone Square Mall in St. Pete and their approach to selling used books is not only novel (sorry, not sorry. Puns are fun.) but it incorporates a great use of swag and branding as well.
First, they sell tote bags for $10. You can stuff as many children’s books in there as you can fit and the cost of the books is covered under your $10 payment. The customer walks away with some great new reading materials AND a tote bag. That tote is then used when they go to the library, walking around town, maybe even at the beach, but the whole time they’re using it, 3,2,1 Book’s name and branding is getting out there too.
Plus when you offer your customers something in return for a purchase (or in conjunction with), they feel like they received something special.
But that’s not all this bookstore does.
They also sell shirts with their logo and branding on them. Yes, sell.
But these shirts are extra special. You buy them for $20 and get a $20 store credit. Plus, you get notified of special sales and if you wear one in the store on one of those special days, you receive deeply discounted merchandise.
Did you see what they did?
You buy their branded shirts. You walk around the mall (or anywhere else for that matter) advertising their store and they essentially pay you as a “brand ambassador” in book discounts and credits. It’s a brilliant idea.
This swag also makes customers feel good. It helps them show their support and interest and gives them something extra on the side.
Go pay 3,2,1 Books a visit.
Does that get your creative juices flowing about how you can use swag in your business?
If so, contact us today and we can help you find a solution that works for you and gets your name out there.
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