Convenient neighbors make a difference for Waggin Train
Steve and Jen Morrison’s three locations of their pet store, Waggin’ Train, are located in strip malls close to residential neighborhoods. There are several sm
all strip malls on each of the streets where they are located. To encourage more local business, Steve and Jen hired their 12 year son, Evan, and his best friend to place fliers under windshields of cars in the neighboring strip mall parking lot. The fliers list the types of food sold by Waggin Train as well as a list of veterinarians that recommend the different foods (the Morrisons have always asked local vets their opinions of various foods, and the vets are happy to support the store. The Morrisons also provide coupons for ‘new puppy kits’ offered by different vets). These fliers have led more local customers into the store who are happy to have a convenient place to pick up their dog food or kitty litter.
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Book Excerpts
Demographics available on lineMember Comments
“we partner with the local animal shelter for their adopt-a-pet program each spring and fall. we put together a “welcome to your new home” bag of food, treats and toys, which are handed out at the shelter when a pet is adopted. we include a discount coupon for their next total purchase at our store as well as their first grooming appointment.karen d, portsmouth nh, pet shop
“we always have a large drop-box for the toys-for-tots drive in november and december. we post a running total the number of “full boxes” donated during the drive. every donor receives a free ice cream cone. our store is one of the largest collectors of toys in town for this worthy cause.”kelly p, baton rouge, la ice cream store
“our downtown main street is very busy on saturday mornings with bike riders.we set up two tables in front of our restaurant and fill cups with ice water. i had a banner made for “bike rider rest station—free water.” we probably have 50 to 60 riders stop.i’m happy that at least 5 customers a week come in to eat and thank us for doing this.”michelle m, san clemente, ca vegan cafe
we are really focusing on enhancing value with consumers, so for fall we’re putting together and promoting product combo bundles such as football jersey and pads for kids, bike helmet and water bottle, etc. to promote this we wanted to reach families, so we advertised in the weekly newspapers, which tend to be less expensive than the big daily paper in town. this allowed us to advertise more often and look at geographic specific circulation runs to reach our immediate area better.bobby joe c. springfield, il sporting goods
“some in our center used post it notes as flyers that they put on cars. we asked them about it and they said that they got better response than before with normal flyers. plus they had no complaints from the landlord about flyers all over the parking lot. they used the local printer and had 500 of the post it notes printed. one thing that they said was important is that they put the note on the driver’s side door not on the windshield.”alexis v, newport beach, ca, dress boutique
