Mar 26, 2009

Independent stores pump up the perks to lure shoppersBy APLATimes.com

In these tough economic times, what’s a store to do to make sure it’s still in business a year from now?

“Get a tarot card reader,” said Emese Boone, owner of Box Turtle in Little Rock, Ark.

And she’s not kidding — Boone hired a local tarot card reader to give free readings during a recent jewelry trunk show in her clothing, jewelry and housewares shop.

Retailers like Boone are hoping special events, classes, blood pressure screenings and even career counseling will inspire shoppers to keep on shopping during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Boone has also hosted a cocktail party and a book signing and started a rewards program that gives customers a 20% discount every time they spend $500 in her store.

“The place is like a party,” says Tanya Fitzgerald, a customer who discovered the shop through its special events. “It’s more fun and personal.”

Do these perks translate into dollars? Not necessarily. And it costs money to pay for entertainment and refreshments. Still, shop owners think it’s worth a try.

Tamara Lee, owner of Brooklyn Mercantile in New York, is teaming up with a local nurse practitioner who will conduct free breast cancer and blood pressure screenings, as well as free nutrition workshops at Lee’s store.

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