Why not a subscription to your shop?

How many times has a customer told you "I could just live in your store?"

Be ready the next time you hear it.  Moving them in probably isn't an option, but you know what is?  A monthly subscription box from your shop.

Hand crèmes from The Cottage Greenhouse

You strive to create a unique merchandise assortment to make your store unique, so why should local shoppers be the only ones to have their lives enriched by your efforts?  Think bigger!

Offer customers a monthly subscription box program from your shop.  It's already a proven success for businesses without a brick-and-mortar presence.  Why let them reap all the rewards when you're equipped to offer the same service while adding another dimension to your existing business?

Depending on your market, you should be able to target these customers:

• Local customers
• Out-of-town shoppers who fall in love with your store on a visit
• Former customers who have moved away but still want to do business with you
• Customers who admire your business from afar via your active social media presence
• People who love surprises
• People who love surprises - but hate to shop
• People who are looking for personalized gift ideas

Does the idea scare you?  Does it sound like more work than you can handle?  Think of it as creating custom gift baskets for someone each month.  Also, think of it as planned, recurring business that can provide clarity to your buying - and increase your bottom line.


Candle & matches from the Brim & Bright collection by Illume

Promote your program in the shop, on your website and on all your social media.  Print up a flyer that you include in the bags for shoppers who are visiting from out of town.

When a customer signs up, ask them to fill out a brief survey of their likes (and dislikes) to give you guidance on how to assemble their subscription boxes.  Make sure anyone can sign up and fill out the survey on your website, as well.

If monthly still sounds like more than you handle, try a quarterly program instead.  Each package can reflect the current season.  If you sell higher ticket items, quarterly is likely to attract more participants than monthly.

Create your program with multiple price ranges - say $10, $25, $50 and $100 - so that everyone can find an affordable option.  Give each level a clever name that reflects your store's specialty, like naming each package after a flower or a spice or a wine.  Avoid hierarchical names like silver, gold and diamond so that no one feels like they are purchasing the "cheap" option.


Variety of perfect items to include in any price range - from Knock Knock









Make sure your store's name, website and contact information is included on every package you send out.  It's an important marketing component that will allow customers to easily refer their friends and acquaintances to your establishment.

If you are a retailer in southern Virginia, I am eager to share other ideas with you so that you can launch your own program.  It just so happens my line package offers dozens of perfect ideas to get you started, and you no doubt already have numerous items already in stock that are perfect.

If you want to meet up and work on putting a program together, please get in touch by phone or email (contact info in sidebar) and let's get you started!