As one of the busiest times of the year, holiday shoppers have many choices in where and how to shop. This list of 16 (I started out with 34 but couldn't get all to fit one page) PR ideas might help get more traffic through your doors - even if you only use a couple.

1. 16 PR IDEAS TO INCREASE RETAIL TRAFFIC THIS HOLIDAY
Rent a PHOTO BOOTH with hired staff to dress as elves. Have dress up clothes for families to put on before snapping their pics!
Find an historic location or old train station and run a fundraiser in it, like a fashion show- themed according to the site.
Set up a craft and coloring area in the back for kids and hire a qualified babysitter or two to watch over them, while mom or dad shops. Hire a juggler or entertainer.
It’s still not old. Organize a flash mob in the mall or on your street. Have all dancers wearing hats or scarves with your logo on them.
Sponsor sleigh rides or horse and buggy rides in the park or to and from your shop. Hire a choir to sing outside your store in the local park wearing
a hat or scarf with your logo
brought to you by
1
As online shopping becomes more prevalent, bricks and mortar shops with or without an e-commerce store are looking for ways to increase traffic to their locations. I have compiled a list of 16 PR ideas (some simple and less costly than others).The more unique and thoughtful your event, the better your chances of generating media coverage. But to get media to pay attention, you need to invite them and issue a media advisory or press release using the five Ws (Who, What, Where, When and Why). If you need help check my website for PR and media tips or drop me a line. With 20+ years of PR experience I can whip up a professional press release or media advisory for you in minutes.
In no particular order:
2
3
Run a contest in your local newspaper and in store for a chance to win a string of pearls, a pedi/mani or ball gown or suit for New Year’s Eve festivities (whatever your store sells)
4
5
If you’re a wine store, use empty bottles with your label and send a “Message In a Bottle” to customers with holiday greetings
6
Pitch a local reporter – or sign up for Help a Reporter Out (HARO) where you can pitch your expertise on articles written by national journalists. Can you get on a local radio program that is focusing on tips for the holiday season?
7
8
9
Shoe polish customers’ leather shoes when they shop the shoe dept. (of course.)
Celebrating a milestone year? Have cake for shoppers and a coupon for them to return. Is your city or town celebrating a milestone? Do something special to commemorate.
10
11
12
13
15
14
16
Are you a lighting company or a big box store that sells lighting? Light up that town bridge with your merry wishes.
Hold a wreath decorating contest with a promise to display the top three in your store or windows. Sponsor a contest: best window display, best holiday decorations, best ornament
If you are a clothing store, sponsor a shopping spree for a low-income woman or family who could use a little help.
Hire a Stylist or Consultant who can help your VIP customers pick outfits for the holidays. Rent a coin-operated massage chair or a have masseuse set up in your store. Have staff member play “host” and serve apple cider at your doors
Choose a charity and offer to match contributions by the community up to a maximum. Get your staff involved in a community fundraiser
Projection mapping spectacle on the side of your building. Get inspiration from this Book of Transformations created by one of my clients, the leader in visual display technologies. In-store digital signage displays are also big these days.