The Curvy Coach

http://www.flickr.com/photos/foxcitiesofwi/

Whether you operate a storefront or an online ecommerce store, one of the exciting parts of it all is all the events that surround the plus size fashion industry. Here are 6 events that you should definitely have as part of your 2010 Marketing Calendar:

 1.       Grand Opening/Re-Opening

 If you’re just opening your plus size store (offline or online), you should definitely celebrate. While it’s no easy feat, it’s always great to make a big introduction to your local community.  This doesn’t have to be a budget buster at all – some balloons, a banner, and contact your local newspaper, magazine editors to help promote your grand opening. You can make it as elaborate as you like, the key is to boost foot traffic and land new customers. If you’re opening an online store, then using online PR resources, blogs, and social media are definitely key to help spread the word. Plan a few months in advance.

Now, if you already own your own shop, there’s no rule that says you can’t have a Grand Re-Opening. It’s always a great time to reintroduce yourself to your customers and community. Maybe you gave your place of business or website a makeover and have new products in store. Hosting a re-opening event will allow others to remember you and help to land you new customers as well.

2.       VIP Launch Parties

If you’ve designed a new collection or have brought in one-of-a-kind designers from Europe, then why not have a launch party? The fashion industry is quite fast paced so you have to keep up with the new trends and seasonal changes that come with it. Give your customers a reason to come back time and time again while you show off your new inventory. Don’t forget to invite wholesale buyers, high profile clients, frequent buyers, bloggers, publicists, etc. to your launch parties. Grand Openings are attention grabbing, but having a VIP launch party that showcases fresh, hot apparel makes for an interesting story. Not only that, this caliber of attendees who could very well help to increase your market reach and boost your visibility ten fold!

 3.       Shopping Event/Trunk Shows

 In many metropolitan cities, there’s always a shopping event or some type of local fair seeking vendors. You can avoid the hassle of launching your own event by becoming a vendor for the popular events that attracts your customers. It allows you to market your business in front of customers you probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet. It usually requires a nominal fee for your table. Be sure to check out the venue and reserve a spot with high foot traffic. Don’t forget to collect the contact information of your prospects and buyers so you can continue to stay in touch with them after the event.

 If you love hosting your own events, then hosting your own trunk show or shopping event is a great way to get customers in the door and connect with them on a more personal level. Having a stylist or assistant on hand to help customers pick out outfits makes for a very intimate shopping experience that your customers will never forget. I’ve even seen designers host a private shopping event in their own home or in a single hotel guest room! (Be sure to check the hotel policy before attempting to do this.)

 If you like to go all out and want to add another stream of income on the event planning side of the business then instead of paying a vending fee, invite other local store owners/vendors to be a part of your event. This definitely helps to establish your credibility within your community and also expose you to your peers’ customers. Talk about total win-win! These types of events require a lot more work upfront and are typically held in a larger venue at a hotel or recreation center. All the work is definitely worth it if done right.

 Go here for part 2 to find out what the other 3 events are…

P.S. Do you plan to host or be a part of any of these events? Please share in the comments below!