LSMerriment: Bubbly & Bites

For the month of December, we’re celebrating “25 Days of LSMerriment.” In other words, we’re sharing 25 great holiday local store marketing ideas to inspire you this season and help drive sales!

Today, we’re sharing an idea from Red Barn Mercantile, a boutique in Alexandria, Virginia. The shop specializes in home decor and furnishings, but also carries a wide array of cookbooks, children’s gifts and beautiful stationery. They recently hosted “Bubbly & Bites” to celebrate with Anna Watson Carl, the author of the new cookbook “The Yellow Table.” Also in attendance was local wine blogger Kelly D’Amboise.

Cross promotions like “Bubbly & Bites” work so well because each of the participating parties is getting access to an entirely new set of customers. Some may have attended the party because they are a fan of Anna, but had never visited the shop – or, some may be a loyal shopper at Red Barn, but will soon become a loyal follower of Kelly online! Plus, creating a festive party atmosphere with sparkling wine and appetizers helps customers feel welcome (i.e. they are likely to stay longer, and do a little more holiday shopping).

How can you make cross-promotions work for your business this holiday season and into the new year? Let us know in the comments section below!

To check out the rest of our LSMerriment series here!