THE BIG QUESTION

This month we’re asking retailers, what was your last promotion you ran and how successful was it?

One of our biggest and most successful promotions we have had this year was our ‘Peter Green Health and Wellbeing Event,’ which we held in the Spring. It was the first of what will most probably be an annual event now. To begin with we invited a number of health and wellness professionals from the local community to ‘set up shop’ in our Chandlers ford Store for one Saturday in March. Next, we invited our neighbours and customers to come along and explore the benefits of sleep, relaxation, proper posture and a healthy diet and lifestyle from the experts with an emphasis on improving both mental and physical health. The response was overwhelming. We had over 20 experts sign up to demonstrate their services ranging from chiropractors to people who were able to map inflammation using special technology. When we opened the doors 300 guests joined us and enjoyed free massages, healthy smoothies and lots of free advice on how to improve their lifestyles.

We always try and tie in our promotions with current events and as we have our own in-store printing machine, we can react very quickly. Some examples of our recent sale promotions in the last few weeks include ‘It MAY be time for a New Bed during May Madness’, which was for the whole of May and ‘The King of All Bed Sales’, which we ran for a week either side of the Coronation. This offer was when you buy a bed get a headboard (the beds Crown) half price. We find our customers read the instore literature and our sales team back it up and reinforce the message, so yes, this was good for us! When you’re telling a customer a point it’s nice to point to a poster to back up the sales pitch. After all, a poster and picture say a thousand words.

We have been running some strong bed and mattress promotions, from leading brands, which have resulted in good sales in a challenging marketplace.

The last promotion we ran was an invitation only event to launch our new cookshop over the bank holiday weekend which was extremely successful. We offered discounts not only off the cookshop products but right across the store. We also opened late on the Friday evening with a huge prize draw and free buffet for those attending. Both the staff and customers said what a great night it was.

Our latest campaign was our ‘IN STOCK clearance sale’ where we cleared a lot of our stock that has been in storage for some time. This allowed us to scoop some dead money back up and create space. It was also one of our best months of trading too.

Sherborne Upholstery

The Cartmel Electric Riser Recliner range has been a huge success since its recent introduction. Available in four sizes, and with a choice of scroll arms, or light oak or dark beech wood knuckles, it has been especially designed for optimum comfort and support, with lateral support cushions in the back in addition to a supportive headroll. Express delivery is offered on over 200 soft cover options, including dual or single motor control and optional lumbar adjustment. www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk

Devonshire

Devonshire’s brand-new painted bedroom range ‘Lydford’ is now available for purchase, having arrived into UK stock at the end of May. An upgrade to their previous ‘Pebble’ range, Lydford features soft curves, a commercial light grey paint finish (with nine premium colours also available), solid oak tops and – most importantly – a more attractive price point. To request more information or a visit from Mike (North) or Anthony (South) with the show van, please get in touch at enquiries@devonshireliving.co.uk. www.devonshireliving.co.uk

Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams’ new exclusive Eden Online Mattress range is proving to be a popular choice. The range features 18 mattresses, which are made to order, and offers a wide range of price points and features, from starter mattresses to high quality hand side stitched FR Chemical free mattresses. The Eden range is complimented by a fully FSC certified divan range featuring non-storage, drawer, side and front ottoman bases with matching headboards in 16 luxury fabrics. www.sweetdreamsuk.com

Timber Art Design

A modest and contemporary style is perfect for practical and simple living. A straight-edged frame - with structured arms, mild to firm cushioned seats and beautiful wooden legs. A charming three-seater sofa which combines a classic 1930s style, with modern comfort. Modern Style Sofa Flared Arms H77cm x W185cm x D86cm. Available in Green or Grey Seats up to three Fire Regulated Professional clean only. Assembly of legs required; each product arrives in one box. www.timberartdesignuk.com

Gallery Direct

Gallery Direct’s outdoor living collection includes the Champillet Dining Table, which features an unusual, attractive oval shape and an eye-catching radial design for the top. The built-in Lazy Susan is inset so it is the same height as the tabletop for added practicality. Designed to work perfectly with the table are two benches. Both echo the curve of the top; one features an elegant high back, whilst the other is backless. All are crafted from teak, which is an ideal material for outdoor furniture because of its incredible durability and water resistance. www.gallerydirect.co.uk