Autumn and winter can be a time when people stay indoors.

So how can you keep a retail, food or hospitality business thriving when the temperature drops?

Kerry Daly (Manager, Camberwell Centre Association) offers some tips.

1. Create a warm and welcoming experience

By displaying candles or low-lit lamps you can create an environment that looks warm and inviting.

By using soft furnishings, curtains and wall hangings you can retain heat in a way that’s cost-effective, environmentally friendly and beautiful at the same time. Don’t forget to consider all the senses.

Use scented candles and oils as well as music to create a distinctive experience.

2. Do something special or unusual at wintertime

If you’re a restaurant, consider having a performer at night.

Winter has the advantage of not being as busy as spring or summer in as far as festivals and food events so there is an opportunity to create something noteworthy for people to experience.         

3. Make money outside of your core business

Whatever time of year, it’s always worth thinking about how to monetise your store or restaurant in unique ways.

Do you have a skill that you can teach at your store? You could also consider renting your space to another organisation in the evenings.

More information

To help you improve your physical store, we run courses in Visual Merchandising that include practical tips and tricks to create shop window displays that attract customers.  

We also offer free business mentoring for new and existing businesses.

To find out more, contact our Economic Development team on (03) 9278 4444.

 


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