There’s little doubt this fall season is going to look very
different for many families and individuals. Thanks to COVID-19, many of our favorite traditional fall events will be canceled or, if not, done very differently.
Here’s five ideas from RCI members for generating sales by creating memorable experiences for families this fall.
Candy-Making Classes: Two Ways
Hosting
virtual candy-making classes is a great way to engage with consumers. RCI
member, Yelibelly Chocolates, has developed a series of at-home candy-making
classes which can be experienced as a prerecorded video or live Zoom call.
Further direction can be shared with customers after purchasing a supply kit containing
the needed ingredients and supplies.
Known
for their in-person candy-making classes for kids, RCI member, PeterbrookeChocolatier, has been able to continue in-person classes by offering small
groups of families and/or close friends to take private classes together after
local mandates allowed. This approach limits potential exposure to participants
by individuals outside their inner circle and creates a more comfortable environment
for local patrons to do something fun outside their homes.
Socially Distant Outdoor Events
Is
your annual fall festival cancelled this year? Use your creativity to dream up
a socially distant outdoor event to generate foot traffic at your store. RCI
member Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium plans to host their
annual outdoor pumpkin painting party (albeit practicing social distancing)
and treat kids dressed in their Halloween costumes with a complimentary goodie
bag.
Another
idea could include hosting a family movie night in the parking lot by hanging a
white sheet on the side of your building and setting up a projector. RCI
member, MarshmallowMBA plans to partner with local churches to gain exposure
during Trunk-or-Treat events in their community.
DIY Take-Home Kits
Make
it easy for shoppers to create special memories for their families. RCI member
Stever’s Candies had success over the summer by selling s’mores and ice cream
sundae take-home kits, each packed with all the sweet ingredients needed and
bundled together for a quick, grab-and-go treat or an easy, yet thoughtful,
gift.
Themed Virtual Tastings
Hosting
a virtual chocolate tasting may be just the ticket for safely connecting with
chocolate lovers near and far. Incorporating themes will make the experience
more memorable and potentially lead to customers ordering multiple tastings.
RCI member, Blommer Chocolate Company, suggests themes that hypothetically
whisk participants away to a virtual vacation destination or even highlight
your home base. Check out this video from Blommer Chocolate's Rose Potts for more inspiration on creating a successful virtual chocolate tasting.
For a
more local vibe, source local fall produce to highlight as part of your virtual
tasting. We think this
recipe for apple cider caramels from King Arthur Baking Company would
be the perfect addition to a fall harvest themed tasting.
Virtual Factory Tour
Pique
the curiosities of children and parents alike by sharing virtual tours of your
candy kitchen. After closing their factory to tours, RCI member SnowflakeChocolates has posted a virtual tour of their facility on social media as well
as behind-the-scenes videos of how they make chocolate-covered Oreos and maple
fudge. After seeing all the yummy confections in the making, invite followers
to get it fresh by placing orders online or in-store.
After a
popular children’s YouTube sensation toured their facility, RCI member Boehm’sCandies created an Eat-Along Kit including the confections featured in the tour.
If you’re looking to take your virtual tour to the next level, feature your
signature confections in the video tour and sell them as a bundle for consumers
to purchase and enjoy while they watch your virtual tour.
Businesses that thrive this fall will be the ones that are intentional about creating a safe and comfortable environment for consumers and their families to not only enjoy their products, but create memorable experiences their patrons won’t soon forget. Here's wishing you a sweet and successful fall season!
Crave
more? If you like what you read here, look for the "Subscribe
now" box on the right to enter your email address and start
receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's
Tip of the Week blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy
makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing
practices.
