Skatepark Promotions, Holidays, Events

It's that time of year again.  Hopefully the busiest time you will have, with many parks unskatable, kids with free time, its's cold outside and warm inside.  How are you planning on taking advantage of these additional days events.  Here are a few ideas-

1. Promotions, particularly during the holidays don't have to be extreme.  You don't have to slash the price of money winners in order to move product.  Many times, adults are looking for things for their kids.  They don't have a clue about what to offer.  Putting together packages that are attractive, cost conscious and trendy could be a good way of going after this market. Make certain that these promotions are "promoted" by fliers, mailers, email, and website.  As I have said in past articles, put your promotion into a campaign.  Have a contest with your staff to see who can move the most stuff.
     Additionally you can lure in people with a money neutral item in order to sell other things.  Having a "sale" deck could be a way of getting people into the shop to look at your items.  many retailers have this item at a limited quantity say 5-10 items.
     Another promotion type is the "additional 10% for members" or whatever.  Instead of giving 35% off an item, offer 25% plus an additional 10% for members type sale.  While in people's heads they think they are getting 35% off they are really only getting 32.5% off.  So instead of discounting 35% or $35 on $100), you are offering $32.5 on $100.  I would advise too that you make certain your discounts are within your costs, and that you offer reasonable discounts.

2. Events - Having holiday events is tradition in many parks.  Putting on a good event takes time and planning.  Having a person that can MC is vital, as well as a DJ, prizes, and trophies.  Planning out your next year could put a culminating event around this time.  Look to monetize a day that is not your busiest, or try to avoid Saturdays.  Better to put these on a weekday evening, or during holiday break.  Advertise these events too so that kids will know to come watch.

3. Parties - Everyone wants to have a holiday party.  Why not market your park as a place for local shops, groups, and regular customers to have a private park party.  Having space available for them to have cake and other foods is always a good idea too.  Many of the kid oriented places like those inflatable bouncing businesses have several rooms and packages available for birthday parties.  Spending time to create fliers and a plan for these types of event is a very good idea.  Dedicate a staffer to deal with the party and make them feel like the cost is associated with service.  These events could also be scheduled after hours, making down time for the park, a profitable time.  Don't forget to offer a party for members and your staff.  Noting the wonderful dedication and hard work of your staff goes a long way to getting more out of them.

4. Holiday camps - Many parents are looking for things for their kids to do during the days.  Consider hosting a camp during the morning hours like you should be doing in the summer.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!