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TLDR
You never know when an extraordinary event might walk through the front doors of your coffee shop. As a small business owner, it pays to keep an eye out for unique opportunities to engage with potential new customers. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass over North America, bringing throngs of eclipse chasers out in search of optimal viewing locations. A once-in-a-lifetime eclipse represents a chance for your coffee shop to boost visibility while making meaningful connections. With some creative planning, you can be ready to capitalize when the opportunity comes knocking.
The Solar Eclipse of April 8th, 2024: An Opportunity for Coffee Shops
Partner with Local Hotels
As people travel far and wide to experience this celestial phenomenon, coffee shops should partner with nearby hotels to set up pop-up stations and distribute promotional flyers. Offering special eclipse-themed drinks and pastries at a discount for hotel guests is an easy way to spread brand awareness to new audiences and boost sales during this busy time.
Promote Via Mobile Ordering Apps
Coffee shops should utilize mobile ordering apps to promote specific Eclipse menu items, discounts, and freebies. Apps that allow customers to order ahead and skip the line will be especially appealing with the influx of visitors. Promoting the app in advance will make it easy for eclipse chasers to find your shop and take advantage of special offers as they explore the area.
Go Cosmic
An event like this solar eclipse is the perfect time for coffee shops to show off a space or science theme. Shops like Cosmic Coffeehouse + Smoothie Bar, with an intergalactic-inspired menu and decor, will attract eclipse viewers looking to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Highlighting space and celestial elements on social media in the weeks leading up to the eclipse is a great way to capture interest from travelers seeking an out-of-this-world coffee break during their eclipse adventure.
By partnering with local hotels, promoting via mobile apps, and highlighting a space theme, coffee shops across North America can make the most of this rare opportunity to connect with new audiences and boost sales during the solar eclipse of 2024. With some strategic planning, this celestial event could be an incredibly profitable day for small businesses in the path of totality.
Partner With Local Hotels to Set Up Pop-Up Coffee Stations
Partnering with nearby hotels is an excellent way for coffee shops to reach new customers during the solar eclipse. By setting up temporary “pop-up” coffee stations in hotel lobbies or near registration desks, you can provide hotel guests with samples of your products and promotions for your business.
Offer Discounts and Freebies
Offer hotel guests discounts on beverages or free samples to drive traffic to your shop. For example, provide coupons for 10-15% off any purchase at your coffee shop. You can also give away small bags of freshly roasted coffee beans or other merchandise with your business information. These incentives will motivate hotel guests to visit your shop during their stay.
Utilize a Mobile App
If your shop uses a mobile ordering app like Per Diem, explain to the guests how the app allows customers to order ahead and skip the line at your shop. Offer a free beverage or other reward for first-time app users. The convenience and incentives may convert many hotel guests into loyal mobile customers.
Decor and Branding
Branded decor at the pop-up station helps to spread awareness of your business. Use your company logo on coffee sleeves, napkins, signage, and any giveaway items. Play music from your shop’s playlist to create a familiar ambiance. Staff the pop-up station with friendly employees who can discuss your offerings and share information about your shop.
With some planning, a pop-up coffee station partnership is an innovative way for small shops to boost brand visibility and gain new customers during this rare celestial happening. By offering incentives, creating a branded experience, and following up to foster ongoing engagement, you'll turn the solar eclipse into an opportunity for business growth.
Utilize Mobile Ordering to Promote Special Eclipse Menus and Deals
Promote Themed Menu Items
Capitalizing on the cosmic theme, shops can create special eclipse-inspired menu items like “Moon Pie” cookies, “Starlight” smoothies or “Galaxy” lattes. Featuring these items on social media, in email newsletters, and through the app will help generate excitement and boost sales. Freebies or discounts on themed items ordered through the app may incentivize new customers to download and use it.
Utilize a Mobile Ordering App
Per Diem allows customers to place and pay for orders ahead of time through their mobile devices. On a busy day like the solar eclipse, when shops will likely experience an influx of visitors, an app can help reduce wait times and improve the customer experience. Promoting the app’s ordering ahead and no-wait features, especially for eclipse specials, will drive app downloads and sales.
The solar eclipse presents an opportunity for small coffee shops to capitalize on the event and gain new customers. Partnering with local hotels, promoting themed menu items on social media and through mobile apps, and offering special deals and discounts are all strategies shops can use to spread awareness, improve sales and provide visitors with a memorable experience during this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
Get Inspired by Cosmic Coffeehouse's Space-Themed Branding
To capitalize on the celestial event, coffee shops should consider adopting a space or cosmic theme to attract patrons interested in astronomy and science. One example is Cosmic Coffeehouse + Smoothie Bar, which has built its brand around a space and astronomy theme.
Space-Themed Decor
Cosmic Coffeehouse has decorated its shop with space and galaxy-themed art, utilizing holographic prints, star and moon motifs, and futuristic neon lighting. Patrons feel like they have stepped into another world. Coffee shops should consider adding space-themed art, galaxy prints, star and moon cutouts, and cosmic-colored lighting or neon signs to create an out-of-this-world ambiance.
Galactic Menu Items
In addition to its decor, Cosmic Coffeehouse offers space-themed menu items like "The Eclipse Smoothie", “Libra Berry Bowl,” and “Celestial Caesar Wrap.” Creating special eclipse or space-themed menu items, like a “Total Eclipse of the Tart” or “Black Hole Banana Bread,” will attract eclipse-viewing patrons and spread via social media. Partnering with nearby hotels to promote these specials will maximize exposure.
Mobile Ordering
Cosmic Coffeehouse promotes its space on its mobile app, by offering special eclipse day promotions and discounts for those who order ahead. Coffee shops should start preparing to spread awareness of their eclipse events and offer pre-ordering and pickup to reduce wait times for customers.
By theming your coffee shop’s decor, menu, and mobile presence around astronomy and the solar eclipse, you can create a memorable experience for visitors and capitalize on this rare celestial event. Using examples from innovative companies like Cosmic Coffeehouse, think of creative ways to bring the wonder of space and science to your patrons on Eclipse Day.
Final Thoughts
You view the upcoming solar eclipse as an opportunity to form strategic partnerships with nearby hotels and promote your business to visiting tourists. By setting up coffee stations in hotels and distributing flyers, you can capitalize on increased local foot traffic. Utilizing a mobile app to offer discounts and freebies will entice new customers. Following the lead of innovative, theme-based coffee shops like Cosmic Coffeehouse that embrace celestial events can further boost your marketing. With smart planning and creative promotions centered around the solar eclipse, your coffee shop can brew up more sales and shine even after the moon passes.
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