Every year, towns all over Mississippi put on festivals during the spring and fall. In the next few weeks some of our largest festivals will have taken place. These include: Market Street Festival in Columbus, Double Decker Festival in Oxford, Elvis Presley Festival in Tupelo, World’s Largest Crappie Festival in Water Valley, and Cotton District Arts Festival in Starkville. Wow, that is a lot of festivals in a very short period of time. These are only a few of the many festival around the state. During this time, towns ask me what can I do for my retailers.
Many retailers are concerned with festivals because they are uninformed about the event. It is important that you stay connected to your Main Street Organization for information on the festival. Plan…Plan…Plan….
Ten Tips for Retailers to Survive Festival Fury
- Stay informed and get involved. Know what is happening in your downtown. Join Main Street, and if you don’t have one, join the Chamber.
- Plan for events. Calendars are put out months in advance. When at market buy goods for each event.
- Set aside advertising dollars for the event.
- Do not close the day of an event. It is bad business and sends the wrong message.
- Do not put a sign on your door saying no “public restroom”. Have a youth or someone who their job that day is taking care of the restroom. Have bottled water for your customers while they look around, and treat each person as if they are there only because you have the greatest store. They will remember and they will be back.
- Have enough help that you can get out and enjoy some of the festivities.
- Suggest to the festival organizers that they have a merchant or business liaison. This helps with communication and also gives the merchants a voice.
- Decorate accordingly. Make sure your store is festive.
- Sponsor the festival and maximize your exposure. Supporting the event is a great way to get your name out there and be a team player.
- But above all the items on this list, you must have FUN.
