We’ve talked about partnerships a lot this year, and my forecast is that small town businesses will get better at partnering with each other and seeing what kind of magic they can create. In Hampton, we’ve got a group of local retail stores that have joined together to better market their shops, create events that bring shoppers to town and work with the Chamber. They are known as the Hampton Specialty Shops and include stores:
- The Wood Cellar
- Orange Possum
- The Freckled Dandelion
- Cornerstone Cottage
- Cornerstone Cottage Kids
- Got You Covered
- Fireside Gifts
- Christensen’s Jewelry
- Carols Flower Box
- merry bees
- El Paisita Western Wear
- Sandees Flower House
- The Funky Monkey
They all contribute to a general marketing fund and meet monthly to determine what kind of marketing they do. It includes mailing postcards, advertising in various papers around the state, radio spots and social media. During their Open Houses they track zip codes from people who buy. The Chamber prepares a report for them so they can see where people are coming (what ads are working) and where traffic is light (do they need more ads?).
Each shop is unique and has items for sale you won’t find at the other shops. It makes shopping a day trip event for many women and promises great gifts you will not find in your own neck of the woods. We like how they partner together – and offer this group as a fine example of how things could be in your town.
View the pictures taken at the Holiday Open Houses – see the kind of things they have for sale. Just Click Here.