Good points and it’s a big problem. Running aggressive sales and really blowing out old or slow-moving merchandise at last helps too. The sneaky factor you didn’t mention and everyone seems overlook is that people need to use restrooms frequently and these sorts of events ignore that or have vastly less capacity than is needed. Eight times a day is typical for urination and 2-3 times for a bowel movement so the likelihood most of the crowd will need to “go” during the event is dead certain. Many central business districts have no public or at least visible restrooms at all, the assumption that visitors have iron bladders and very short visits apparently.

So offering your customer or employee restrooms to the public (with a sign) draws a ton of people in for the cost of toilet paper, paper towels, and hand soap…people deeply grateful (except for the jerks) who spend a considerable amount of time deep in your store in line to the lavatory…a real shopping stimulant as well.

Free ice water is a classic tool from Wall Drug’s phenomenal success in drawing motorists otherwise passing by, it’s amazing how many stores forget they have big thermos jugs etc. sitting at home in their garage for picnics that would serve quite well.

For some events getting residents to consider renting out their spare bedrooms to visitors or competitors drastically increases the capacity of the town (and tourists spend the most dollars where they sleep that night, i.e. dinner, breakfast, shopping, entertainment) although you’d think from most of these events that selling a few extra lunches is the primary goal. The residents pick up some extra cash, meet new people, are directly engaged in the event, and the town may pick up hundreds of overnight stays as most small towns have very few motel rooms. AirBNB makes this especially feasible as does letting the event coordinator know who has rooms or whole houses for rent with rates and contact info.

Great points, as always, Al. Thanks for sharing some additional ways to make the most of special events.