We're back from the CHA Summer Convention & Expo! Our kid's panel discussion could have been a train wreck or wonderful and we're happy to say it was wonderful. We had 12 boys and girls ages 6 to 14 on our panel, and man, did they have a lot to say! We'll recap it for you in a later post, but for right now you need to know about these three things:
1. Every kid on the panel -- especially the girls -- like to go shopping with daddy. The moms' referred to dad as "Disney Dads" because he tends to be the fun parent. The boys on the panel also mentioned attending classes at Home Depot; making bird houses and the like.
This means it's time to add some "Daddy & Me" time to your repertoire of crops, classes, demos, and projects.
2. Every kid on the panel -- both boys and girls -- like to make jewelry. And they all mentioned hemp. The boys string things like big beads and sharks teeth on leather, and the girls prefer clear elastic, big beads and plenty of CHOICE. If "variety" came up once, it came up a thousand times. They like to choose their own materials, however, they prefer to buy smaller beads, like seed beads in a package.
Add a jewelry making class to your Kids Craft Summer Camp. And if you're not into jewelry making, perhaps you should check it out.
3. Have you heard about the Twilight books by author Stephenie Meyer? One of the retailer's who attended our kids panel discussion at CHA called her teenage daughter after the program and asked her what she'd like to see mom do in her store. She replied, "Have a Twilight Party." A what? Click on the link below to find out more about this book series that's as big for teens (and adults) as Harry Potter is to kids. All of the big book stores (and independents, too) are hosting Twilight Parties to celebrate the latest book. Barnes & Noble Booksellers, for example, will feature “Breaking Dawn” parties, to celebrate the midnight release of Stephenie Meyer’s new book, Breaking Dawn. Friday night, August 1 is the date! The theme for the party is Prom, so all participants are welcome to wear prom attire. Party activities will include vampire trivia, giveaways, and other fun activities.
Google "Twilight" and "Twilight Parties" ASAP, and buy the July 18 issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine to learn more. Twilight sounds like it will be easy for any retailer to tie into.
Click here to learn more about the Twilight craze:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25626481/
The reoccurring theme of our seminars at CHA is that in today's world you can not afford to sit back and wait for customers to come to you. YOU must create programs, events, and promotions that put you on their radar. These three ideas in this post are a good place to start!
