Do you own a toy business? Then you should know that you are the reason for putting smiles on kids’ faces. Every kid loves toys, so they are your target audience. However, remember that most parents and adults are the ones who buy toys for the kids. Thus making them a bigger part of your demographics. Focusing your toy-selling strategies to encourage parents or seniors to shop is necessary. After all, they have buying power. However, it is understandable that coming up with strategies to increase sales for a business, especially one that is new and not a major retailer, is challenging. Here are a few toy marketing strategies for increasing sales for offline and online stores.

Offering new customers promotions and discounts

Who says no to deals, discounts, or value? No one! So, this is a lucrative way to lure customers to your business. It works best for new customers to whom you can offer introductory discounts or run promotions like gift wrapping. It works as an incentive for customers who want to buy from you but are looking for offers. After that, to retain them, follow their shopping habits and send relevant messages.

Create in-house events

Another way to get customers to your shop is to have in-store events. From hosting game nights to charity drops, everything can work. You can also partner with different businesses to host events like parental classes or baby showers. You can put up for sale your toys here. Also, you can leave your digital business cards, which relevant customers can use to buy your products.

Referrals are important

You can use it once a customer becomes regular and loyal to you. How? By asking them for referrals. Your current customers are the best way to get more customers. However, you cannot wait for them to bring friends or family to your business. You need to take control. Asking for referrals by offering them something in return, like a free toy or a discount, can work.

Reconnect with old customers

Every business has lapsed customers. The trick is to not let it go unnoticed. You should create a quarterly schedule where you look at the list of customers who haven’t come to your business for six months or more. The next step is to reach them using direct mail, text, email, or even phone. A simple ‘we miss you message, along with a promotion, discount, or deal, works superbly.

Keep building your network

One of the best ways to increase brand awareness for your toy business is to meet new people. Meet new people and tell them what you do and who you are. You can go to networking events or join trade associations, among other things. Have digital business cards on hand to share with people you may meet in the park. Also, approach networking with the mindset of how you can help others. If you are going with the mindset of what’s in it for me? It might not work.

Have a website and update it

If you want the toy business to bloom, create a website. Every person searches online for a toy to see the reviews, compare prices, and do more. If you want to get noticed, have a website. However, creating a website is only half the battle. You want an interactive website that is easy to use and mobile-friendly. If you can do that, you will get more customers. Also, if you are an e-commerce toy business, you need a functioning website to convert leads.

Bring a friend to the store

A similar tip to referrals. In this case, ask a customer to bring a friend to your toy store. If they do, they give deals like buy one toy, get one free, and so on.

Work on product innovation

The toy industry is a tough business to crack. If you are selling the same toys as everyone else on the market, why will customers buy from you? Sure, the quality of toys is one factor. But most parents who want to buy multiple toys for their child are okay with 90% quality, too. So, the inspiration must come from toys. Build unique toys. For instance, you can build toys for the moment, educational toys, cognitive toys, or more. Keep thinking outside the box to get better ideas. Moreover, you should also focus on improving your customer service. It is one thing that can enhance your business and encourage people to come back.

Promote your business

You cannot expect your toy store business to be successful if you are not promoting it. How will people know that you are selling a quality product? Or are your toys unique or may be less expensive than their competitors? You need a promotional channel to help let your demographic know about all this. For this, you can go with traditional marketing like fliers. However, it is the digital world, and you must use these channels to promote your business. So, using social media works. Also, having a website is of utmost importance, irrespective of whether you are an online store or a brick-and-mortar store.

Work on store design to increase sales

The layout of your store also helps increase sales. For this, try to lay the toys out in groups divided by sections like age group, hobby, toy features, and more. You can also put life-size toys or cartoons at the entrance to invite people in. Moreover, have a bit of space and put a few games out so children can play. All these things invite people, especially children, in.

Work with charities

Working with charities helps you do some good. On the other hand, you build your reputation too.

In conclusion, these are a few strategies you can try to enhance your toy business. There are always other strategies and tips you can include in your business. Some will work, some will not, and it will take time. So, try and be patient enough to let a new strategy bode results.