With summer's near arrival, ice cream parlor owners everywhere are gearing up for yet
another season of waffle cones, double scoops, and hot fudge sundaes. Though
ice cream and summertime are somewhat synonymous, the ice cream business can
still be highly competitive. Customers are continually looking for "the
best" place to get ice cream, and unless you're the only shop in town,
you'll need to find ways to build your brand. To help your parlor attract a
steady stream of customers this summer, consider the following ways to make
your parlor stand out from the rest.
Introduce New Flavors
People love the original and unusual, so
why not talk to your ice cream distributor (if you don't make your ice cream
yourself) and about their latest, most distinctive flavors? There are a lot of interesting ice cream flavors out there today, from
Wildberry Lavender to Salt Licorice to Cracker Jack Gelato…the list goes on. While
some customers will always prefer the traditional flavors of chocolate, vanilla,
or strawberry, there's also value in making your parlor stand out as a place
that offers "that" flavor of ice cream (just make sure it tastes
good, too).
Connect with Customers
If you really want to find the best way to increase
your revenue this summer, find out what customers are looking for. Make short,
quick surveys available at the front counter and around the store that ask about
customer's opinions of your service, offerings, and environment, as well as
open-ended questions about what customers would like to see more of. Encourage customers
to complete these surveys by holding a prize drawing for those who participate. Connecting with
customers can also be achieved by establishing a stronger presence in the
community. Consider sponsoring a youth baseball or softball team, setting up a
booth at your community's annual food festival, or offering to provide
free ice cream at a local charity event. The more you interact with the community
beyond your storefront, the better your brand recognition, and the more customers
you'll attract.
Improve your Parlor's Aesthetic
Is your ice cream parlor inviting to
customers? Does it allow customers a clear view of your offerings? Is there
ample seating? An ice cream parlor's interior and exterior aesthetic can have a
significant impact on the amount of customers you attract this summer.
Customers want a parlor that feels inviting and upbeat, as well as one that emphasizes functionality. Ensure you
have a wide front glass ice
cream freezer display that offers unobstructed views
of your ice cream or gelato, that layout is optimized for easy flow of
movement, and that whether indoors or out, customers can find a variety of
seating options to enjoy their sweet summer treat.
In what other ways will you make your ice
cream parlor stand out this summer?
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