Wednesday, May 20, 2015

How Can You Make your Ice Cream Parlor Stand Out this Summer?

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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