Creative Marketing Ideas for Furniture Stores

Furniture stores have developed a reputation for their marketing strategy: a sale for every conceivable holiday, no payment for 90 days, or no interest for 3 years are commonly used promotional tools to drive sales. These certainly work, but they’re not exactly unique. If you’re new to the furniture market or looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, you’ll want to pick something that doesn’t involve Uncle Sam or Santa Claus. Here are some great options.

1. online classifieds-Websites like Craigslist and eBay have made the process of selling classified ads online very easy. Customers come to these places to see merchandise before entering a store, so list your product here to reach them! Hire a part-time employee to photograph your merchandise and list it on these sites, or you can even outsource the work to a business designed specifically for the task.
2. in-store training-Hosting in-store training classes or seminars is a great way to reach the home improvement market. Bring in interior decorators to discuss home staging, decor selection, or even remodeling tips using their merchandise. These types of classes add value to your store and customers see you as more than just a transaction-based business—you’re part of their lifestyle. Promote these events by hanging a vinyl banner outside your store listing the dates and times of each class.
3. barter-Consider adding a customer exchange program to your store, where the customer brings in their old furniture and receives a credit toward the new merchandise. If the furniture is in good condition, you can create a used section in your store for great deals. If you are not in a position to resell, you can donate the furniture or at least dispose of it for your client. Again, this is a way to make your store a provider of convenience and encourage customers to remain loyal to you. Include this service in your store windows using vinyl decals.
4. new houses-Create a partnership with a local real estate agent, broker or home builder. Since homes always sell better with furniture, offer to feature your new homes with your merchandise in exchange for referrals. You can also add a sign to each home so customers know where the furniture comes from in case they want to buy it with the home or at least buy a different selection from your store. Some real estate agents might even want to purchase a piece of furniture directly from you as a housewarming gift for its new owners!
5. try before you buy-This bold strategy offers customers the opportunity to “try on” your furniture, so to speak. Selected customers can try out the furniture in their home for a predetermined period of time to determine if they want to purchase it. Although this should not be offered for everybody of your products, as it could turn into a logistical nightmare, can be an effective way to drive sales. After all, if it’s up to the customer to take the furniture home and return it, they will most likely keep it. Make sure you have a vinyl decal on your register that clearly explains the program rules so there are no problems.