Go Galactic in Your Store and Celebrate the Great American Eclipse

We are just a few days aways from an unforgettable experience. Get in on the cosmic fun!

On Monday, the first coast-to-coast total eclipse in 99 years will occur with a path of totality stretching across Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. People are already traveling to ideal viewing spots in the country, public schools are closing, parties are planned, eclipse glasses are selling out, and people are preparing themselves for what scientists and the mystics claim to be one of the most awesome and even emotional experiences in nature. 

This week alone over a half million posts on social media about the eclipse have been counted, according to Talkwater, a social intelligence company. Your shoppers are excited about this unusual event, which offers an opportunity for you as a retailer to get it on the fun! 

First of all, you’ll want to support the enthusiasm of your shoppers (particularly in those states where total eclipse viewing is possible) with some signage, social media posts, and of course employees engaging in conversation with customers about the event. In other words, create a celebratory environment, much like if a hometown sports team was playing for a championship. 

The next thing you can do is work with your store’s grocerant, prepared foods department and/or bakery to create signature, creative dishes and beverages to fuel the excitement. And remember, we’ve seen in the last year the galaxy food trend and black food trend take starring roles on Instagram and in foodie blogs. Whatever original items your store creates, make sure you blast them on social media using those hashtags! 

How about an eclipse dish contest for your shoppers? Offer an opportunity for customers to submit, by way of your social media, photos of their eclipse food creation with prizes for the winner and runner-ups. 

Pre-made picnic baskets are a great idea as well! For those that will be “camping” out for the experience, how about a wine and cheese basket carefully selected and paired by your store? Or for kids, sun and moon themed snack bundles for busy parents? And if you are one of the retailers selling eclipse glasses, include them in these bundles. People are scrambling all over the Internet for the appropriate protective glasses for viewing. 

Support a local charity with cut outs of suns and moons at the checkout. Have donors write their names on them and hang them around the store.  

Need to get rid of some of your seasonal items? Now is a great time to have an eclipse sale on coolers, fold up chairs, koozies, umbrellas, grilling tools, etc. This we will be a day for outdoors for sure! 

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate with your shoppers what is for most sure to be a once in a lifetime opportunity.