The goodwill and euphoria of the holiday season are in the rearview mirror. The annual ritual of broken New Year’s resolutions and inflated credit card debt due to excessive holiday shopping has brought a good number of U.S. Americans back to reality. However, be not dismayed. The best month ever in the history of the modern calendar is here. February is the shortest month, yet has plenty of opportunities to promote your dry cleaning business. February has a good number of milestones, holidays, events and observations that can be used to your advantage when it comes to pandering to vulnerable consumers with the hopes of generating some buzz for your business.
Groundhog Day falls on February 2nd. While the groundhog is traditionally not a domesticated animal, your Groundhog Day promotion can center around your customers having the wardrobe of their beloved pet cleaned at your establishment at a discounted rate.
On National Wear Red Day (February 3rd), men and women are encouraged to wear red as a symbol of support for women’s heart health. You can use your creativity with this one, but a no-brainer would be to clean red garments at a discount.
On February 4, folks in California observe Rosa Parks Day in honor of the civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a bus. It is the perfect time to target the hard working bus drivers who wear uniforms.
Super Bowl 51 takes America by storm on Sunday, February 5th. Last year, approximately more than 15 billion U.S. dollars were spent by consumers on Super Bowl-related purchases. Why can’t dry cleaners get a piece of that pie? You can run a promotion on football jerseys of college teams, NFL teams, high school teams and Pop Warner teams.
Another idea is to use your social media channels to run a contest. Have your followers predict the winner of the big game and use total points scored as a tie-breaker. The winner of your contest gets a prize, such as a gift card to be used in your dry cleaning store.
February 12th is Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday. Known as the Great Emancipator, Lincoln was one of the most popular presidents in U.S. history. Perhaps a 12% discount on all garments cleaned on this day would be considered an honestly good deal.
Cupid and his arrow are very busy on Valentine’s Day (February 14). Remind your customers to be original and unpredictable this year. Flowers, chocolates and jewelry are overrated. Nothing says, “I love you” like a gift card to the dry cleaners.
You can also do a lingerie promotion. “If it’s sexy, if it’s silky, if it’s slinky…it’s 20% off.”
Observed on February 15th, Susan B. Anthony Day marks the birthday of one of the United States’ most prominent female civil rights leaders. I have no idea how to monetize this, but I had to throw it in there.
George Washington’s Birthday, also known as Presidents’ Day (February 20th), is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of February. The day honors presidents of the United States, including George Washington, America’s first president. Washington is called the “father of our country.” Consider doing an early Father’s Day promotion.
The Oscars (a.k.a. The Academy Awards) takes place on February 26th. Some folks have viewing parties on Oscars night. You might want to consider drawing attention to cleaning tablecloths or linens.
A local restaurant has a contest every year during Oscars season. Customers are asked to predict the winners in each category. You can do something similar in your dry cleaning business. The top three winners get gift cards to be used in your store. Alternatively, just pick one winner. It is entirely up to you.
Shrove Tuesday (February 28th) is traditionally known as the day right before Lent, but it also serves as a day of celebration, known as Mardi Gras. What a way to end the great month of February!
These are just a few of the days to promote your dry cleaning business in fun and meaningful ways during the month of February.
