Top-performing arts and crafts stores use strategic marketing to attract customers, build loyalty, and drive repeat business. Michaels, a retail arts and crafts giant that generated over $5 billion in revenue in 2021, demonstrates the power of a well-designed rewards program in boosting online and in-store purchases.
If you want to increase revenue at your craft store, starting a loyalty program can help you convert occasional shoppers into regulars. Sometimes, a simple incentive is all it takes to turn a one-time visit into a lifelong relationship.
But how do you create the ideal craft store customer loyalty program? Follow this step-by-step guide to set up a system that fosters customer loyalty and repeat business.
Are you considering a loyalty program, but unsure how it compares to sales or ads? The key difference is customer retention. Sales and ads may attract buyers once, but don’t necessarily encourage return visits.
A well-designed loyalty program builds lasting customer relationships, making your store their first choice.
Here’s why you need a loyalty program:
Customers prioritize your craft store over competitors.
Rewards give them a reason to return.
Personalized perks make them feel valued, increasing loyalty.
Steady repeat business reduces the need for constant promotions.
Without a rewards program, you’re always trying to attract new clientele instead of keeping the ones you already have.
Building a customer loyalty program for your arts and crafts store is easier than you think. Follow these steps to create a program that fosters customer loyalty and encourages repeat business.
Ditch the inefficiency of manual methods or external systems — a point of sale (POS) solution with an integrated loyalty program streamlines rewards management and improves the customer experience. There are many benefits to this, including:
Requires minimal training: Your team can easily implement the program since the system already supports customer rewards.
Leverages existing customer data: Unlike standalone solutions, an integrated POS system incorporates new and returning customers into your loyalty program, eliminating redundant data entry.
Provides convenient automation features: A POS system automatically tracks purchases, awards points, and manages rewards. It can also send notifications when new rewards are available, apply discounts, or update the customer’s membership status — all without manual input.
An inefficient system shouldn’t stand between you and a thriving rewards program. The best POS solutions offer customizable loyalty features to align with customer preferences for an engaging experience.
Unsure which loyalty program best fits your craft store? Most craft store POS systems offer built-in templates or customizable options, allowing you to tailor rewards to your customers’ preferences. Consider these program types:
Point systems: Track customer purchases and reward them with points for every dollar spent. These points can be redeemed for free products like paint brushes or fabric, exclusive discounts, or special perks like early access to event registration, incentivizing repeat visits.
Birthday bonuses: Celebrate your customers with exclusive birthday perks like free gifts, special discounts, or personalized offers.
Referral incentives: Reward customers for bringing in new shoppers by offering bonus points, discounts, or complimentary products.
Membership systems: Establish a VIP experience with members-only perks, including early access to new products, invitations to crafting workshops, and exclusive product demonstrations.
You don’t have to limit yourself to one approach — combine multiple craft store customer loyalty programs or adjust them over time based on customer behavior. The key is to create a rewards program that appeals to your audience and keeps them engaged.
For example, if your shop has a social media account and your customers regularly engage with it, consider offering rewards to members who refer their friends on social media.
After launching your customer loyalty program, gather feedback to understand what customers love and where there’s room for improvement. They may appreciate easy point tracking or birthday rewards, but feel that point expiration is too short or certain perks lack value.
Track key metrics such as repeat visits, point redemptions, and sales from program members to gauge the program’s impact.
Use your loyalty program as a marketing tool. Promote new craft products, showcase seasonal inventory, and introduce special events like workshops or exclusive sales. Keeping the program fresh keeps customers engaged, attracts new shoppers, and grows revenue.
A craft store customer loyalty program can turn occasional visitors into repeat shoppers. With the right mix of perks and incentives, these regulars will feel valued and engaged, leading to more referrals, increased sales, and a stronger reputation for your craft store.
A loyalty program is one of the most effective tools to position your business as a pillar of the local craft community.
Rain POS makes loyalty management effortless. Automate rewards tracking, simplify inventory management, and build a loyalty program that keeps customers coming back. Schedule a demo today to see how easy it is to get repeat business.