Campground stores can be like fishing in a barrel. You have a campground full of people with nowhere else to spend their money so start reeling them in! You may be thinking “there’s a big box store just down the street so there is no use for me to sell anything.” But, there is no way Mom and Dad are going to want to load up all the kids to head to the store. Dad want’s to relax and Mom wants to have family time without all of the hassle. Here’s how to make your campground store be the only place campers want to shop.
Start small
Offer candy, lights, coffee cups and other small stuff. Don’t forget TV cables, sewer hoses and all the other essentials campers use each time they camp. Popular sellers are always S’mores kits. If you have a pool, sell water toys, water shoes and even swim suits. The key is to start off small and then you can reorder anytime you need to. As you see the store start to add profit to the bottom line, then expand the selection.
Smile
It goes without saying but when a camper walks in, speak to them with a smile on your face. Ask them how you can help them. If you don’t have what the camper is looking for make a note of it. If you are asked for that product often, then consider adding it. You also need a clean store, so dust the products off so they do not look they’ve been on the rack for years. If it has been on the rack that long, discount it and get rid of it. It’s taking up space that could be used for a fast selling product.
Emulate
Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. When you’re around other campgrounds, go into the stores and see what is working for the owners. Try buying something that sells well in another campground to take it back and ask your campers about what they think of it. Don’t be afraid to ask other campground owners what is working for them because most owners want to brag about how well their top products sells for them.
Discuss
If you are coming to the IGES/SSS show this year, The Tennessee Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds is hosting their third annual free dinner during the show, Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. It is a no pressure get together meet and greet to discuss anything. Most of the talk is about that is what is working in campground stores and the best product deals found at the show. The dinner is open to the first 100 people. You don’t have to belong to any campground associations or have to join anything to attend. It fills up fast so contact Sara at sara@iges.us to make your reservations.