Want to level up your customer’s experience? Game on.

This year at IRDC, Oct. 9-10, food-and-entertainment trendsetter Chicken N Pickle hits the court to give attendees a fun and lively lesson in redefining the retail experience. With their fast-paced, interactive workshop, facilitated by Joe Palermo, VP of Operations, Chicken N Pickle and Cynthia Ortiz, Intl. President, Retail Design Institute; Business Development Manager, MBH Architects, you’ll learn how to engage your customers like never before – and build a real sense of community for your brand.

But why wait for October to start having fun? Here are some key elements of the Chicken N Pickle strategy – and how you can apply them to your own retail concept:

Don’t worry, be happy: the power of nostalgia
Want to create an instant emotional connection with your customers, driving both foot traffic and loyalty? Help them remember a younger, carefree time in their lives. From themed nights celebrating past decades to limited-time product or menu items inspired by past popular trends, nostalgia can instantly help your customers feel like they’re coming home.
Get your game on!
Who doesn’t want to relax with a fun and easy opportunity for lighthearted competition? Interactive games like in-store scavenger hunts, trivia nights or gaming tournaments that correspond to your brand encourage customers to engage and return. Reward participation with discounts, prizes or exclusive offers and share the fun on social media—after all, you can’t win if you don’t play!
Celebrate your community
To help you create a community of like-minded brand advocates, consider hosting events such as workshops, classes or meet-and-greet sessions with local influencers. Leverage your existing customer groups or create brand-new ones that fit your brand.

With a uniquely engaging mix of a popular (and accessible) sport, great food, and community-building events, Chicken N Pickle offers customers a gathering spot with a difference. To discover how your brand can, too, make sure to attend IRDC this fall in Kansas City. It won’t be as fun without you!

Don’ t miss Chicken N Pickle’s session at IRDC. We’ll catch you on the pickle ball court!

VMSD Staff

Drawing on more than 125 years of history serving the retail design market, VMSD magazine provides retail professionals with the most up-to-date, innovative retail design ideas and industry news through its industry-leading magazine, website, social media channels and bulletins.