October is just around the corner, and with it comes Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are many ways you can show your support, both in and outside of your boutique.
1. Around the Store. Sure, you can don a pink ribbon or wear pink, but why not take it a step further and back up your support with a donation? Choose a local cancer center or reputable research organization, and make a donation to help them out. This could be a portion of one day’s sales, a dollar match or a flat donation. Post signage stating your intentions so your brides can participate through their purchases or making their own donations.
Another option? Host a special event for those affected by breast cancer. For instance, host a fashion show and have breast cancer patients and survivors model the dresses. Have it double as a fundraiser for a family affected by breast cancer, and showcase resources from local cancer centers, support groups and other related organizations.
2. In Window Displays. Feature some of your best pink-hued dresses in the window supported by color-coordinated shoes, garters and other accessories. Consider creating a backdrop of photographs showcasing staff, clients or family members affected by breast cancer. This also could be a great opportunity to spotlight breast cancer resources by displaying each organization’s posters, websites and other information in your windows.
3. On Social Media. Are you, a staffer, family member, friend or customer a breast cancer patient or survivor? With permission, share their personal stories on your socials and encourage followers to get a mammogram and highlight early detection. To amplify your posts, include hashtags such as #CancerAwareness, #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth and #CancerResearch.
4. In the Community. When it comes to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, don’t just talk the talk; walk the walk. Gather up your staff, and take part in a local breast cancer awareness event such as a 5K. Or you could spend a day volunteering with a local organization that supports those affected by breast cancer. The goal here is to take action. You can highlight these efforts on your social media accounts and on your website’s blog.
5. On Your Website. While you can have a special section or page dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can take it a step further by sharing personal stories of those affected by this disease on your website blog. These could be stories from your staff, family or friends–or even your own. Also, put together a web page with support resources for those affected by breast cancer as well as information on how important getting a mammogram is for early detection.
Keep in mind Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not a marketing opportunity, it’s a chance to show support for those in your store and community who are affected by this disease. Not everyone affected likes this promotion, so it’s a good idea to get their thoughts on what they’d like to see–and not see–come October.
