Should Your Business Do Valentine’s Day Marketing?

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, which means that one of the biggest marketing events is too. There can be no doubt about it, the day of love has become a great opportunity to market, sell, and attract new customers.

That being said, is it still as big an opportunity as it was five to ten years ago? And should your business give in to this marketing opportunity, or should you rather continue your successful marketing strategy?

In this blog, Adventa looks at how much Britons spend on Valentine’s and whether it's worth changing your marketing strategy during this period or not. We will also look at Valentine customer activations to try and determine whether you should buy Valentine-specific products to sell to customers.

How Much Do Consumers Spend on Valentine’s?

Valentine’s Day is a big spending holiday all over the world, as the focus is on gifts and tactile expressions of love and affection. Flowers, chocolates, soft toys, photo frames, heart-shaped trinkets (check out the Adventa heart shaped keyrings) and jewellery have put back UK spenders by approximately £1.3 billion in 2022. This number has not been confirmed, but we can look at more specific statistics for previous years.

According to Finder, 2021 saw over 40 million Brits (76% of the population) celebrate Valentine’s Day. This was actually a significant drop from the previous year. In lockdown, love soared, with over 41.4 million people celebrating Valentine’s Day in 2020.

In 2021, the total spent on Valentine’s Day gifts and goodies was £926 million (£23 per person). 2020 saw an impressive £1.45 billion (£35 per person) spent. So, going off this information, you may consider that 2023 may be a lower spending year, and you may be right. With the cost of living crisis causing people to tighten their belts all over the country, love might not be on everyone’s minds. However, this may simply mean that some won’t take their partners on extravagant dates. Small gifts and meaningful presents are likely to maintain their importance.

Valentine Customer Activations to Try

Customer activations, in marketing, is the implementation of campaigns, events, and experiences that resonate with the audience, engages them, and generates awareness of your brand. The activation process focuses on guiding customers on the path to purchase, often through an interactive experience.

Making use of customer activations during the Valentine’s period will encourage customers to choose your products above other options. It will also give you a chance to interact with your customers, which will set you up for the year ahead too.

Here are a few online and onsite customer activations your business can try for Valentine’s Day:

• Create an interactive social media campaign
• Create a social media contest to improve engagement
• Encourage loyal customers to spread the love with referrals
• Celebrate different kinds of love on social media
• Celebrate love within your business on social media
• Create engaging, heart-warming video and photo content
• Offer customers exclusive savings or a loyalty program
• Interact with customers to show them how to use your products
• Create a beautiful, love-celebrating aesthetic in your physical store

Why You Should Consider Buying Valentines Day Specific Products

What does your store sell? If you’re in the business of selling flowers and candy, you’re set for a successful Valentine’s period. But if you don’t sell anything Valentine-related, you may want to consider investing in lovely gifts.

The statistics indicate that, in 2021, approximately 40% of UK women were expecting to be given flowers for Valentine’s. Many UK women were also expecting jewellery or candy.

Then there are the cards. Over 25 million cards are sent for Valentine’s Day every year, which is truly impressive. So if you print cards, you might just be in business. Better yet, however, would be image-holding products like the Heart Blox or the Glitter Blox. These let lovers display pictures with their loved ones, making an excellent gift for card lovers and gift enthusiasts alike.  Many successful print-on-demand card companies prove the value of adding value to the online sale by offering the card design in a simple product like the key chain or HeartBlox.

Final Thoughts on Valentine’s Day Marketing Ideas

Valentine’s Day presents a fantastic opportunity to market and interact with customers. Show your customers some love this year with well-thought-out campaigns, interesting customer activations, and some seasonal gift options. We definitely find this holiday worth investing in.

If you want to know more about our product range, get in touch with us today or call +44 (0) 1686 625 100.

How to Market to Millennials & Gen Z | Photo Business

Millennials and Gen Z are two of the most lucrative and influenceable customer demographics. These customers are spending more than any other generation, and if you haven’t started marketing to these demographics yet, it is time to start.

Millennials and Gen Z are very photo focussed. The rise of platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok has made images more important than ever. However, Millennials and Gen Z fall into the category of having hard-copy pictures of their childhood, with very few printed photos of their adult lives.

Now, people are turning more to printed images, which display precious moments. In this post, Adventa looks at how to market to these demographic groups in order to capitalise on the photo-focused generations.

Why Market to Millennials and Gen Z?

Millennials and Gen Z hold greater spending power than any generation before or after it, making these groups an ideal, albeit broad, target market. With these groups responding to different marketing strategies than others, it is important to create strategies that specifically target these groups. Here is why your business should invest in specific marketing strategies for millennials and Gen Z:

• Millennials and Gen Z change brands, making it easier to attract them to yours and harder to keep them as loyal customers
• These demographics use devices to buy and consume content
• These are two of the most lucrative target markets, with a high buying power
• They are tech-savvy with high digital literacy, so organisations need to use technology to sell
• Fast growing clientele groups

Tips to Appeal to Gen Z and Millennials

There are a number of ways to target the younger generations to get them to your photo business, in-store or online. Here are our top tips for appealing to millennials and Gen Z in your marketing strategies:

 

1. Make use of visually appealing content: You have, after all, a photo business, so display your products and services in a way that expresses your brand identity and what your business can create.  Look for ways to promote upsells, to encourage this group to put their photos to use, eg Air Frame
2. Create a website: While brick-and-mortar stores have their place, and most photo businesses require customers to come in-store, having a website is always a good idea. Your website can showcase your client's work, products, services, and brand identity. It is a fantastic opportunity to market to millennials and Gen Z and also informs potential customers that your business can support customers in what they are looking for.
3. Use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest: Since you deal in imagery, use image-focused platforms for marketing. Creating a brand-expressive Instagram account and Pinterest board shows potential customers who you are. It also allows customers to share their images and tag you, providing your business with free marketing. Lastly, Gen Z and millennials are on these platforms regularly, so they are good ones to target.
4. Pay attention to customer reviews and feedback: Technology has made it easy to find out the quality of a business. Potential customers can find out a lot about your business from the reviews past customers have left and tend to rely on these heavily. So it is important to ensure that your reviews are positive and that negative feedback is addressed and dealt with.
5. Showcase your brand identity and sense of humour: Brand identity is becoming increasingly important in marketing strategies. People want to make use of organisations that they relate to, with values that they support. Showcasing your brand humour also allows customers to connect with your business. Humour is automatically interactive and engaging, which is an ideal way to market to millennials and Gen Z.
6. Respond to customers quickly: Last but certainly not least, it is important to respond to customer queries and requests quickly. We live in a fast-paced society, and people expect speedy results. Quick responses are always appreciated and will keep your customers from looking for another photo business, as you will already have helped them.

Conclusion on Marketing Your Photo Business to Millennials & Gen Z

Millennials and Gen Z like companies that are creative, interesting, and offer something new to their customers. So, in order to successfully market your photo business to millennials and Gen Z target markets, you need to showcase who you are as a business. Follow the tips provided above, be clear about your brand, and make use of photo printing innovations, and success will follow.

If you would like to know more about our products and services, browse our ranges online or get in touch with us today.

What is Lithography & How Does it Work?

Lithography is one of the most well-known, time-honoured methods of printing. Used for a broad range of printing needs, this medium produces clean, interesting prints and is very popular for these reasons, amongst others.

In this post, Adventa defines lithography and how it works. We will also explore the history of lithography and look at alternative printing methods and how they compare to lithographic prints. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about lithography.

What is Lithography?

Lithography is a method of printing that is ideal for long printing runs. Often used to print packaging, books, posters, magazines and more, this medium is well suited to a wide range of applications.

The word ‘lithography’ is derived from the Greek words lithos, which means ‘stone’ and graphein, meaning ‘to write’. As the lithographic process originally involved scoring a flat stone with a pencil, this name is perfectly expressive of the method.

Lithography History

Lithography has a fascinating history. This method of printing was invented in 1796 by a German author and actor, Alois Senefelder. Senefelder accidentally discovered this printing method. He found that he could reproduce his play scripts by writing them on slabs of limestone with a greasy pencil and then printing them onto another medium with rolled-on ink.

With that, the lithograph technique was born. It was mainly used for musical scores and maps at that point before more uses were discovered and developed.

How Does Lithography Work?

Lithography is a planographic printing method based on the fact that oil and water cannot mix, which is called immiscibility. A special type of pencil is used to write or draw on a stone or metal plate with a smooth surface. The surface is treated to repel the ink where it has not been scored by the pencil. Ink is then rolled onto the surface and either transferred onto a rubber plate first or directly printed onto paper or alternative material. The rubber plate (or blanket) is generally used for printing on material that is not completely flat and smooth.

What Are The Alternatives To Lithography?

There are a number of different printing methods available, and each method suits different applications best. The common alternatives to lithography are:

• Digital Printing
• Flexography
• Screen Printing
• LED UV Printing

How Does Lithography Compare To Other Printing Approaches?

As mentioned above, different types of printing methods suit different applications. Below we explore how lithography compares to other common printing methods.

Digital Printing vs Litho Printing

Simply, lithographic printing uses wet ink and printing plates, and digital printing uses inks and a press similar to a large office printer. Lithography requires more money and time to set up but is very affordable to run from then on, so it is generally used for longer runs. Digital printing, on the other hand, is most convenient for shorter runs, as it is cheaper to set up. However, the unit price becomes more expensive when compared to lithography’s long runs.

Flexo Printing vs Lithography

Flexographic printing is a printing technique that uses flexible relief plates. The plates act like a large stamp, transferring images onto boards. Flexo printing differs from litho printing primarily in the quality of the print. Litho printing is better for full-colour printing and can accommodate more detailed patterns and finish options.

Screen Printing vs Lithographic Printing

Screen printing, also called silk screening, involves transferring ink through a fine mesh screen onto the substrate. The ink, or dye, is applied in specific locations on the garment or alternative material, as some areas are made impermeable to the ink with a blocking stencil. In the past, silk screens were used.

Screen printing is a slower and more expensive process than lithography. In addition to this, litho printing results in more defined, detailed prints than silk screening.

LED UV Printing Vs Litho Printing

LED UV printing is similar to other methods, but with this option, ED-UV inks are dried (cured) instantly using UV light. With LED UV printing, ink set-off is eliminated, making this an extremely clean printing method. This printing method is more expensive than lithography and requires more materials, but it works excellently for large runs, and the immediacy can be very beneficial.

We are experts in printing and manufacturing. If you’d like to get more of a handle on what we do and how we do it, get in touch.

Photo Printing Types & Their Pros & Cons

Advancements in technology have added a broad range of photo printing possibilities to our options. Printing photographs is often an important process. With meaningful memories, work projects or art being involved, choosing the right type of photo printing method for your specific needs is essential.

In this post, Adventa explores types of photo printing and the options best suited to different applications. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the printing methods available and the printing needs they suit best.

Types of Photo Printing

There are four main types of photo printing options. These are: digital printing, lenticular printing, sublimation printing, and giclee printing. Each has different advantages and applications, which we will look at in more detail below.

Photo Print Types

Here are the four types of photo printing and their advantages and ideal applications:

Digital Printing

Digital printing is the most common printing method today. Digital printing uses a high-volume laser or inkjet printer to print detailed images. This high-quality option is popular for both its ease of use and its impressive output. Digital printing is well suited to a broad variety of uses, from small scale to large, simple to extremely detailed. There are three main types of digital printing:

Laser Printing

Laser printing involves an electrostatic digital printing process. The process involves repeatedly passing a laser beam back and forth over a negatively-charged cylinder called a "drum" to define a differentially-charged image. The laser printer uses an electrical charge to attract toner particles onto a roller. This produces high-quality text and graphics and medium-quality photographs. This means that it is very well suited to many applications but not ideal for photograph replication.

Offset Printing

Offset printing, also known as offset lithography, is a method in which images on metal plates are offset onto rubber rollers or blankets and then to the printing surface - usually paper. The print media doesn’t come into direct contact with the metal plates.

This printing method is used for large-scale printing for media such as magazines, brochures, books and more.

Lenticular Printing

Lenticular print is used for images in which the photographer wants to create an illusion of depth or movement. Lenticular lenses function like magnifying glasses to enlarge certain elements of the image so that they can change shape depending on the angle you’re looking from. This method of printing is used for rather specific purposes, where an optimal illusion would suit the need best.

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is generally used to print designs onto garments but can be used for a broad range of applications. Sublimation printing requires a sublimation printer, certain inks and heat. First, the design is printed onto special paper. Then, heat is applied to the design and opens up the pores of the fabric. The inks turn into gas when bought under heat. Then with the applied pressure, the ink cools and returns to a solid form. This process combines the ink with the fabric permanently, making them less prone to fading.

Giclee Prints

Giclee printing is most often used to reproduce fine art into prints. With enhanced technology, along with certain pigments, ink and paper, inkjet printers use small spraying devices that can match the colour of the original and apply ink precisely. This gives artists an opportunity to reproduce their art precisely in a high-quality print. This method is most often used when making lower quantities of a high-end print.

Conclusion on Types of Photo Printing

There are many different options when it comes to printing photographs and graphics. Different materials are available, along with different finishes and photographic focuses. So all that’s left to consider is: what type of photo printing will suit your needs best?

10 Benefits of Using UK Manufacturing Companies

With quality and commitment becoming increasingly important for businesses and consumers, there is a push to use more UK manufacturers. The “Made in the UK” sticker is becoming a major symbol of quality across the country, which is a trend that has our full support.

In this post, Adventa looks at the benefits of using British manufacturers for your products, parts and more. After reading this blog, you should be able to weigh up these benefits against the rationale of why you are using your current supplier.

10 Benefits of Manufacturers in the UK

There are many advantages of using a manufacturer in the country of your operation, and even more so when working with companies that are held to high UK standards. Below are the ten main advantages of using manufacturing companies in the UK:

1. Improved communication

Working with a supplier in another country can quickly become frustrating. With differences in time zones, languages, and domestic markets, it can be very challenging to be on the same page as to your needs.

Being able to meet in person, have a conversation over the phone, or remain in regular contact is extremely beneficial. In addition to this, a local manufacturer will have a complete understanding of your market.

2. Smaller minimum order quantities

When using an international manufacturer, you are often required to order large quantities that can fill containers or trucks. Using manufacturers in the UK allows you to place small, regular orders instead, so you don’t have to sit with dead stock if you make an error in your order quantity. This gives organisations increased flexibility and cash flow control.

3. Product development and innovation

Often overlooked but a huge strength at Adventa!  Working with a UK manufacturer gives you access with expertise in both product design and lean manufacturing.  Any leading UK manufacturer will consider how they can improve on an existing product both in terms of their own production efficiency but also in terms of the users efficiency and consumer appeal.  It is well known fact that many of the world’s biggest producers are good at copying put poor at product design. This is even more important if you are wanting a custom product!

4. Shorter lead times

Along with reduced transport costs, lead times are also reduced. UK suppliers can produce products faster because the goods simply spend less time being transported to you. Instead of being loaded onto a ship to be transported across the Atlantic, products are simply sent by trucks or trains. The research and development phase is also more streamlined, as you can communicate better with suppliers.

5. Reduced carbon footprint

As less movement is needed to transport your products to your doorstep, making use of UK manufacturers will also reduce your organisation's carbon footprint. UK manufacturers are also held to the country's carbon emissions standards, so less pollution is produced. Lastly, many UK suppliers, like Adventa, are focusing on their own sustainability. Making use of sustainable suppliers will make your products more environmentally friendly too.

6. Greater quality control

As with carbon emissions, UK manufacturers are held to UK standards in their production processes too. The UK has strict laws in place that ensure that products are being made consistently with quality control measures to the approved industry standards. Other countries do not have the same level of attention to quality.

In addition to this, with UK manufacturers, you can visit the factory and inspect the supply chain yourself. This gives you greater control over the quality of your products.

7. Support the UK economy

Working with British manufacturers helps create employment opportunities, injecting more money into the country, and allowing people to afford to buy more products and services. Leading UK manufacturers are forced to invest in automation to remove as much manual labour as possible.  As these factors create a cycle of income and expense, they are very beneficial for the UK economy.

8. Less risk in the supply chain

Global events including Covid-19, the Suez Canal drama, conflict in Ukraine and more have put serious strain on supply chains. Many businesses have had to deal with parts and products being delayed or never arriving at all. Coupled with increasing awareness of worrying concerns of unethical practices makes working with a UK manufacturer a dramatically lower risk, so the flow of your construction, production or creation does not have to be interrupted.

9. The origin of the product is clear

More and more consumers are starting to really care about where their products come from. With bad labour practices being highlighted across the globe, buying products from genuine UK manufacturers helps give consumers peace of mind that the products have been ethically produced.

10. Consumers want “Made in the UK” products

This is true for not only UK citizens, but throughout the world. UK manufacturing is known for its quality as well as the country's fair labour practices. Therefore, both domestic and international consumers are willing to pay more for a British-made product. Products are, therefore, more competitive against their foreign produced counterparts.

As an established manufacturer themselves, Adventa are a great exponent of British production and manufacturing. If you’d like to understand more about the benefits of working with a localised manufacturer, get in touch. Even better arrange a visit to our highly automated factory, you will be amazed at how we even run our factory totally unattended – genuine ‘lights out production’! 

 

Pros & Cons Of Sourcing Products From China

Over the past few decades, China has grown as an economic powerhouse, with many international companies sourcing products from there. However, between the pandemic and rising political tensions, many UK companies are cutting ties with China, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

 

Whether you’re an established company or a new entrant to the market, it’s worth considering whether it’s better business to import from China, or whether the outsourcing of products has become too much of a hassle. To help you with this, we’ve listed the pros and cons of sourcing products from China.

Cons Of Sourcing From China

While many businesses successfully source their products from China, it doesn’t come without its challenges. These should be carefully weighed against the positives to determine whether this would be the best strategic move for your business.

Finding A Manufacturer Is Tough

Finding and cultivating a relationship with a factory owner requires time and money. Once you’ve found several potential suppliers, you then still need to negotiate to see if they’re willing to produce your products to a standard you find acceptable. Many Chinese manufacturers only focus on million-unit orders, which can make things difficult if you're looking to have smaller volumes produced.

Logistical Challenges

When you choose to source products from China, you also need to account for international lead times, as your inventory has to be packed, shipped and brought through customs before being transported to your warehouses or retail stores. This shipping can also involve significant costs, depending on your distribution network.

 

This can often make local suppliers much more attractive as it’s easier to get new stock delivered to you in a shorter period of time. Additionally, you won’t be incurring the costs of international shipping fees.

 

At Adventa, we produce a range of products locally in the UK. Our central location, coupled with our fast assembly lines and world-class packaging, make us a supplier of choice for UK-based businesses. However, we’re also able to ship products to every other continent across the globe.

Negative associations of “Made in China”

It’s a known fact that “Made in China” often brings negative connotations to mind, such as poor quality and low prices. This can sometimes impact your markup and the customer’s general idea of your products.

 

When producing your products locally, you can take advantage of the fact that your products are ‘made in the UK’. This can be used as a unique selling point that indicates high quality and can also potentially allow you to charge a higher price, increasing your profit margin.

Language barriers

The issue with working in a foreign country such as China is the language barrier. Not all Chinese factory owners are proficient in English. And even if you have a translator assisting you, there’s still the possibility of their being misunderstandings.

Pros of Importing from China

While there are some significant drawbacks to importing from China, there are advantages that make this a lucrative business option.

Low production costs

One of the biggest reasons why companies choose to source their products from China is that the production cost versus output is highly favourable. Lower production costs result in lower prices for your business and customers, which could convince them to purchase your products. Lower prices also contribute to higher profit margins, which is an attractive deal for businesses. However, these lower production costs should always be considered alongside quality.

Opportunities for market expansion

Sourcing products from China opens up the door to international expansion, as you can market your goods to the local market. Once you’re in the country and manufacturing your products there, introducing and supplying your products becomes far easier.

A Summary: Sourcing Products From China

For decades, businesses have sought lower costs and higher profits by sourcing their products from China. However, in the wake of the pandemic and rising political tensions, many businesses have started to backpedal, choosing to manufacture locally instead.

 

Each business is unique and should carefully weigh the pros and cons. While importing from China can result in expansion and increased profit, it can be challenging in terms of costs, finding a supplier and more.

 

Here at Adventa, we are a UK-based manufacturer that specialises in supplying customisable office and decor products. Our location and extensive experience make us an ideal choice as your supplier. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with our team.

 

 

 

5 Innovations That Will Keep Photo Printing Alive

Today, people are taking more pictures than ever, but fewer of them end up as printed photographs. Still, technical innovation is changing aspects of the print industry and injecting it with new energy and possibilities, keeping photo printing alive.

In this post, Adventa shares the five most innovative photo printing technologies and products that are keeping the print industry interesting.

5 Photo Printing Innovations

These key innovations will prove important for the photo print industry as it goes forward.

1. Mobile Ordering Platforms: The growth of mobile ordering platforms makes it possible for smartphone users to easily purchase photo and canvas prints and albums, suggesting mobile will be a big part of the photo industry's future.
2. Album Design Software: New software helps streamline album design, giving customers more creative capabilities in photo layout and graphic design. The ability to crop, edit and add graphics and captions to photos gives users artistic options.
3. Artificial Intelligence Software: AI photo editors can detect a subject in an image, enhance it, remove, and replace the background around it, apply effects, colour correct, and more. This makes it fun and easy to alter and adjust photos as the user desires.
4. Web-to-Print Commerce: Customers can now order an endless list of personalised merchandise online, including everything from photo reproductions, décor items, apparel, mugs, and gifts.
5. New Photo Products: While individual print sales have declined, wall art, stretched canvas, adhesive fabric decals, and large prints are growing in popularity. People are no longer printing every photograph they take, but they are printing their favourites out on larger and more interesting products.

Innovative Photo Printing Products

We have an excellent range of products that will allow your customers to use their creativity to make photo-printed objects that they love. Perfect as gifts for friends and family or even company-branded merchandise, our bulk and trade quantity products are made with high-quality materials to bring joy to your customers for years to come. 

Below are some great products to take advantage of these innovative photo printing trends:

1. Keyrings and Magnets: Our range of shaped, rectangular, metal and reclaimed plastic keyrings and magnets give your customers many options to keep their loved ones close to them at all times.
2. Desk Décor: With most people spending around eight hours at their desks, our personalisable desk décor is the perfect way to spruce up that space with a favourite photo.
3. Wall Art: With canvas prints, glass mounts, vision walls and more available, our easily personalised wall art will brighten up any home or office space.
4. Seasonal Decorations: Our baubles, snowglobes and other assorted festive decorations offer the perfect opportunity to get creative with your photographs.
5. Educational and Craft Products: Want to get the little ones involved in some photo printing creativity? Our range of educational and craft-focused products is a great way to get children creative, and the functional end products will decorate their desks for the school year.
6. Desk and Stationery: Children aren’t the only ones who can get creative with their stationery - we have a desk and stationery range for adults too. So you can get artistic with your desk supplies and showcase your talents or your personality to your colleagues.

Conclusion on Photo Printing Innovations

While people may not be printing every photograph they take anymore, they are getting creative with the way that they use their photos. People want to feel connected to the ones they love and want to make their space beautiful and unique.

That’s why our personalisable product range is so popular. It allows people to create whatever they want, on small or large products, from keyrings to large wall canvases. The options are endless, and interesting options will keep the print business alive.

Experiential Retail | What, Why & How

As online shopping becomes increasingly popular and common, the death knell of the physical retail industry might be expected. However, the industry is tenacious and innovative, and alternative models are being considered and implemented across the globe.

 

Experiential retail is one of the new forms of retail that has popped up in recent years. But what is it, and what does it offer businesses and consumers? In this post, Adventa explores the concept of experiential retail, how it works, what it costs, and which retailers are doing it well. Keep reading to understand what experiential retail is.

What is experiential retail?

Experiential retail, also known as “retailtainment”, is a marketing strategy in which physical stores offer their customers experiences that go beyond browsing and buying. Through exclusive in-store events and services, as well as engaging staff and technologies, the customer is given a memorable experience that elevates retail shopping.

 

Experiential retail is a reconstructed take on retail that focuses on the customer's experience. As the ease of online shopping becomes an increasingly important feature of retail, brick-and-mortar stores have been required to adjust the way they do things. Creating engaging, tactile experiences that customers cannot experience online is the cornerstone of experiential retail.

How does experiential retail work?

Retail experiences work by offering the customer something out of the ordinary. The way that this is done can differ from store to store, or shopping centre to shopping centre. However, there are a few things to focus on when creating a retail shopping experience.

 

Experiential retailing prioritises customer engagement over sales. Stimulating the senses and defying customer expectations, these experiences are immersive and interactive. As people share so much of their lives on social media, these experiences should also be shareable. Setting up a fantastic photo opportunity in your store is a great way to invite people in, and your business will benefit from the free marketing.

 

An omnichannel approach is another important element of experiential retail. Technology has changed the way we live our lives, and people want to incorporate it into the way they buy. Offering omnichannel options for purchasing allows the customer to buy from wherever they are, making the shopping experience seamless and simple. Statistics show that 73% of consumers use multiple channels to shop, making an omnichannel approach an important strategy for any business.

 

Lastly, experience retail focuses on the consumer's needs and nurtures communities. While technology may make our lives easier, they also make us more isolated. If a store can focus on building a community within its target audience, they are more likely to create return customers and a valuable community.

Which retailers are doing it well?

If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are the five retailers that are making waves with their retail experiences:

1. Apple
2. IKEA
3. Farfetch
4. Huda Beauty
5. House of Vans

What is the cost of experiential retail?

The cost of experience retail can differ hugely. Large companies with big budgets can typically do more, but small retailers have plenty to offer too. It’s all about offering personalised experiences and immersing your customers in your brand identity. So focus on what your brand has to say and carry that over to the consumer.

Will experiential retailing save the high street?

According to research carried out by PwC, approximately 1,200 stores closed on Britain’s top 500 high streets in the first half of 2019, making everyone nervous that the end of brick-and-mortar was close. Then the pandemic hit, and people couldn’t actually visit physical stores for a while.

 

The forced hiatus from in-store shopping and the vigour with which many high street shops are turning to experiential retail is giving many hope for British high streets. With more stores offering customers valuable, fresh, engaging opportunities for real-world interaction, high street could become an even more interesting space for retail, and more.

Custom Photo Keychain - New blank
Keyring and Magnet available now

 

We have recently grown our photo keyring & blank magnet range with two new luxury metal accessories. These premium metal Keyring & Magnets have a luxury weight and feel to them and make ideal personalised gifts – great as stocking fillers and as gifts for friends, colleagues and employees!
Each picture keychain can hold an insert of 45 x 70mm. The sizes are just right and can be attached to keys without making them too bulky!
The metal photo keyring is a great way to take your favourite photo with you wherever you go. It has a premium nickel back so this single-sided keyring holds one classic photo. Use the keychain to display a family moment, a loved one or use it as a promotional item to enhance your brand's image.
The magnet is premium looking and strong so it will stay firmly on the fridge and make it look smart! So you can choose to carry your picture keychain with you or keep it on the fridge, where it can earn its keep by holding up your favourite restaurant's menu.

These have easy quick assemble times so you can produce them at home or in-store for your customers in a matter of seconds. No lead times or collection times are required… deliver to your customer there and then instantly. Read below to find out how easy it is to make these photo keychains

How to make your custom photo keychains
Step 1 - Insert your print between the window and the metal back

Step 2 - Press the clip down and place the open hook through the hole at the top

Step 3 - Use or give!

These two new accessories are available now - To contact us for pricing please email [email protected] or call us on 01686 625100
We produce a wide range of blank photo magnets & keyrings so why not view our whole range here

 

Adventa explains how to package and ship a canvas painting so that it arrives at your customers' door undamaged. Find out more and buy canvas and packaging online

 

 

How to package a canvas painting

Brand sentiment doesn’t end once a customer hands over their money. A seller's job isn’t done until the customer has the product in their hands and is happy.

That's why we've designed the QuickPro Mail Safe ArtWrap Box to guarantee that your canvas art will be delivered to your customers safely and securely.

 

What are flat boxes?

Flat boxes refer to boxes that haven't been built yet. All our canvas boxes come unassembled (or flat), but don't worry, the 'fold and lock' function means your boxes can be ready for shipping within minutes.

 

How to package a canvas

This stress-free box is straightforward to build, so if you are making canvases in large volumes, then it's ideal. Just follow these instructions:

• Lift the lid upwards and over.
• Slide the lid's tab into the slot at the front of the box.
• The box is then ready for labelling & dispatch.

 

How do I post a large canvas?

We provide canvas packaging of varying sizes, so all you have to do is order the size appropriate to the size of the canvas you’re planning to create and dispatch to your customers.

The box is big enough to enable a 3.9cm thick canvas to lie neatly and securely within the box. Here’s a full list of sizes and product references we can supply:

• BXMS8 - 8x 8 & 8 x 12
• BXMS16 - 16 x 20 & 16 x 24
• BXMS12 - 12 x 16" & 12 x 18"
• BXM12S - 12 x 12"
• BXMS20 - 20 x 30 

 

Why buy your canvas packaging from Adventa?

If you're looking for cost-effective packaging boxes for canvas prints that are easy to assemble and dispatch for your production staff, look no further than the QuickPro ArtWrap Mail Safe Box from Adventa.

The extra side supports keep canvases safe from crumple zones and promise durability thanks to their thickness.

The side of the boxes has been designed so that the three smallest boxes can hold multiple canvas sizes. Either pull over the laps flat to hold the largest size or fold over into a square tube to create thicker sides for the smaller sizes.

This economical packaging box for canvas prints is ideal for swift packaging and sending your customers prints safely so they can hang their memories easily.