Branded Hospitality: How Restaurants and Bars Can Use Merchandising to Build a Loyal Fanbase

Most restaurants create innovative strategies to develop a loyal fan base. However, it is challenging to determine the best approach to persuade customers to come back in the future. Successful restaurant owners think building a connection with customers is essential to a thriving brand. Merchandising is a way to create connections with potential customers.

Restaurants and bars are not mere brick-and-mortar eateries. They are brands with a number of followers. So, these brands have embraced the idea of merchandising to expand their follower base. You can now check for the merchandising guide for your hospitality brand.

Choose the Products That you Like to Sell

You should consider products that directly connect your potential customers to your restaurant. For instance, if they are searching for a yummy sauce or a tasty wine, your restaurant’s online shop should be your priority. You may check the seasonal trends to decide the products you will sell. Google Trends will help you detect if a particular product has been popular recently. Both edible and non-edible items can be chosen for merchandising.

• Restaurant cookbooks – If you have employed reputed chefs for your restaurant, leverage their credibility to sell cookbooks. Foodies will buy the books to learn about new recipes.
• Bottle openers and wine keys- Beer and wine are the best gifts, but a bottle opener or a wine key from a restaurant will add a memorable touch. Loyal diners will naturally feel encouraged to buy it.
• Glassware and mugs- Branded glassware and mugs at the local coffee shop give satisfaction to customers. So, you can choose these items for your restaurant merchandising.

Create An Online Store for Your Restaurant and Bar

The first step is to ensure that your restaurant’s POS system processes digital sales. You should also check the e-commerce capabilities of your restaurant’s website.

Capture high-quality product photos and edit them to bring perfection. Place every product in your restaurant setting and snap photos. You may display those images on your Instagram page and drive more sales. It is also essential to write product descriptions with relevant keywords.

Promote the Online Store

Your virtual shop should be easily visible in your website’s navigation bar. It allows visitors to find your merchandise without a hassle. You may also reveal details on how to buy products.

You can start an email marketing campaign to announce your new merchandise. To simplify your activities, hire professionals from Knight Out and similar leading companies. Experts will help you run an email campaign for restaurant merchandise. For instance, this might include Mailchimp and other marketing automation tools to promote merchandise.

How Does Restaurant Merchandising Benefit Your Business?

By selling products online, restaurants can increase their revenues. More potential customers will become familiar with the restaurant and bar. If an existing customer loves your cocktail, they will naturally buy your merchandise. Branded merchandise means your logo will be visible to your guests. It will remind them to buy your products in the future.

So, start a merchandising campaign for your restaurant and bar to increase the number of followers.