Last week I hosted a Tweet Chat to discuss low-cost marketing ideas with retailers. Some really fantastic strategies were proposed and here are my top five favorites:

Run a special sale every week/month alternating lines.
The sale would be called the "featured product" of the week/month and wouldn't be promoted in advance. And make sure you cross-market the sale through email blasts, blog posts and website updates.

Give away one big prize during the month.
Many vendors are now supporting retailers by donating product for giveaways. Create a huge basket to give to one of your lucky customers during the month, and don't forget to take their picture and feature the customer on your website or in your store email newsletter. You could even have their picture on display in the store near the sign-up area at your cash wrap.

Have a product giveaway with purchase.
This promotion would be similar to what department store cosmetics companies do (receiving a free lip gloss or makeup bag with purchase)—for example, every jar candle purchased means your customer receives a free votive. Retailers mentioned that many vendors are supporting this type of giveaway program with merchandise as well, so make sure you ask your vendors.

Co-op advertising.
I blogged about using co-op advertising for your store last month and the topic came up during our discussion. One of retailers noted that when three or four local retailers participate in a co-op, it creates a destination event.

Frequent buyer program.
Reward your loyal customers when they spend a certain amount every year in your store.

To see all the ideas, download this PDF of the TweetChat and be sure to join us next time!