Brighton has always been a place that’s filled with creative and innovative people with an entrepreneurial mindset. As a result, the seaside city is packed with a diverse mix of locally owned restaurants, bars, shops, and other businesses. To get ahead, each of these businesses has a different way of attracting customers, and plenty get creative while doing so. In this article, we’re going to get into what attracts customers to these places in Brighton.
The Art of Promotion
Promotions are the not-so-secret weapon for attracting customers, and in Brighton, these are as varied as the creative people on its streets. These range from seasonal promotions highlighting the next holiday, or offers promoting new product launches. We can see this tactic across lots of different industries. For example, Buzz Bingo, an online gaming company with a physical presence in Brighton, offers an online slots bonus to new customers. These give newcomers sign-up offers that include bonuses as well as free spins and in-person offers to be used at club locations.
And they’re not alone – high-street favourites like Waterstones host literary events and special deals, while Theatre Royal Brighton rolls out a 25% discount for ‘local heroes’ like nurses and teachers, and Snooze Accommodation offers £25 off stays depending on the number of nights.
Embracing Brighton’s Artistic Soul
Many local shops lean into Brighton’s reputation as a centre for artists on the south coast and align themselves with this aspect of the culture. For example, many cafés and shops in the North Laine district regularly have art exhibitions, live performances, or showcase other aspects of the city’s artistry. This creates a unique atmosphere not seen in many other areas of the country and attracts plenty of visitors to the area. The same can be said for restaurant owners who seek to make the dining experience unique while also promoting local talent.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Brighton isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a city with soul. Stepping off the train, you’ll immediately feel the difference – this is a place where community and sustainability go hand in hand: it has a small town feel with its vibrant atmosphere and tight streets that make it seem like one big community. This is one of the aspects that contributes to business success as well, which seems like a shared commitment to sustainability.
For example, before its closure, HISBE, a supermarket, championed the cause of sustainability in running operations from an eco-conscious perspective. This aligned with the general feeling of the local population and brought with it a loyal fanbase attracted by fair trade and fair prices. Brighton & Hove Council helps with the drive towards sustainability and offers grants to companies willing to make their day-to-day operations more environmentally sustainable.
Brighton businesses show that while incentives do attract customers, it’s more about just deals and discounts. Leaning into the culture of the surrounding city can really help build a business, create a different culture, and most importantly, bring more and retain old customers.
