In-Store Activation Ideas

This isn’t just about pulling off a fun in-store activity — it’s a chance to shape how people remember your business and whether they choose to return. Thoughtful preparation, intentional customer experience, and a little strategic planning can transform a simple game or giveaway into a lasting relationship. Whether your goal is sales, visibility, or list growth, these best practices will help you make the most of every interaction.

1. Always Reward Participation

Even if there’s a big prize, make sure everyone gets something — a treat, a sticker, or a thank-you card. No one should walk away empty-handed.

2. Brand the Experience

Put your logo, colours, or message on whatever you're handing out — cards, signs, or giveaways — to reinforce your brand.

3. Use the Moment to Grow Your List

This event isn't just about having fun, it's a rare opportunity to level up your customer base. Invite visitors to join your email or SMS list in exchange for a small reward or bonus offer. The more engaged your audience becomes, the more likely they'll return.

4. Train Staff to Engage

Treat this like a pop-up version of your brand’s best self. A warm smile and a simple “How's the treasure hunt going?” can turn a passerby into a future customer. Keep staff informed and motivated to represent your business at its most welcoming and enthusiastic.

5. Capture the Fun

Take a few photos or short videos of your activation in action — these are gold for your social media after the event.

6. Encourage Social Sharing

Prompt visitors to post and tag you on social with a fun sign or small incentive — a bonus entry, discount, or freebie.

7. Keep the Flow Moving

Choose activities that are quick and self-explanatory to avoid bottlenecks or confusion. Keep things moving smoothly even during busy moments.

8. Bounce Back with Purpose

Give guests a reason to come back — with an expiry date, bonus offer, or second-stage prize for a return visit.

9. Match the Energy to Your Brand and Capacity

Your activation should feel like “you.” Whether relaxed or high-energy, align the activity with your regular customer experience — but also match it to what your staff can realistically manage. If your store tends to be high-volume or understaffed, go with an activation that doesn’t require ongoing attention. If you’ve got time to chat and engage, a conversation-driven activity might be perfect.

10. Ask for Feedback Afterward

Use a follow-up message or social post to ask, “What was your favourite part?” to gather insight and keep engagement going.

11. Design for a Steady Flow, Not a Flash Mob

Expect a slow and steady trickle of treasure hunters across the day. Your setup should feel fun whether it’s 10AM or 3PM.

12. Keep It Sustainable

Plan your supplies and stamina. If you expect 300 people, budget and prep your activation so it can last until the last guest.

13. Breaks & Boosts

Keep your staff feeling great. Water, snacks, and morale boosts keep the energy high for everyone involved.

14. Create a Fallback Plan

If your activation runs out or hits a snag, have a backup ready, like a text-to-claim offer or bounce-back voucher. For example, if your prize inventory runs low by midday, you could switch to handing out QR codes or stamped vouchers redeemable later. Or, if your balloon-popping game loses its appeal due to noise or foot traffic issues, pivot to a quiet self-serve draw box with smaller instant-win cards. The key is to stay flexible so every visitor still gets a great experience, even if things don’t go exactly to plan.

15. Consider Low-Cost Paid Entry for High-Value Games

If your activation involves high-value prizes (like popping balloons to win actual merchandise), consider charging a small fee to participate, like a toonie or $5. This helps offset the cost of the giveaway, introduces a buyer relationship, and can create opportunities for upselling. Just make sure the experience feels fair and exciting, and that the participation fee is clearly explained. Everyone should still leave with something, even if it's a discount, treat, or thank-you for playing.