Super Bowl Provides Opportunity for Local Businesses to Score Big

With the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots set to face off this Sunday in the Super Bowl, retailers are working overtime to capture shoppers as they plan out their game day festivities — and rightfully so. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumers are expected to spend $15.3 billion on Super Bowl-related items this year, up 8.5 percent from 2017’s estimate of $14.1 billion.

So, what does this mean for businesses? Individuals who are planning to host game day parties present a lucrative audience for retailers and grocers to tap into to “win” sales around this event. According to new research, this year’s party hosts expect to spend more than $50 on food and supplies alone. The findings also indicate that small, local retailers and grocers can expect to reap a bigger slice of the pie. Forty-three percent of respondents plan to shop small and local, compared to 33 percent who will opt for larger chain stores. Also, consider this — more than half are only willing to travel less than four miles to make their purchases. When it comes to those ordering take-out from a restaurant, they will travel similar distances.

With this ideal market in front of them, here are three ways small, independent businesses can beat out the competition to score big on game day.

Advertise early and often.

According to the survey’s findings, the majority of consumers (69 percent) will complete their purchases just a day or two before, or even the day of the Super Bowl. This presents a prime opportunity for local businesses to draw in these last-minute shoppers through timely, targeted advertisements and promotions, as well as cross-platform messaging.

For instance, a local grocer can send out a coupon…