Help Isom IGA recover from devasting floods
Help Isom IGA recover from devasting floods
Store: Port Kennedy SUPA IGA
Location: Port Kennedy, Western Australia
Owner: Ike Abdulla
Department: Whole Store
Difficulty: Moderate
Store Specs: 3,400 square feet
Every year, I run a school excursion where we take about 70 kindergarteners through each department in the store, teaching them where the different foods come from and how to choose healthy eating options.
We have spot prizes to keep the kids on their toes and make the experience more exciting (we keep it simple with naturally sweetened lollies). At the end of the tour, each child chooses a healthy snack, pays for it at a dedicated checkout, and then donates the leftover change to a local charity. This activity helps the kids learn the value of money, how to make healthy eating choices, and how to give to others. We have been running this program with a local Catholic School for about six years and it has become an annual event for them.
I love doing the event for the kids, and it draws awareness to the store. There is almost a three to one ratio of kids to parent chaperones, so if I have 90 kids come through, there are at least 30 adults with them who receive a personal tour of the store and get to know the owner. In the nearly six years we have been running this program, we have built a strong loyalty with those parents whose kids have come through the store.
Shoppers love it. The shoppers who witness the excursion coming through the store absolutely love the concept.
Demonstrates community spirit. It shows that the owner promotes a warm community feeling.
Parents learn about the store. Some of the parent chaperones who come through the store have never visited before, and they enjoy seeing the supermarket from a different angle and not only as a shopping chore!
Sets an example for staff. Our employees see how the owner integrates with the community and especially the young kids. It sets a strong example for them to be more community-minded and interact with customers of all ages.
Increases store awareness. The school puts the information about the excursion in their newsletter, so the teachers, school staff, and parents become very aware of our store.
Boosts business morale. All the other businesses in the shopping center see the excursion and the positivity it brings to the center.
We recommend the students come with no more than $2.00 for their healthy snack purchase and charity donation.
Have a best practice of your own? We want to hear it!
8745 West Higgins Rd. Ste 210
Chicago, IL 60631
Phone: (773) 693-4520
Fax: (773) 693-4533