It’s like clockwork; every year, repeat talks of making it even better than the last tends to put a high expectation on the month of January, and understandably so. As humans, we are innately impatient, our ignorance of the phrase ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ often getting the better of us.
Due to this, phrases and phases have been coined in regards to making positive changes during the first month of the year, phrases such as Veganuary and and phases similar to Dry-January.
We get it; new year, new you, new eating habits, new lifestyle changes, new drinking limits. And while it’s a universal thing, we at C-Talk just wanted to talk about the little changes retailers can do to help out any members of their community who may be participating.
VEGANUARY
Veganuary is a campaign that encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for the entire month of January. It promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet for health, the environment and especially animal welfare.
It’s a great opportunity to explore delicious vegan food options, as well as take part in a lifestyle you may not be so accustomed to!
During Veganuary, retailers can offer a variety of plant-based products within their store, as well as healthy, equally as yummy alternatives to products that contain both dairy and meat.
Retailers can create special vegan menus, promote vegan products by running offers like they would on regular meat-based items, or even create dedicated sections or displays for vegan items in their stores.
Social media savvy retailers can perhaps engage with their customers online by sharing vegan recipes with products available in their own stores, as well as tips and tricks; not only does this promote any offers they may have going on, but it can also make the month a little easier for customers who want to try veganism but aren’t so sure on where to start.
Additionally, retailers can partner with vegan brands to showcase their products and provide samples or tasting to encourage customers to try new vegan options. It’s all about making it easy and exciting for people to explore the vegan lifestyle!
DRY JANUARY
Dry January is a movement where people choose to abstain from consuming alcohol for the entire month of January.
It’s a popular way to start the new year on a healthier note and to give your body a break from alcohol; remember, new year new me!
Many people use this time to reset their relationship with alcohol, improve their overall well-being, and save money, setting the tone for the New Year just right and on a very positive note. It’s a great opportunity to explore alcohol-free alternatives and discover new ways to have fun without alcohol!
Of course, we’re not lost on the fact that alcohol sales contribute massively to a retailer’s business. We’re not saying to clear the shelves altogether, or not to order any crates, bottles or cans in until February 1st, but there are a few things retailers can do to ease the temptation off of any community members trying to make it through the month without so much as a sip.
By offering a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including alcohol-free beers, mocktails, and specialty drinks, retailers are still able to benefit themselves and their customers by providing smart alternatives.
Retailers can place the usual offers they’ve have in place for alcohol products on these that don’t contain alcohol, making it easier for Dry-January partakers to make a choice. Offers can also be created on healthy snacks, hydration products and wellness items to combat the slight loss of sale, should there be any.
Similarly to Veganuary, retailers can hop onto social media and share inspiring stories, mocktail recipes and any-instore offers they might have to help out during Dry January.
All in all, while many see Veganuary, Dry January etc. as fads that mostly fade before Valentine’s day, there are still many who actively take part and should be catered for during the first month of the year.
As a retailer, you’d be helping out your community members a great deal, as well as simply showing your willingness to be inclusive within your store.
