Visit Knowle's  Marketing Toolkit - Optimising footfall from the Noel Market

We are launching our first Christmas Market on Station Road on 6th and 7th December to invite footfall to Knowle. When approached strategically, markets can increase dwell time, cross-street exploration, brand visibility, and total spend in a local centre.
This toolkit gives practical, proven ways for businesses to turn market days into high-value trading opportunities.

Why Markets Can Help Local Businesses

  • Markets increase total visitors to the area
    People who attend artisan markets are highly aligned with retail and hospitality spending - "experience-seekers" who shop small and buy local.
  • They increase dwell time and “browse the village” behaviour
    Events create a reason for visitors to wander beyond the stalls and explore the rest of Knowle.
  • They boost awareness of local shops
    New customers discover the village for the first time through markets – traders bring their own customer base and market advertising attracts new visitors.
  • Visit Knowle will help direct footfall
    We will be sharing recommendations and highlighting local shops, cafés, pubs and services at the Visit Knowle stall to actively encourage visitors to explore the whole centre.
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Make the most of market day

What retailers can do for your own business:

Visibility & Shop Front

  • If not already on display, introduce shop window posters advertising your existing Christmas offers
  • Use pavement boards with enticing messages like:
    “Market Day Special – Pop in for…”, “New in today!”, “Warm up inside!”
  • Keep your door open to invite passing footfall inside

Market-Day Exclusives
These give market visitors a reason to step inside:

  • Limited-time offers (e.g., Buy 2 get 1 half price).
  • A bundle offer this weekend only

Social Media Boosting

  • Share the market announcement on your socials and mention your own offers, giving followers reasons to visit YOU this weekend
  • Tag @visitknowle so we can reshare
  • Post a story on market days (“We’re open and ready for Market Day!”).

In-Store Experiences

  • Hold a mini demonstration.
  • Place a QR code at the entrance linking to your newsletter, loyalty scheme or menu.
  • Sign up visitors to your email list.

Cross-Promotion

  • Collaborate with one nearby business on a joint offer.

What hospitality can do for your own business:

Make It Easy for Market Visitors to Drop In

  • Display clear signage outside: “Walk-ins welcome”, “Market Day Menu available”.
  • Consider a stall-front sample station outside

Special Offers That Work

  • Market Day Breakfast Deal (before 11am).
  • Market Day Lunch Platter or Mini-Menu.
  • A “Market Shopper’s Warm-Up Drink”

Drive Conversions From the Market Crowd

  • Post on socials the morning of the event and encourage tagging.
  • Mention the market in your stories during the event:
    “Just steps away from today’s Noel market — stop in for…”
  • Encourage staff to verbally invite passers-by.

Create a social media buzz

  • Share the market announcement on your socials and mention your own offers, giving followers reasons to visit YOU this weekend
  • Tag @visitknowle so we can reshare
  • Post a story on market days (“We’re open and ready for Market Day!”).
  • Post about how vibrant your café is on market day, inviting people in.
  • Share UGC (user-generated content) throughout the day.

Sample Social Media Posts

Retail – Sample Post 1
🌿 Market Day in Knowle!

We love the buzz the artisan market brings - and we’re joining in with a little something special…

✨ MARKET DAY EXCLUSIVES IN-STORE TODAY ✨Pop in while you’re browsing the stalls for:
🛍️ [Your offer]
🎁 [New arrival / product spotlight]
💚 A warm welcome and local good vibes

We’re just a few steps from the market - come say hi!

#VisitKnowle #KnowleMarket #ShopLocal #MarketDay

Retail – Sample Post 2
It’s Knowle Artisan Market Day!

If you’re heading down to explore the amazing makers, don’t forget to take a wander around Knowle too… 👀

We’ve got:
⭐ [Special discount or bundle]
🧺 [Seasonal display / new collection]
📍 And we’re open all day!

Let’s make today a celebration of all things local.

#SupportLocalBusiness #KnowleVillage #MarketDayMagic

Hospitality – Sample Post 1
☕✨ Market Day Treats Are Here!

Visiting the artisan market today? Make sure you stop by for our Market Day Specials:

🥐 [Grab-and-go pastry / breakfast deal]
☕ [Market latte / seasonal drink]
🍰 [Sweet treat or sampler]

We’re just around the corner and ready to fuel your browsing!
Walk-ins welcome all day.

#VisitKnowle #KnowleMarket #LocalEats

Hospitality – Sample Post 2
🍽️✨ Make a Day of It in Knowle!

After exploring the artisan market, come relax with us - we’ve got a Market Day Menu running today only:

🍔 [Special dish]
🍹 [Market cocktail / cooler]
🧀 [Sharing board / family plates]

Drop in, unwind and enjoy the atmosphere.
Let’s celebrate local together!

#KnowleFood #MarketDay #VisitKnowle

Your Tick List

  1. Use #visitknowle and tag @visitknowle in your posts
  2. Follow @VisitKnowle and join in the campaigns by commenting, sharing and liking
  3. Support neighbouring businesses by liking, commenting & sharing their posts
  4. Email your customers inviting them to Knowle including what you’ve got on offer
  5. Email hello@visitknowle.co.uk details of your special offers / events

Visit Knowle inviting footfall to Knowle

Visit Knowle will be inviting people to Knowle. Our campaign will be delivered via:

  • Press releases
  • Posters (shop window & lamppost)
  • Roadside banners
  • Social media – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter (organic and paid for ads)
  • Website – page, blog, events listings