Answers to a hypothetical question: part 3

Some time ago, Scipio, at The Absorbascon, asked some hypothetical questions about you would do if you owned your local comic book store. Inspired by this, I've answered them. The answers will be posted over the next few days.
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How would you promote it?

Try and make the local press your friend. In the build up to opening your store make them aware of it. They are often desperate to fill their pages so you can help them and they in turn will help you. Whenever a superhero film is released make sure you have a spot in the paper, possibly a review of it (sadly you will not be able to write what you really think, and everything will get two thumbs up, but that’s business!)

Get involved in the local community in some way – which will also give you free publicity. If I owned a comics shop in Exeter (my home town) I would give a discount to those who supported Exeter City FC via the Supporter’s Trust which now runs the club. I would sponsor some matches too.

Make ‘Free Comic Book Day’ a local event – maybe by teaming up with other local retailers. FCBD is a great idea but all it ends up meaning is that a nerd like me gets a free comic that week.

On a more parochial level, why don’t you look at how other shops promote themselves? They have clear signs and well known brand images identify what they sell. Why not put the Bat, Super and Spider-symbols outside the shop? People will be able to easily identify it, as opposed to most comic shops which have some “pun-based” name which says nothing about what it sells.