Valentine's Promotion Sways Hearts and Wallets

Creative Marketing Approach Yields Success!

(2/16/09) A special Valentine’s week promotion for Shelburne Falls yielded positive results, according to Michelle Olanyk (Mo’s Fudge Factor) who coordinated the event. “This marketing campaign was a grass-roots effort with area merchants working together to create gift selections for those who might not have the gift-giving knack,” she said. “We wanted to show people that not only is it good to shop locally, but that Shelburne Falls is the best place to find a fabulous gift.”

The SFABA Marketing Committee sponsored the promotion, which included special gift packages of products ranging from $15 - $375 with items such as wine, chocolate, flowers, love books, teddy bears and Bed & Breakfast stays. Hundreds of sheets of coupons promoting village businesses were also distributed and downloaded from www.shelburnefalls.com. Restaurants reported long waiting lists, and the promotion attracted press coverage from the area.

Did anyone buy the “Anti-Valentine”? (black roses, broken chocolate hearts and an Australian wine called ‘Bitch’) To protect the innocent (or guilty) Olanyk wouldn’t reveal the buyers. “Just like Vegas, what happens in Shelburne Falls, stays in Shelburne Falls,” she said.