Autumn is a busy time of year for the hotels, restaurants and pub industry. So it’s important for you to stay one step ahead of the competition on autumn trade. Now here are a few suggestions for you.

From 5 star hotels and seaside cafes to the classic British pub, autumn is a busy time of year as the industry seeks to capitalise on those looking to enjoy their weekends in the run-up to Christmas. As such it’s important for you to stay one step ahead of the competition. Simple changes to your point of sale (POS) can help you to do this by creating attention-grabbing displays that attract potential customers right from the offset. Debra Jamieson, sales and marketing director at UKPOS, has put together a few suggestions for implementing a consistent, relevant and effective promotional display, both indoors and out.

Outdoor Point of Sale

The entrance to the bar or restaurant is often the first place that a potential customer will notice. The importance of the outdoor display should not be underestimated in persuading passers-by to enter your establishment, and can be just as important for hotels in encouraging customers to spend at the on-site facilities rather than looking elsewhere. Placing a chalk ‘A’ board near the entrance is a particularly effective way of communicating an offer or promotion to passers-by and is often the key to initiating customer action.

It is equally important, however, that POS equipment should be relevant to your brand’s image and reflective of the type of establishment you are trying to sell. For the luxury hospitality sector, a rounded magnetic ‘A’ board is a great way to draw customers in, creating a professional, high-end look. For restaurants, pubs and hotels seeking to promote a more authentic, homely appearance, a chalk ‘A’ board is one option that can be used to display offers in a clear, visible manner, while upholding a more rustic image suited to a country gastro pub for instance.

Chalk ‘A’ boards can be wiped clean in seconds to allow you to constantly keep offers or welcome messages updated without having to invest in posters. Be creative – many pubs have pulled in customers with a witty slogan or note.

‘A’ boards dotted around the reception or entrance areas are also a great way for businesses to shout about additional offerings – from function rooms available for wedding hire to the office Christmas party. It’s never too early to advertise seasonal events and it will often prove a great incentive when encouraging guests visiting now to return later in the year.

For both indoor and outdoor outlets, floor-standing frames can be used to display your menu, providing customers with an early look at the food and drink offering. This can be an excellent piece of POS equipment that informs the public of the options available and gives potential customers the confidence to enter your establishment.

Indoor Point of Sale

When it comes to indoor POS, consistency is key. Posters and inserts should be updated frequently, with hotels ensuring that any offers in the rooms match those in the restaurant or bar.

Make sure that any brochures or literature in the reception area are displayed in a leaflet holder to create a tidy-looking appearance.

Table space in restaurants and bars is also something to consider – 1/3 A4 is the most popular size for menu holders as they are an option that doesn’t take up too much table space. For those looking for a more traditional look, table-top chalk boards can be used in a number of sizes to display your menu or daily specials range. Alternatively, for a look that stands out, consider LED poster holders which are both durable and professional and available in counter, wall-mounted or free-standing options.

Quality Point of Sale

If you want to capitalise on the rush of customers looking to the hospitality industry this summer, quality point of sale can add that professional finishing touch that makes your brand stand out and puts your business ahead of the game. Relevance and consistency are key when ensuring the potential of your promotional display is realised. Create a quality display that is appropriate for your target audience and consistent throughout your establishment and you are sure to enjoy the autumn season.