The fourth Saturday of September has been designated as National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day. Celebrated in 2024 on September 28, this event recognizes the activities and accomplishments of hunters and anglers of all ages and abilities. 

As the owner of a gun shop, you have the perfect opportunity to showcase your products and introduce your brand to new customers on this day.

Get prepared.

Before the big day, make sure that your back-office infrastructure is sound. You should be partnering with a gun-friendly payment processor who can provide you with the software and hardware necessary to take customer payments in a wide variety of forms. 

An experienced processor can also help you to navigate the complex security and regulatory landscape in which the firearms industry resides and provide crucial support should you ever experience technical difficulties or suffer a data breach.

Spread the word

Now that you’re partnered with an experienced high risk merchant account provider, the real work begins. If you plan to commemorate NHF Day, you will need to include it in your promotions — here’s some good marketing strategies for firearms businesses. 

Social media gives you the optimal vehicle for creating a buzz about any promotions, events, or other activities you plan to sponsor.

Before that happens, however, now is the time to update your pages on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Regularly engage customers with content that informs, educates, and inspires interest in visiting your store or website — your ultimate goal is getting them to purchase your products. 

With that infrastructure of strong, dynamic content in place, you will be in the perfect position to use these sites to spread the word about your plans for the celebration on September 28.

Create the perfect event.

The purpose of this day is to celebrate the American sporting culture. Your shop, with its firearms products and accessories, is the ideal showcase for the American traditions of hunting and conservation.

Offering complimentary workshops and equipment demonstrations gives you a way to reflect the spirit of this important day while simultaneously providing exposure to your merchandise. 

Additionally, attendees will be introduced to your staff and brand as a whole and can see for themselves what sets you apart from the many other firearms retailers in your area and online.

Give customers a reason to return.

Now that you have attracted potential customers to your event, find ways to inspire them to continue their relationship with your shop. Sponsor in-store drawings and contests on the big day, and be generous about giving out discount coupons that must be redeemed within the month. 

This strategy will help to transform casual first-time visitors into purchasing customers, giving you the perfect chance to learn more about their buying preferences to further personalize their future experiences. 

Your payment processor can help you find a robust POS system that helps you with sales reporting and other customer engagement tools.

NHF Day will soon be upon us. Use this important day to showcase your many firearms services and product offerings, and capitalize on the influx of online and foot traffic to create new long-term patrons. 

As a result, the benefits of this day for you and your clients will reverberate well into next year and beyond.