LAS VEGAS – We’ve often heard the saying that the best (and cheapest) advertising is word-of-mouth. So how can retailers successfully use customers to advocate on their behalf?

To integrate your stores into the community, it is essential to create an emotional tie so customers will actively engage with your stores. In the NACS Show session, “Cashing in on the Community,” on Thursday, October 9 from 9:05 am – 9:55 am, attendees will gain essential information on how to turn your store into a favorite neighborhood spot.

Speakers David Ring, community relations coordinator for Kwik Trip Inc., and Roger Ahlfeld, vice president of human resources for Tedeschi Food Shops Inc., will provide attendees with ways to best leverage the community in order to increase both your sales and your brand image. The session will also cover tactics such as ways to get involved in local legislative grassroots efforts and suggested neighborhood initiatives that can be implemented in your stores.

Read more about Ahlfeld and his journey from restaurant veteran to c-store executive in the July issue of NACS Magazine in “One Good Hire.”

You can also review this and other NACS Show sessions and plan your Show experience now.