Retail and Hospitality
Retail and hospitality businesses live and die by footfall and repeat visits. Your marketing needs to work hard locally, and it needs to flex with the seasons.
I help independent shops, cafes and hospitality venues with seasonal campaigns, local visibility, and branding that makes people want to walk through the door.
I understand the challenges Retail and Hospitality face
Seasonal dips arrive every year, but the response is often last-minute panic rather than a plan made in advance.
Many venues have an excellent in-person experience, but the website or social presence doesn't reflect that, quietly undermining what makes the business special.
And time is often the biggest constraint. You're running the floor, managing stock or staff, and marketing keeps slipping down the list.
How I can help
For seasonal businesses, I build a promotional calendar planned months ahead, not put together in a panic, creating campaigns that work across email, social and in-store materials together.
For businesses wanting a stronger digital presence, I design a brand and website that reflects the quality of the in-person experience, and write copy and content that captures the atmosphere, not just the menu or stock list.
For time-poor owners, I run marketing as a fractional partner, so it happens consistently without you having to manage it yourself.
Marketing services I offer
Brand and Graphic Design
A visual identity that matches the quality of your space.
Copywriting and Content
Copy that captures atmosphere, not just facts.
WordPress Development and Technical SEO
A fast, attractive website that's easy to find locally.
Marketing Strategy and Planning
A seasonal promotional plan built months in advance.
Why work with me
I bring 30+ years of commercial marketing experience, including running my own retail business with 15 outlets for 23 years before selling it in 2013. That means I understand retail and hospitality from the inside, footfall, staffing, seasonal trading, and the day-to-day pressures of running a site, not just the marketing layer on top.
My approach is full-stack: I design, write and build, so your brand stays consistent everywhere it appears. And based in the Cotswolds, I have a genuine understanding of the local seasonal market.
Businesses I've worked with
I work with many different types of business, including independent retailers, cafes and restaurants, pubs and inns, hotels and B&Bs, farm shops, salons and spas, and event venues.
FAQs
Can you help with a one-off seasonal campaign, not ongoing work?
Do you take photos, or just handle the marketing around them?
How far in advance should we start planning a seasonal campaign?
We rely heavily on word of mouth and repeat visits. Is marketing still worth it?
Can you help us stand out from bigger chains or franchises nearby?
What clients say
Don't just take my word for it
Keeps us ahead of the marketplace.
Steve Hutton has been actively involved with the design and marketing of our business.
His professionalism, enthusiasm and ability to come up with constant new ideas keep us ahead of the marketplace.
I would recommend him to any company looking for new ideas and forward-thinking skills.
Managing Director
Producing great results
We have regularly used Steve as a consultant over the past couple of years.
When we initially asked Steve to help, he quickly identified areas of our business that was not performing, like most businesses we were too close to notice the changes that could be made.
His fresh and creative thinking has helped FleetCheck’s marketing get on track and is producing great results.
Founder and managing director
Helpful in giving me fresh ideas
I found Steve very helpful in giving me fresh ideas and getting a whole new look for my business.
My business brand and the new website is now perfect.
I will definitely be using his services again.
Owner
Ready for marketing that fills tables and tills?
Get in touch and let's have a brief, no-pressure conversation about what your business needs.
Book your slot, call me directly on 01666 817151 or email hello@stevehutton.com