Southern New Hampshire University

MKT230: Retail Sales Promotion

A study guide to SNHU's MKT230, an undergraduate course on retail advertising, visual merchandising, personal selling and special events, ending in a sales promotion plan.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

MKT230 is a three-credit undergraduate course at Southern New Hampshire University. The catalog describes a focus on sales promotion in the retail sector, covering the needs of retailers in advertising, visual merchandising, personal selling and special events planning.

The culminating project is a sales promotion plan that includes a major special event, designed to be flexible for the range of retailing interests in the class. The challenge is turning separate promotional tools into one workable plan.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversitySouthern New Hampshire University
CodeMKT230
Credits3
LevelUndergraduate
Prerequisites (catalog)MKT205 and MKT222
Culminating projectA sales promotion plan including a major special event

What MKT230 Covers

AreaRole in a promotion plan
Retail advertisingTelling shoppers what is on offer and why now
Visual merchandisingDisplays that support the promotion in store
Personal sellingStaff conversations that turn interest into sales
Special eventsOccasions that bring people to the store

Key Concepts Explained

A promotion has a purpose. It might attract new shoppers, move excess stock, build loyalty or raise spending per visit. Each goal calls for different tools, so state the goal before choosing an event or offer.

Timing and budget shape feasibility. A plan that ignores staffing, space and cost reads as wishful. Show a simple schedule and a budget by category.

Evaluation completes the plan. Decide in advance how you will compare results with a normal period, such as sales, visitors or sign-ups.

Invented illustration: a small outdoor shop plans a weekend "first trail" event for beginners. Goal: bring in new customers. Advertising: local community posts. Visual merchandising: a beginner kit display. Personal selling: staff-led gear fitting sessions. Measure: new customer sign-ups and kit sales over the weekend compared with a typical one.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

TypeWhat it testsApproach
Promotion component analysesUnderstanding each toolPurpose, example, fit for your retailer
Event conceptCreativity with feasibilityGoal, audience, activities, logistics
Sales promotion planIntegrationGoal, tools, calendar, budget, measures
DiscussionApplying ideasShort retail example

Building the Culminating Plan

A plan like this is easier to write from a one-page skeleton. The rows below are suggestions; follow your own rubric where it differs.

SectionWhat to include
SituationThe retailer, customers and competition
GoalOne measurable promotion goal
ConceptThe theme and the main event
ToolsAdvertising, displays, selling approach
Calendar and budgetWhen things happen and what they cost
EvaluationHow you will judge results

A Study Approach, Theme by Theme

Advertising for Retailers

Retail adverts often have a short life and a clear call to action, such as a date or a place. Study a few from local retailers and note what they promise, what they ask shoppers to do and how long the offer lasts. Practice writing a short advert for your chosen retailer that does the same.

Visual Merchandising and Personal Selling

Think of the store as a stage for the promotion. Displays should repeat the theme and make the featured items easy to find, while staff should know what is on offer and how to explain it. Write a short staff briefing for your event: the theme, the featured items and two helpful questions to ask customers.

Special Events

An event needs a reason for people to come, something to do when they arrive and a way to link attendance to sales. Draft a simple run sheet with times, activities and responsibilities. Consider space, safety, permissions and weather where relevant, since realistic planning separates a strong plan from a fanciful one.

Building the Budget

Use categories such as advertising, decoration, staffing, supplies and contingency, with an amount for each and a total. Keep figures clearly labeled as your own planning assumptions unless drawn from a source. A small contingency line shows foresight, and a total that matches your narrative shows care.

Where Students Get Stuck

Study Tips for MKT230

How We Help with MKT230

Send the assignment, rubric and your retail idea. A retail marketing writer can explain concepts, prepare a custom plan, or review your draft for feasibility and clarity. See our business research paper help guide.

GradeEssays is independent of Southern New Hampshire University. We provide tutoring, model work and feedback; we do not access your course site or promise results. Your submitted work must be your own under SNHU's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch with free revisions within the scope of your original request.

Plan a Retail Promotion That Is Easy to Follow

Share your retail interest and brief. We prepare a custom plan or review your draft.

Start My MKT230 Help

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the MKT230 prerequisites?

SNHU's catalog lists MKT205 and MKT222.

What is the culminating project?

A sales promotion plan that includes a major special event.

How many credits?

Three, at undergraduate level.

Do I need a real retailer?

The project is designed to be flexible to students' retailing interests; follow your instructions.

Which tools does it cover?

Advertising, visual merchandising, personal selling and special events planning.

Can you help me outline my plan?

Yes, as tutoring support with your own retailer and idea.