Cat in the Hat in the Hat in the Hat
R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison, CT celebrated Dr. Seuss Day by attempting to break a Guinness World Record. Sunday, March 2, was the 110th birthday of Dr. Seuss, and the R.J. Julia community joined together to break the record for most Cat in the Hat hats worn at a single venue. The current record is 281. And although they haven’t been deemed the official record holders, more than 1000 attended in hats.
But this success almost didn’t happen. Almost. Courtney McCarroll, Marketing & Communications Manager for R.J. Julia Booksellers, told me that as of last Wednesday, 330 customers had signed up to take part in the event. A customer alerted the bookstore that another group in Texas was also going for the record, and 700 were expected to attend.
“Not one to back down from a challenge, we decided to round up the troops,” said McCarroll. “With help from our sponsors, we had 800 more hats shipped overnight.”
McCarroll used traditional marketing strategies for the event and sent out a press release in January. They also used Facebook, Twitter, and created a window display and a book display in kids department. McCarroll said, “Our sponsors were instrumental in blasting information out to their lists as well.”
McCarroll attributes the event’s success to the strong legacy R.J. Julia Booksellers has in the community. “If you’re in good standing in your community, if you respect your customers, they will give back to you and be there for you in your time of need. They want to see you succeed.”
She also credits the organization and super-hero qualities of events manager, Liz Bartek. “Cat in the Hat hats off to her.”
