Leaning into the coastal lifestyle

Last Sunday, as I sipped a cool drink at my local surf club—a quintessentially coastal way to end the weekend—I couldn’t help but notice how packed the place was. Families were sharing platters, friends clinked glasses, and there was an air of excitement I did not expect on a Sunday afternoon.

The secret? The club's weekly Members Draw at 5:00 p.m.

Here is how it works: it is a random draw. If your membership number is called, you have just five minutes to claim your prize. If no one claims, the jackpot rolls over to the next week. The prize last Sunday? A whopping $7,200. No wonder the place was buzzing! People stayed, ate, drank, and enjoyed themselves—all while boosting revenue for the club.

It got me thinking. Every business—whether it is a surf club, a café, or a retail store—needs a reason to draw people in, especially during slower periods. The Member’s Draw is a brilliant example of a call to action. It is simple, it is engaging, and it works.

So, what can other businesses do to create that kind of buzz on a sleepy Sunday arvo? Here are three ideas:

Host a Local Talent Showcase
Whether it’s live music, a poetry slam, or an open mic, inviting local talent to perform is a win-win. They get exposure, and you get customers who come for the entertainment (and stay for the food, drinks, or products). Bonus points if you make it a regular event that people mark on their calendars.
Run a Community Treasure Hunt
Set up a mini scavenger hunt with prizes for participants. You could collaborate with neighbouring businesses to create a buzz across the whole area. Keep it simple, like a checklist of items to find or riddles to solve and finish the event at your business to maximize foot traffic.
Create a ‘Lazy Sunday’ Package
Pair your offerings with a discount or exclusive deal on Sundays. For example, a café could offer a “Sunday Sipper Special” of a coffee and cake combo, or a retail store might run flash sales from 3–5 p.m. every Sunday. Add a surprise element—like a mystery discount or prize—to keep it fun.

The lesson here? People need a reason to show up. Whether it is the chance to win a jackpot or just the promise of a fun time, it is about giving your customers that nudge to choose you over Netflix and the couch.

So, what’s your “Members Draw”? What irresistible call to action will bring your customers through the door? Let’s keep those ideas flowing—and those sleepy Sunday arvos buzzing.

Stay ‘Appy!