At least once a week, I get an IM from a friend telling me about X store having an OMG Massively Huge Sale!!! We go, and find a disorganized mess; or worse - something that's not a sale or an event at all.
I've wanted to throw a once a month half off sale since I opened in December, and haven't because my main shop is in a mall, which couldn't handle the load. And I'd like to share the tips and tricks I know to make in store sales events a better experience for all.
I'll skip the no-brainer things like: having staff to assist, notifying the sim owner and actually making it an event.
1. Phantom all decor. Phantomed items reduce server lag immensely, but they seem to be the last to load. So un-phantom your vending images, but phantom everything else you can. It's a trade off. Reduce server lag elsewhere, and you'll be fine.
2. Have someone stand near the TP point to direct the blind. Simple directions like "Avatar A, there's clear space to your left. And welcome to Store X's sale!" can do wonders. People know they're noticed, know it's a genuine sale event, and know where they can head without pushing others before the first prim has rezzed. That knowledge alone would have me stick around for a bit.
3. Turn off or pull unneeded scripted items. It's wonderful that you have a massive fully physical waterfall that emits steam particles in the center of your shop. Is it necessary in the middle of a sim stuffing sale? And since you'll have a live greeter, you can put away the greeter bot until after the sale.
4. Be prepared for a large crowd. If you advertise properly and people TP their friends because they see it's a genuine sale, you *will* be packed.
5. Listen to what those potential customers are saying. It will help you know what items are or aren't popular, what they think of your pricing, what they think of your store in general.