Retro Revival with a Personal Touch
Client
Cross River
Year
2024
INSPIRATION
Cross River, a thriving company based in New Jersey, wanted to reignite their holiday celebrations after years of scaled-back events. With an ‘80s-themed roller skate party planned at Factory220, the team sought an onsite activation that aligned with the retro vibe while keeping employees engaged and inspired.
Initial brainstorms led to the consideration of nostalgic giveaways like fanny packs and retro headphones. However, Whitestone was entrusted to bring fresh ideas to elevate the event, ensuring the experience was both memorable and practical for their diverse workplace.
PLAN
Whitestone crafted a comprehensive strategy to bring the 80s theme to life while fostering inclusivity across the company’s dispersed team. The centerpiece of the plan was a balance between onsite engagement and remote participation. A redemption website was introduced to give remote employees the opportunity to select and receive their gifts at home, ensuring everyone felt appreciated.
Onsite, the event was brought to life with the help of brand ambassadors, who played an integral role in engaging employees, guiding them through the customization process, and creating a seamless experience. Their presence contributed to the energetic and cohesive atmosphere of the celebration while ensuring every detail of the activation flowed smoothly.
This thoughtful, dual-faceted approach empowered employees to engage with the event’s theme in a fun, personalized way, regardless of their location.
The selected products were chosen for their relevance to the 80s theme and their long-term usability.
PRODUCTS
DENIM JACKETS: At the heart of the activation, these wearable gifts became canvases for personal expression through custom adhesive patches, enamel pins, and lettering.
CUSTOM PATCHES & ENAMEL PINS: Designed specifically for the event, these made each jacket unique and special.
LASER ENGRAVED BEER GLASS SETS: A high-quality gifting option featuring four Cross River-branded pilsner glasses in a premium box for employees who preferred something different.
BRANDED WATER BOTTLES: Sleek, practical, and eco-friendly, these bottles were offered in a range of colors to suit everyone’s taste.
Whitestone worked closely with supplier partners to ensure the quality and availability of these products while coordinating dropshipping for remote team members.
RESULTS
The Cross River holiday activation was one of success, achieving employee engagement both onsite and remotely. Whitestone’s strategic planning and innovative approach to customized gifting transformed the event into a unique, memorable experience.
A key aspect of this success was the emphasis on customization. Allowing employees to personalize their denim jackets with patches and pins created a sense of ownership, making the gift more meaningful and memorable. Customized gifting fosters trust, engagement, and a deeper emotional connection, ultimately contributing to a positive long-term relationship between employees and their company. The positive feedback from Cross River underscored the impact of these thoughtful and personalized touches.
