How does Thorpe Park attract and retain its customers?

They build new rides every year- ATTRACT-Building new rides attracts customers as it is something to look forward to as it is a modern thing to look forward to. The target market for this would be the customers and consumers because it would appeal the most to them because they would be interested the most in new rides.RETAIN-Building another ride the next year would make them come back again as they want to try the new ride so therefore they improve their reputation and customer satisfaction. Thrill seekers who love to go the new rides would be retained after they build them as they are willing to pay to go on rides that are modern and take adrenaline to the max. Having new exciting rides encourages people to return and enjoy them again.

They advertise on radios, TV, leaflets, Website, Food and Drink products and social networking sites- ATTRACT -Thorpe Park advertise so that people who haven’t heard about the park have the opportunity to go to it as they have heard about it somewhere so consequently they attract more customers to the park which becomes more profit so then the park will become a better business and be more successful. They also advertise on TV, posters, Social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter) and even cereal boxes. Thorpe Park advertises on so many types of websites so they get more people to see what they offer their park. All these places link to the target market for Thorpe Park as they all appeal

to customers because they want more customers to come to their park so they will get more income.

RETAIN-Advertising would help retain customers, as in Thorpe Park there are poster that say if you come back the next day we will give you 50% off so consequently the customers are retained at the park for an extra day if they are interested. They also contact people who have been, to offer new things to encourage them to return.

Deals and offers e.g. merlin pass, 2 for 1- ATTRACT-Providing deals and offers is a good way of attracting customers as it gives people the opportunity to go to Thorpe Park for a good price and also it gives money off of drink, foods and accessories. This makes it cheaper so it appeals to teenagers and families so they then can afford it.RETAIN-Deals and offers would retain customers as Thorpe park would give a better offer such as ‘come back tomorrow for a fiver’ which most people would go to unless they have a long journey back home or other appointments to go to. I heard these deals over the tannoy a Thorpe Park while I was leaving so it invites you back.

Good accessibility ATTRACT-Good accessibility would attract them to the park as people wouldn’t want to come if they have to park far away from the Park so it is good that Thorpe Park have a large car park. It’s easy to get off the motorway, but however you have to drive through a built up urban area so this could be a disadvantage.RETAIN-This would retain customers as they know about where to park and that’s it’s not far away to walk from the Park. As it is easy to find customers are more inclined to visit again.

Themed nights ATTRACT-This helps the park attract people through the winter months when the park is closed so it gives them a little bit of income when the park is shut. The customers are convinced that the show will be good and they don’t leave the show till late in the evening. This would make the customers spend more on food, drink and snacks, so this would make more money for the Park. Thorpe Park provides scary nights and music nights to attract customers as it will be a special occasion.RETAIN-Thorpe Park organise themed nights, it retains customers because it is something different to go to in the Park so it is something to look forward to.

Good customer serviceATTRACT- Achieving good customer service gives the park a good reputation as customers will be pleased and tell other friends and family members so that will attract them to come to the park.RETAIN- It would also retain customers as they would ask them about new deals and places to go in the Park which would keep them there for longer.EVALUATE- As I have been to Thorpe Park on a school trip, I would say that good customer service is a massive part of retaining customers as they try to persuade you to come back and hand leaflets out etc.

Reasonable ticket prices-ATTRACT- Offering ticket prices that are reasonable gives families who are less wealthy the opportunity to attend a great day at a Theme park which will give them pleasure and relieve some of the stress on parents. It would also give a great day for the children at all ages as the Park offers different rides for different ages.RETAIN- Good ticket prices would retain customers. For example the next day after you have visited the park they would offer you a half price deal to make you stay for an extra day.

ConclusionI think that Thorpe Park are good at attracting customers because they advertise in a variety of different places by offering deals and offers online where customers can save up to £23. Also by upgrading their Theme Park by building new rides is a great way to attract customers. They are also good at retaining customers by having a good reputation and good customer service.

Bibliography I went to my local library to find some text books about Thorpe Park which helped me with some parts of the Functional areas. I also used their website for some resources about the rides and themed nights. Then I went on to YouTube to find out some reviews about the rides at Thorpe Park and how their customer service was good etc.

Online Resourceshttps://www.thorpepark.com/ http://www.youtube.com/

Nick Castellan