It was the record-breaking lottery jackpot that captured the attention of the nation, a massive $100 million Powerball jackpot was up for grabs and up to one in three adult Australians from far and wide bought an entry hoping their lottery dreams would come true.
But while everyday Australians were dreaming about how they would spend the life-changing jackpot prize, franchisees from the Lott – Australia’s official lotteries were working hard behind-the-scenes to ensure every customer had a valid entry into the momentous draw.
With nearly 6,000 tickets sold per minute at the peak of sales leading up to the draw, the Lott outlets experienced an unprecedented frenzy of activity. There were queues out the door of first-time lottery players grabbing a QuickPick, faithful regulars playing their favourite marked numbers and an extraordinary amount of private syndicates meant that the Lott’s retail network of nearly 4,000 stores saw a massive boost in foot traffic.
The Lott franchisee, and owner of West Doncaster News and Lotto, Dhanesh Amarsi said he was absolutely run off his feet the entire week in the lead up to the draw.
“We’d had a big week before in the lead up to the $80 million draw, but from Friday morning onwards when everyone saw the Powerball jackpot to $100 million, tickets were flying out the door,” he explained.
“We saw a lot of existing customers increase their average ticket spend. We also saw infrequent customers drop in too, as well as people we hadn’t met before.
“It was very exciting! Such a great atmosphere in store. The staff really enjoyed it and the customers loved it too. It was absolutely great!
“Since the draw, we’ve had plenty of the same customers come in to check their tickets. Some used their winnings to purchase lottery products but it also gave them exposure to other parts of the business that we offer, like dry-cleaning.
“It’s also great to show new customers that it’s possible to win. There has been awareness that they can win any prize and I think that has brought people back.
“It’s created a really positive feeling amongst our customers and customers of lotteries.”
Director of Franchise Advisory Centre Jason Gherke said customers may not realise that the outlet where they buy their lottery tickets are independently owned and operated franchises.
“The business owners at these outlets is not a corporate employee but instead a person who is an active part of the local community, and who shares the excitement of their customers,” he said.
“Franchisees are the backbone of Australian small business and their hard work and dedication creates employment opportunities for local communities, while at the same time providing products and services to local markets.
“Customers in a hurry to buy their lottery tickets have more time when they come back to check their numbers, and in doing so, begin to realise that their local franchisee offers so much more than just lottery tickets.”
The Lott offers Australia’s official lottery games from NSW Lotteries, Golden Casket, Tatts and SA Lotteries. This includes games like Saturday Lotto, Monday & Wednesday Lotto, Oz Lotto, Powerball and Instant Scratch-Its.
Investing in a the Lott franchise gives small businesses the potential to increase revenue and join a strong Australian retail network that has been operating for more than a century.
A franchise from the Lott is the perfect complement to a range of small businesses; including convenience stores, convenience supermarkets, pharmacies, tobacconists, newsagents and more.
For more information visit thelott.com/franchisee or email franchiseenquiries@thelott.com.
