PlotBox Blog

digital mapping

A Journey to Success: Cardiff Council's Digital Transformation

Gain key insights for Cardiff Council's digital transformation journey with PlotBox.

digital mapping

Grave Encounters: 5 Reasons you Need a Digital Engagement Platform

Today’s digital world presents cemeteries with new opportunities. Discover how to maximize them by making your records available online.

cemetery mapping

Five in Five: PlotBox Digital Cemetery Mapping

In the first in a new series, we give five reasons in five minutes why PlotBox's cemetery mapping solution is the best choice for deathcare providers.

crematory management software

England and Wales Medical Examiner System Updates: What Next

Death Certification and Medical Examiner System changes come into effect in England and Wales. Here's how PlotBox is helping.

cemetery management software

First Memorial Modernizes Cemetery Systems and Streamlines Finances

Family-run First Memorial Park Cemetery & Mausoleums needed to update their systems and processes. Here's how they achieved that with PlotBox.

cemetery management software

Deeds Management: The Key to Successful Grave Reuse and Reclamation

Grave reuse is a growing talking point for deathcare providers globally. Here's what you need to know to get ahead.

cemetery management software

PlotBox: Streamline Your Deathcare Business with CRM

CRM is good. CRM integrated with your deathcare management solution is better. Discover how PlotBox can help maximize your data.

deathcare management software

Making the Switch: A Seamless Data Migration and Why it’s Essential

Successfully migrating your cemetery, crematory or funeral home data can be made much smoother with the right partner. Here's both how and why.

AI

Can AI Help Us to Make Better Decisions?

Find out how AI-powered tools can assist deathcare providers in making data-driven decisions and optimizing operations.

cemetery management software

Digital Transformation in Deathcare: Build vs Buy

When it comes to a new digital deathcare management solution, why invest time, effort and money into solving a problem that’s already been solved?

financial management software

Streamline Deathcare Taxes with PlotBox

For deathcare providers, managing taxes effectively is essential to fulfilling statutory obligations and remaining compliant. Here's how PlotBox can...

crematory management software

Modern Cremation: Must-Have PlotBox Tools

Key takeaways from a review of PlotBox's cremation management software, it highlights the importance of efficient operations, compliance, and service.

financial management

Essential Reports for Cemeteries: Liability and Fulfillment

Discover the two PlotBox finance reports you need to ensure that pre-need liabilities don't become a risk.

cemetery management software

Combo Funeral Homes: Ensuring a Seamless Experience from First Call

Discover how to overcome the challenges of keeping your combo connected by breaking down silos and improving communication.

cemetery management software

7 Ways Deathcare Tech Supports Local Government Strategies

Enhance community services with digital solutions. Discover how deathcare management technology can optimize council strategies.

cemetery management software

Data-Driven Optimization for Cemeteries

Having the clearest, most accurate picture of your inventory opens up a range of possibilities. Here's what they are and how to get them.

AI

AI: A New Era for Deathcare Ethics

What place does AI have within the deathcare and funeral industry, what are the benefits and how can we avoid the potential pitfalls?

deathcare management software

ICCFA Convention 2024: Florida Success

We look back on the ICCFA's flagship Convention and Exposition, held in Tampa Bay.

Effective Trust Fund Management for Cemeteries: Why It Matters

Discover why a cloud-based financial management solution is essential for overcoming the challenges of managing your trust funds.

cemetery management software

7 Benefits of Easy-to-Use Cemetery Management Software

An intuitive deathcare management solution will deliver a wide range of benefits. Here are just seven of them.

cemetery management software

The Importance of User-Friendly Cemetery Software

An easy to use cemetery management solution provides a wide range of benefits. Here's what they are and why you need PlotBox.

cemetery management software

The Importance of Support Beyond Software

Support is a partnership. Discover what to expect from your vendor & why clear expectations matter.

crematory management software

Families First: Enhance Crematory Service

Empathetic death care starts with exceptional service. Discover how crematorium management software can help.

crematory management

The Power of Advocates in Digital Transformation

Digital transformation means bringing people along with you on a journey. Ensure there are fewer bumps along that road by nominating champions for...

crematory management

Cemetery Digital Change Management: Taking it from the Top

How we manage change can greatly impact its success or failure. We explore why buy-in from leadership is crucial for successful digital...

crematory management

Global Deathcare Innovations: A Tale of Cemeteries and Crematories

We’ve seen first-hand the benefits of shared learnings that come from a commitment to world-class global deathcare development. Here are a few...

digital mapping

2024: The Future of Deathcare

2024 insights: Customer feedback guides cemetery and crematorium services provision.

digital mapping

PlotBox Digital Maps: Honoring Loved Ones

Digital cemetery mapping software fosters community and connection, uniting loved ones in cemeteries and crematoriums.

PlotBox Digital Mapping for Mausoleum Success

From pre-need sales to enhancing customer service, innovative digital mapping software is helping managers to manage their mausoleums.

cemetery management software

PlotBox: Navigating NSW Licensing Changes

PlotBox's cemetery management software offers solutions to navigate NSW licensing changes. Read more to find out how we can help you.

Revolutionizing Cemetery Operations: The Power of Cemetery Software

Discover how cemetery software can revolutionize cemetery operations and enhance efficiency.

Trends and Technology: Lessons from Covid for Deathcare Providers

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the importance of technology adoption and evolving consumer expectations for deathcare providers.

Maximizing Columbarium & Vertical Structures: The Only Way Up

Cremation is on the rise, and so too are columbaria and vertical structures. Discover how you can maximize the opportunity for pre-need sales and...

Why PlotBox is the Top Choice Among Cemetery Software Providers

Why PlotBox stands out among cemetery software providers, offering solutions to streamline cemetery management, automate tasks, and enhance...

5 Key Trends Shaping the Future of the Deathcare Industry

Revolutionizing the deathcare industry. Learn about 5 key trends transforming the sector, from eco-friendly practices to digital innovation.

Wellbeing for Deathcare Professionals: Supporting Each Other

We hear first hand the impact on deathcare professionals of grief support and how they can support their own mental health and wellbeing.

digital mapping

How Digital Transformation Is Revolutionizing the Deathcare Industry

From the customer experience to long-term sustainability, here are five ways cemetery management software is transforming the deathcare industry.

Wellbeing in the Deathcare Industry

Discover how managers within the deathcare industry can help to support the mental health of staff by creating a culture of workplace wellbeing.

The Best Cemetery Mapping Software: Say Hello to PlotBox

Why PlotBox is the best cemetery mapping software, offering digital tools to optimize plot management, enhance efficiency, and improve cemetery...

Bereavement Software & Innovative Grief Support Approaches

New innovations in memorialization, family bereavement software, and grief support are transforming the deathcare industry.

Efficient Mausoleum Management with PlotBox Cemetery Software

PlotBox’s cemetery software simplifies mausoleum management by automating record-keeping, optimizing space, and enhancing operational efficiency

digital mapping

Top 5 Benefits of Cemetery Software for Effective Plot Management

Effective plot management relies on knowing exactly what you have and where at all times. Here are 5 reasons why you should be using cemetery...

Digital Era: Redefining Customer Experiences

Discover effective communication, partnership, process alignment, and balancing people, processes, and technology.

Optimizing Large Cemeteries with PlotBox: Efficiency and Innovation

PlotBox optimizes large-scale operations, streamlines plot management, automates workflows, and enhances efficiency for cemeteries of all sizes.

Streamlining Operations with Cemetery Software

Discover how cemetery software can revolutionize cemetery operations by streamlining tasks, improving record keeping, and integrating with mapping...

The Power of Cemetery Software: Transforming Modern Management

Cemetery software can streamline operations, enhance record-keeping, and improve customer service. Learn the top 10 benefits for cemetery managers

3 Things Cemeteries Need to Know About SEO

Attract more visitors to your cemetery. Learn essential SEO strategies to boost online presence and sales.

cemetery management software

Lee Snashfold on Cemetery & Crematory Compliance

Lee Snashfold offers expert insights for optimal cemetery and crematorium management, ensuring top-notch service and best practices.

Maximizing Efficiency: Choosing the Best Cemetery Software

Discover how to select the most effective cemetery software for streamlining management operations and maximizing efficiency.

cemetery management software

What is the True Cost of Errors for Cemeteries and Crematories?

Mistakes in cemeteries and crematories can have far-reaching consequences, so what are their causes and how can we mitigate them?

cremation software

5 Crematory Management Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Old, disjointed systems and processes can pose a number of challenges to successful crematory management. Discover how to overcome them.

cremation software

Maximizing Crematory Efficiency with PlotBox Crematory Software

Improve the efficiency of your crematory with PlotBox. Streamline processes, manage records, finances, contracts, scheduling, and more.

crematory management software

The Rise of Cremation and What it Means for Deathcare Providers

We look at the rise of cremation, its impact on deathcare, and what it might mean for the future of service provision.

Your Pre-Need Audience in 2023 and How To Reach Them

Targeting your audience begins with understanding them. We explore tools, techniques and strategies for reaching pre-need customers in 2023.

digital mapping

Cemetery Software and Preparation for High Visitation Days

Calendar events bring high footfall to cemeteries - The City of Plant City give insights on prep practicalities and how cemetery software can help.

5 Marketing Tools to Boost Your Pre-Need

The key to pre-need sales success could be at your fingertips. Here are 5 tools to help maximize the opportunity.

Navigating Eternal Spaces: Choosing the Right Software for Cemeteries

Discover the benefits of cemetery software and how it can streamline operations, enhance customer service, and optimize resources.

PlotBox: 7th on UK's Best Workplaces™ Medium Organizations List

PlotBox ranked 7th among the 100 organizations on the UK's Best Workplaces™ Medium Organizations list by Great Place to Work®

cemetery management software

5 Reasons to Embrace Mobile Software Solutions For Your Cemetery

Applications and mobile devices continue to change how we interact with technology. We explore the practical benefits for cemeteries and crematoriums.

cemetery management software

Digital Maps: Your Secret Weapon for Cemetery Event Planning

Digital maps hold many benefits for cemeteries, and in providing the clearest, most accurate view of your site, they're also great tool for event...

Events: Using Calendar Dates to Enhance Your Cemetery Experience

Planning an event calendar for your cemetery? We look at some dates that can provide a little inspiration.

Celebrating Women in the Deathcare industry

In our latest blog for International Womens Day 2023. We spoke to three inspirational women in the deathcare profession from across the globe.

Financial Insights for Cemeteries: Reports You Need to See

Here’s a list of the top 3 reports we repeatedly hear cemeteries have the greatest need to see, but can’t currently access without time-intensive...

digital mapping

Unlocking the Benefits of Digital Mapping for Green Burial Sites

How digital mapping can help green burial grounds to effectively manage their space with a clearer view of exactly what they have and where they have...

Greener Ashes: Better for the Earth

Insights into best practice on green burials when reinstating historical scatter beds, as well as the latest developments in organic dispersal

Changing Attitudes to Deathcare and the Rise of Green Burials

Explore the changing attitudes towards deathcare and the rise of green burials, reflecting shifts in beliefs and practices.

Enhance Your Cemetery Mapping with the Right Tools

Discover how the right tools can revolutionize your cemetery mapping process and improve accuracy and efficiency.

cemetery management software

Data Migration Demystified: 3 Things Cemeteries Should Know

Digital migration is a key component of digital transformation - so what is it and what role does it play when moving to a new cemetery management...

Preserving History: The Importance of Digitizing Cemetery Records

Discover the significance of digitizing cemetery records and how it contributes to preserving history and honoring the departed.

cemetery management software

Maximizing Data: The Power of Cemetery Management Software

We explore how data-driven decisions that help cemeteries, crematories and funeral homes are made easier with cemetery management software.

cemetery management software

Transforming Municipalities with PlotBox Cemetery Software

We explore how a digital-first approach underpinned by cemetery software can help to overcome some common challenges for Municipality cemetery...

cemetery management software

3 Things You Should Know About Your Cemetery Data and Cloud Technology

Curious about the cloud? Discover how cloud technology can help to keep your cemetery records and data secure and easily accessible.

Revolutionizing Cemetery Management with GIS Mapping Software

Revolutionize cemetery management with GIS mapping software for efficient inventory control, future planning, and improved visitor experiences.

digital mapping

Grave mapping: The Time is now to Choose Digital Cemetery Maps

Discover just a few of the benefits of enhancing your grave mapping with digital cemetery maps linked to deceased records.

cemetery management software

3 Quick Cemetery Reports to Help Maximize Your Data

We take a look at 3 PlotBox reports that can quickly and easily help deathcare providers to utilize the data they hold in meaningful, positive ways.

cemetery management software

4 Ways PlotBox Can Support  Compliance and Best Practice

We explore how cloud-based deathcare management software can help manage risk and support compliance and best practice for cemeteries and crematories.

digital mapping

Enhancing Green Burial Sites with Verified Mapping

We explore how PlotBox's verified mapping process has helped provide Tithe Green with a clearer view of their natural burial grounds.

digital mapping

Why are accurate cemetery maps important for Local Authorities?

We explore why accurate cemetery maps and burial records are important for Local Authorities from the perspective of those who gain value from them.

How to Find New Customers Online: A Digital Guide

How cemeteries can get the most from digital marketing and social media to meet the needs of the changing buyer and increase pre-need sales.

cemetery management software

Catholic Dioceses and Cemetery Management Software

We look at the crossroads faced by the Catholic Church and how a ‘single source of truth’ created by cemetery software can help meet changing...

PlotBox

Why PlotBox Leads in Cemetery Management: Top Features Explained

Discover why PlotBox is the top choice for cemetery management with features like digital mapping, secure records, and enhanced customer service.

3 Ways PlotBox Can Help Good Practice in Cemetery Risk Assessment

We explore how cemeteries can mitigate risk and promote good practice by utilizing technology as part of their risk assessment process.

All Souls and All Saints Day Events For Cemeteries

As a special time of reflection and gathering, All Souls Day and All Saints Day are meaningful avenues for cemeterians to engage with their...

Efficient Cemetery Management: The Power of Inventory Control Systems

Explore the importance of a cemetery inventory control system in modern cemetery management.

Revolutionize Cemetery Operations with Work Order Management Software

PlotBox's work order management software boosts cemetery efficiency and accountability, seamlessly integrating with your existing cemetery software.

digital transformation

Modernizing Deathcare: A Digital Toolkit for Funeral Directors

Explore the digital transformation in the funeral industry with PlotBox, empowering funeral directors with modern tools for efficiency, and...

Día de los Muertos: Reimagining Community

We explore how three US cemeteries are engaging with their communities by hosting Dia de Los Muertos Day of the Dead celebrations.

Mastering Cemetery Risk Assessments: The Insider's Guide

Using workflows in a cemetery whether manually or digitally, are so important to help undertake your risk assessments to a consistently good standard.

The Green Burial Movement: Meeting Demand and Overcoming Challenges

Reports show there's huge demand for Green & Natural burial. Get expert advice on how to meet these needs & overcome challenges to map a green burial...

Revolutionizing Funeral Services: Cloud-Based Deathcare Solutions

Benefits of cloud-based deathcare solutions for modern funeral service providers, enhancing operations, customer satisfaction, and long-term success.

The Future of Cemetery Management: Enhanced Graveyard Mapping

Explore the future of cemetery management with enhanced graveyard mapping, benefiting operations, customer experience and historical preservation.

cemetery management software

Better Connected: Why Combo Operators need a Single Source of Truth

We explore how a cemetery management system can provide a single source of truth to meet the unique challenges faced by funeral home-cemetery combos.

cemetery management software

Revolutionizing Cemetery Management with Advanced Software

Discover how PlotBox's cutting-edge cemetery software streamlines cemetery management, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

9 Creative Ways to Boost Cemetery Sales and Community Engagement

Cemetery management software | Here are some basic steps you can take to increare pre-need sales and attract more visitors to your site.

Whispering Pines Cemetery modernizes operations with PlotBox

Whispering Pines Cemetery partners with PlotBox to digitally transform their operations.

cemetery management software

Connecting Today With The Past: Catholic Dioceses And The Digital Age

PlotBox Solutions Consultant Joe Witherspoon considers how Dioceses and Archdiocese should adapt to change through tech adoption.

cemetery management software

Build Stronger Family Relationships Using PlotBox

6 ways a CRM system can help deathcare providers to build and maintain relationships with families as well as generate leads and pre-need cemetery...

Uncovering Cemetery Marketing Secrets: 3 Things You Need to Know

Learn about cemetery marketing, including the importance of comms, social media, & traditional marketing.

cemetery management software

Revolutionizing Cemetery Sales: Benefits of Integrated Software

PlotBox's Joe and Ashlynn provide insights on the benefits of an integrated cemetery software management system to the modern cemetery sales...

Streamline Cemetery Operations with PlotBox Inventory Control Software

Discover how PlotBox's cemetery inventory control software streamlines plot management, reduces errors, and enhances efficiency for cemeteries of all...

Modern Cemetery Mapping: Transforming Management Practices

Discover the importance of modern cemetery mapping techniques in managing burial sites efficiently and accurately.

digital mapping

Mitigate Deathcare Risks Through Software

Cemetery software can help deathcare providers mitigate risks in managing cemeteries, crematoria, and funeral homes.

Revolutionizing Cemetery Management with SaaS Solutions

Revolutionize cemetery management with PlotBox SaaS solutions: cost-efficient, flexible, and scalable software for efficient operations.

cemetery management software

Running out of space, planning a new cemetery: how can software help?

PlotBox discusses the challenge of space for Australian cemetery operators and how integrated cemetery management software can help.

cemetery management software

SaaS & Cloud: Future-Proof Your Deathcare Facility

Unsure about cloud technology? We demystify SaaS (Software as a Service) and explore the benefits of cloud cemetery software.

digital mapping

PlotBox Receives Drone Technology Awards Recognition

Cemetery mapping software pioneers PlotBox have won the award for Software - Captured Data Management and Analysis’ at the recent Airwards 21/22

digital mapping

Enhance Cemetery Inventory Control with Powerful Mapping Software

Enhance your cemetery inventory control with PlotBox's powerful mapping software and GIS mapping and discover the benefits of accurate digital...

cemetery management software

Memorial Day Efficiency with Cemetery Management Software

Discover how PlotBox's cemetery management software with integrated mapping can help cemeteries to plan for a successful Memorial Day.

Lead Generation for Cemeteries, Crematories and Funeral Homes

Lead generation for cemeteries, crematories and funeral homes in 3 easy steps - defining your audience, choosing the right channels and capturing...

The PlotBox Funeral Director Portal: Transforming Customer Service

Funeral directors share how the PlotBox Funeral Director Portal has helped to transform customer service having been implemented by Wirral Council.

PlotBox: The Key to Financial Success in Cemeteries

Richard McHatton at the Diocese of Orange, California tells us first hand the benefits of using PlotBox in managing their financial processes.

Introducing the Plots Module for Better Plot Management

PlotBox's plot management system with integrated mapping software pulls together all of the information cemeteries need to manage and record plots.

cremation software

Funeral Home Combos: Overcoming Common Challenges

We explain how a single cemetery management system can help funeral processes and ensure future growth for funeral home combo service providers.

5 Strategies to Boost Your Cemetery's Profile in 2022

PlotBox shares 5 practical strategies for helping to raise your cemetery's profile in 2022.

Transforming Cemetery Operations: PlotBox Partners with Plant City

PlotBox announce partnership with The City of Plant City, providing cloud-based digital solution that will help to modernise their cemetery...

Engaging Your Community: Innovative Strategies for Cemeteries

World-leading cemetery software provider PlotBox provides 5 strategies to help cemeteries engage with their communities and increase pre-need sales.

Unleashing the Power of Digital Transformation in Deathcare

Cemetery software and digital transformations may alter the essence. Is there cause for concern?

3 Reasons Why You Should Make Your Cemetery Records Available Online

Genealogy and digital expectations present a real opportunity for engagement. Here's why you should make your cemeteries records available online.

7 Steps to a Cemetery Digital Transformation

Overwhelmed by digital cemetery transformation? Don't worry! Our expert advice will guide you to success

Cemetery Sales Processes: Pandemic & Beyond

Check out our latest blog post on adapting cemetery sales processes during a pandemic and beyond.

Efficient Cemetery Trust Fund Management with PlotBox

Did you know Trust Funds can be managed within PlotBox? Enjoy flexibility in moving monies in and out of relevant trust funds.

Personalizing Customer Experience in the Digital Age

It’s important to get the correct balance between digital experience and providing a personal touch, especially within your cemetery or crematory.

5 Ways To Promote Empathy During A Crisis

It’s more important now than ever to show concern and demonstrate empathy to your customers, colleagues and the community around you. 

6 Reasons to Drive Digital Change in Your Organization

Could you be the driver of influencing digital change in your organization?

Future-Proof Your Cemetery: 6 Reasons to Embrace Cloud Software

Protect your cemetery's future. Cloud technology offers essential tools for today's challenges. Explore the options now.

9 Fresh Ideas for Your Cemetery's Social Media Channels

Given the fast-paced nature of social media, it's hard to come up with fresh ideas every week! We've dug around for some ideas for great posts to...

5 Tips To Improve Your Online Presence

Ready to improve your online presence? Check out our 5 tips for getting started!

5 Opportunities for Cemeteries Embracing Remote Working

COVID-19 has resulted in a shift to remote working, which has presented cemeteries with opportunities they may not have previously considered.

Life With PlotBox: We Catch up With Staff at Rookwood

We caught up with the team at Rookwood to discover first hand the benefits in using PlotBox to streamline workflows, raise service levels & reduce...

Six Ways iPads Enhance Your Cemetery Management

Discover the six exciting ways that incorporating an iPad into your cemetery management can streamline your services and improve customer experience.

PlotBox Now Supplier on Digital Outcomes & Specialists 4 Framework

PlotBox are delighted to announce that we have been awarded supplier status on the UK Government’s Digital Outcomes And Specialists 4 Framework!

What Wikipedia Can’t Tell You About Managing Work Orders

Processing & tracking work orders in cemeteries requires a lot of effort. Find out how a work orders system can improve productivity & customer...

Boost Your Cemetery's Social Media Marketing

This guide will give you some help with tools & steps to take to give you the know-how & confidence to do your cemetery's social media marketing...

Challenges in Implementing a New Cemetery Management System

We look into the biggest challenges that cemetery professionals face in completing a cemetery management system build or buy project.

6 Unique Cemetery Events to Engage Communities

Hosting any event, big or small, is sure to benefit cemeteries! Here we explore Hollywood Forever’s concerts & five other fun events to engage...

Catering For Your Local Hispanic Community: Tips For Success

In the US, the Hispanic population is huge but yet as a profession, we haven’t given it the attention it deserves. So what do we need to do to...

Five Essential Cemetery Marketing Trends & Tools

In a recent webinar, we covered cemetery marketing and the full recording is available here, but if you’re pushed for time, here’s a small extract!

Cemetery Software & Mapping: Vital Integration

The cost of managing disjointed systems in cash, time & energy is huge. Find out how fully integrated software & mapping is vital to realize...

The Cost of Inaction: Short Risks That Demand Change

Discover the risks of inaction in cemetery management, from data security to time inefficiency. Learn why digital transformation is crucial.

Benefits of Digital Transformation for Cemeteries

There's a lot of talk about going digital & embracing technology, but why? Cemeteries have operated with current processes for decades so why the...

Boost Cemetery Efficiency: 13 Reasons for Moving to PlotBox

13 reasons why your cemetery needs PlotBox - Cemetery management and mapping software.

The Risks of Outdated Cemetery Software: Why You Need to Upgrade

The importance of reviewing cemetery software systems can be highly underestimated within organisations and is often deemed an unnecessary expense.

A Three-Step Guide to Refining Your Cemetery's Processes

If your staff spend their days duplicating data entry, pulling together reports, looking up paper records, or colouring in maps, you have a problem!

cemetery management software

How Can Cemeteries Meet The Digital Expectations of Millennials?

Discover how cemeteries can connect with Millennials through digital innovation. Learn about online tools, social media, and digital marketing...

digital mapping

What Cemetery Mapping is on Offer in The Market?

Explore the world of cemetery mapping with PlotBox's 'True' Digital Mapping solution and powerful GIS mapping.

What's a Gap Analysis And Does Your Cemetery Need One?

Are your staff spending their days duplicating data entry? Are they taking hours to pull together reports, looking up paper records or colouring in...

5 Unique Funeral Ideas to Personalize the End-of-Life Experience

Explore five unique funeral ideas from customized coffins to green burials. Discover ways to personalize the end-of-life experience.

10 Stunning Graves Around the World You Need to See

Grave sites and Mausoleums come in all shapes and sizes. Here is a rundown of our favourite wonderful graves.

The Pokémon Go Debate: Cemetery Impact & Sales Boost

Letting Pokémon Go 'Trainers' into your cemetery to 'Catch 'Em All' can attract visitors & benefit sales, but not everyone is welcoming the craze...