Retro Revival with a Personal Touch

Client
Cross River
Year
2024

Colorful balloon arch with neon sign reading 'Rink' at an indoor party or venue, illuminated with multicolored lighting.

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.

A display of two denim jackets on mannequins, one light blue with patches, and the other black with colorful patches and the words "CROSS RIVER COOL" on the back. There are four empty champagne glasses and a black rectangular sign with white handwritten text reading "CROSS RIVER COOL" on a table covered with a black cloth in front of the jackets.

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.

Display of folded denim jeans in various colors and washes on a table at a retail store.

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

A woman with curly hair is standing at a wooden table, decorating a black backpack with colorful patches and letters. There is a bottle of water and some tissue on the table.
Line drawing of a jacket with a collar, front zipper, and two chest pockets.
A circular object with dashed white lines on a black background, resembling a button or a ring.
Outline drawing of a beer glass on a black background.
Outline of a water bottle on a black background.

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.

Display window with denim jacket and jacket with cross design, illuminated by neon blue lights, with a sign that says "Gifts"
A bar or counter area inside a venue with colorful bottles arranged on top. The background shows brick walls, large windows, and neon signs that say 'Drinks' and 'Come.' The space has industrial design elements with exposed pipes and a dark ceiling.

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. 

People dancing at a vibrant nightclub with colorful lights and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling.
Learn more about onsite Gifting