We have to take a moment on the 9 Clouds blog to congratulate Dick Fergen, owner of Nick’s Hamburger Shop, who was named “2011 Retailer of the Year.” He will be honored at the South Dakota Retailers Association’s annual awards banquet in Pierre next week.

Nick’s Hamburgers is an iconic business in Brookings, famous for their slider hamburgers, and diner-like atmosphere. Nick’s has been around  since the 1930′s, but they are constantly growing. The little burger shack in downtown Brookings remodeled in 2008, essentially doubling in size.

Nick’s is also staying current with social marketing trends. For the past year they’ve been working along side 9 Clouds to boost sales and generate customer interest with special text message coupons. It’s a simple concept; customers text a special number and code to receive coupons right to their phone. All they have to do is present the coupon from their phone to get the discount.

While it’s still a relatively new medium, the text message coupons have been successful for Nick’s and on an average day they see 4-5 customers come in to the shop and use the mobile coupons. We’re thrilled to be working with our favorite hamburger joint and really excited for Dick and the whole crew on the big award.