How to take advantage of the holiday season in the middle of summer with your small business.
Christmas in July in retail is typically held on July 25th but can be formatted to fit the dates that work for you and your business. This event is great for pushing leftover Christmas inventory from last season and also any old inventory you need to move quickly to free up your cash. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started on this marketing holiday:
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
If you have leftover Christmas inventory from last season – use this month to curate a special collection around it and re-launch it. Give great deals to move this access inventory and give your customers a head start on their holiday prep.
SUMMER SANTA MEET & GREET
If you have a physical location or can coordinate to host this meet and greet with another local business – take advantage of a unique opportunity for your community. Partner with a local Santa in your area and have them come dressed in Santa’s Summer Best for a photo op. This is a great way to drive foot traffic to your store, warehouse, or pop-up. Parents are always looking for experiences to do with their kids during the summer – capitalize on the fun opportunity.
12 DAYS OF DEALS/GIVEAWAYS
Just like the 12 days of Christmas but hosted in the Summer. Host a daily special or deal on the 12 days leading up to July 25th (or any timeframe of your choice) – Use this promo to discount and move summer inventory or Host fun giveaways to boost engagement/social followers/brand awareness.
SAMPLE 12 DAYS OF DEALS IDEAS:
% off all Shoes
% off all Jewelry
BOGO basics (leggings, biker shorts, bralettes, etc.)
FREE Gift with Purchase
$__
Credit Back with Purchase Over $ to use Next Month
% off all Shorts
% off all Dresses
% off of Tops
Double Discounts on all Sale Items
FREE Shipping
% Off Accessories
% off Speciality Collection
SUMMER STOCKING BAR/COLLECTION
Gather up your favorite accessories, jewelry, and small grab-and-go gifts. Purchase bulk Christmas stockings online and get ready to have your customers come and fill up! You can also offer this online as a special collection – orders placed within that collection – include a free stocking with their order.Set up an area in your storefront for people to browse and fill their stockings – the items do not need to be holiday-themed. Market as holiday prep/head start on the holidays. Set stockings for $__ price or just incentive the free stocking with bar purchases.
HOT HOLIDAY BASH
Host a one-day event at your storefront, warehouse or coordinate a special pop-up for a HOT Holiday Bash. Decorate for a Summer Themed Christmas, serve summer-themed holiday treats and go all out on the HOT deals to move your Summer Inventory. This is a unique spin on incorporating Christmas in July and an End of Season Sale together.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY GIFT GUIDE
What’s Going to be Hot this Holiday Season? Create a Gift Guide for your top picks your customers can grab NOW.
MOM’S NIGHT OUT: SUMMER HOLIDAY DIY
Craft Night! Partner with a local artist or company to host a Christmas Themed Decor DIY Night. Or find some easy craft ideas on Pinterest, purchase the supplies and host this on your own. Use these craft nights to host sip & shop – allowing those to attend to shop privately with a discount & drinks.
OTHER IDEAS:
Ugly Christmas in July Sweater Sip & Shop-Crank up the AC and break out the sweaters for a fun-themed sip & shop
Christmas-Themed Balloon Pop Sale (Christmas colored balloons)
Jingle In July (themed sale or collection)
Halfway to the Holidays (themed sale or collection)
25% OFF on July 25TH (themed sale)
This article was written and reprinted with permission of The Boutique Hub. If you enjoyed this article, find more resources like this one here at The Boutique Hub.