Do stagnant summer sales leave you longing for
Christmas (well, maybe, minus the crazy schedule)? If so, you’re not
alone. Blame it on the heat, summer vacations and the lack of major holidays,
if you’re in the retail industry it’s no surprise summer is likely going to be
a slow season (unless your business is in a tourism location).
A summertime spin on Christmas, could be a great
opportunity for your business to heat things up this summer! Get the most out
of your Christmas in July promotions by meeting these three objectives.
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| Photos: Dallas News |
You wouldn’t
expect to hear Christmas carols or see Santa posing for photos in board shorts
and a Hawaiian shirt in the peak of summer. Make your business stand out by
hosting a Christmas party in July, complete with a sampling of your favorite
Christmas treats, giveaways, live music and Santa in his vacation attire.
Generate New
Customers
A study published
by Adobe Digital shows
repeat customers spend 25% more per transaction during the holiday rush,
compared to a new customer who spends only 15% more during the holiday
season.To help convert new customers into return customers, CaffeineInteractive.com suggests
offering those who make a purchase during your Christmas in July promotion, a
discount on future purchases between Black Friday and New Year’s Day. Consider
keeping a separate email list for these customers, to send them a coupon just
before Black Friday.
Reward Loyal
Customers
Celebrate loyal
customers by throwing a Christmas-themed customer appreciation party or
offering a free gift for shopping in July. Shopkeep recommends
inviting loyal customers to a flash sale in their honor and offering additional
incentives for bringing a friend. Spread the word by sending invitations with
details via email or snail mail.
Creating memorable
shopping experiences for new and return customers may help pad more than just
your summer sales. Kathy Allen of the National Retail Federation told USA Today,
“When the holiday season does come, maybe that person who had a wonderful
experience shopping in July remembers to come back, and will spend their
holiday dollars there, or their Halloween dollars or their birthday dollars.”
Do you celebrate Christmas in July? If so, share your ideas in the comments
below.
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