Summer is here, the magical time when everyone wants to step outside and soak in the sun. This is also the time of festivals, when people gather and celebrate their customs. People from all ethnicities celebrate their festivals this season. As the US is home to residents from various cultural backgrounds, summer is like an ongoing festival itself.
This brings immense opportunities to retailers, who can capitalize on these events to boost sales while appreciating traditions and develop a deeper connection with customers from all ethnicities and backgrounds. Not sure which events and festivals fall in the summertime? Don’t worry – here’s a list of seven occasions where you can do something special for your customers.
Summer Solstice
Also known as the longest day of the summer, the solstice occurs on the day when the sun is at its highest point. Every year, it occurs between June 20 and June 22. The city of Fairbanks in Alaska celebrates this midnight sun with a baseball game and twelve-hour street fair where people can listen to live music and watch various acts. This festival happens on the Saturday closest to the solstice.
Apart from the US, this is also a special day in Europe. People in Scandinavian countries celebrate this day with large bonfires on the beach. In England, people travel from across the globe to visit Stonehenge in Salisbury on this day.
Bastille Day
Also known as La Fête Nationale, it is a French National holiday celebrated on July 14 every year. This day marks an important day in the French Revolution of 1789, when the French came together to fight against the monarchy. It is a day where the streets of France are lit up, and the Eiffel Tower is also illuminated in its full glory.
Retailers in cities that have a significant French population can do something special. For instance, you can set up a mini France in your store to give your French customers a dose of nostalgia. You can also collaborate with multiple store owners and the city council to organize a mini Bastille Parade. You can use banners and step and repeats, apart from other decorations, for this purpose.
US Independence Day
The 4th of July is undoubtedly one of the most popular holidays in the US. It is a tradition for Americans to invite guests, celebrate with barbecues and bonfires, and have intimate celebrations with close friends and family. People come dressed in the red, white, and blue, and decorate in honor of the national flag. Most cities organize parades and fireworks for the residents.
Retailers can offer special discounts or launch new product lines on this day to get more traction from customers. Businesses that provide customization can offer yard signs and banners to provide something unique.
Krishna Janmashtami
India is a land of traditions, and Indians cherish their festivals. Krishna Janmashtami is the day when the country celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. On this day, people make swings in their homes for Krishna and get new clothes for the God. They bathe the deity in milk and honey. They also observe a day-long fast and break it with delicacies.
Indians form a sizable population of the country. Retailers can make the most of this day by offering Indian decorations and sweets. You can also introduce Janmashtami special discounts to attract the Indian population.
Eid-Ul-Fitr
Every summer, Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan and end it with the auspicious day of Eid-Ul-Fitr. It is a month-long celebration when they indulge in myriads of delicacies. Eid is marked by getting new clothes, decorating houses, and meeting close friends and family. It’s a great opportunity for retailers, as you can offer lots of Eid-special items and Eid-special discounts to engage this group of customers.
Pride Parade
While Pride may not be a traditional festival, it is a momentous day that celebrates the LGBT community. It is usually held in the US on June 28 every year. People come out on the streets and fill the neighborhoods with rainbow colors, floats, and music to spread the message of love and acceptance.
Friendship Day
Of the relationships one enjoys in life, friendship is the most cherishable. In the US, this day is celebrated on July 30. Over the years, it has become a summer tradition that allows people to communicate to their friends how much they love them.
Retailers can attract the younger crowd by hosting special events or offering discounts to friends who drop in together to shop.