Avoid the Summer Slump and Heat Up Sales!

Finding yourself in a summer slump in terms of sales? Summer typically means vacation time which can translate into less time in your store.

Here are a few tips to help keep your sales hot during the summer months:

Host Events 
Summer doesn’t have to always center around backyard BBQs or vacation time. You can host an event right in your store.  If you’re a coffee shop, try conducting a taste test for a new brew or host a naming contest. Invite your customers to sample one of  your proprietary blends and suggest a name. Whoever chooses the name for your new product receives a free item or two from your bakery or barista.

Stand out
If your competitors are holding summer sales – and they likely are – offer something proprietary for your customers. Maybe you have a proprietary offering your competition doesn’t. Perhaps you can have a Friday afternoon jam session with party music in your store and serve refreshments. Place prominent signage in front of your store for added visibility.

Ask for Referrals
Encourage your customers to refer your store to their friends and family. Perhaps issue a referral card.  If your referring customer brings their referral into your store, and that results in a purchase, perhaps offer them both a discount.

Beat the summer slump by trying a few new ideas and you just may be on the path to better sales in no time!