Memorial Day is only a couple of weeks away, and if you haven’t already started your promotions, now is the time. This a day to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom, and it is also a weekend that is typically defined by major retail sales. As most areas have begun to welcome shoppers at full capacity, Memorial Day 2021 will provide small businesses with an excellent opportunity to generate revenue. Here we take a look at five ways to promote your retail store for the holiday weekend.

Local Advertising Campaign

Most advertising platforms, including Facebook and Google Ads, allow you to target your audience based on their location. Putting out ads to concentrate on a 5-10 mile radius surrounding your store will help you to reach a broad audience within your local area. You can also send out flyers and email blasts to encourage more foot traffic.

Donate A Percentage To Charity

Choosing a couple of charities that support military families to donate a portion of your revenue to is a great way to give something back and also increase sales. Not only will you see an immediate uptick because of your generosity, but it may also help you to gain loyal customers and improve your standing in the community.

Discounts For Military Families

This is one of the most popular types of sales that are held during Memorial Day weekend. While you still may want to have sales focused on the general population, offering additional savings to military members and their families is a great way to show them you care. Do not require people to show their military ID or any kind of proof to obtain the discount. While it may be tempting, and some people will take advantage, the risk to your reputation for refusing a discount to active military or their families is too great.

Start Your Summer Promotions

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to bust out your summer inventory and begin promoting your seasonal products. Whether it’s swimsuits, sunglasses, beach accessories, air conditioners, or other warm-weather products, get them on the shelves and promote them heavily. Use social media to get the word out about your deals. Consider coming up with summer bundles that include everything someone would need for a beach trip or picnic. Memorial Day weekend is an excellent opportunity to get a jump on the competition.

Download our free guide for more small business initiatives to undertake in 2021