Unless you’re a retail store selling only swim suits and warm weather apparel, it’s normal to experience a lull in sales during the summer months. Customers are busy attending weddings and graduations, traveling for family vacations, and enjoying outdoor activities. In general, most people have little interest in being indoors when the weather is nice. Even online retail sales tend to slow in the summer.

Don’t let this discourage you! We’re here to give you some tips to help boost your numbers between June and August. With some extra effort and a little bit of creativity, you can increase your sales and help customers get what they really want this summer.

1. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

What’s the key to any healthy relationship? Communication. And your relationship with your customers shouldn’t be any different. You may be used to not seeing as many customers over the summer, but are you doing your part by reaching out to them? It’s important to communicate with customers not only during the busy times, but also when things are slow.

Put together an email, text message, social, or direct mail campaign to let customers know what’s new. Better yet, try a combination of multiple communication channels. Customers may not be visiting your website as much in the summer, but rest assured they will still be checking their email and social media daily.

2. Craft Irresistible Offers

Everyone loves getting a great deal, or at least feeling like they got one. During the summer months, customers are even more likely to wait for a sale before they purchase something they want. Luckily for retailers, the summer offers plenty of holidays and other opportunities to provide a discount or special offer.

Create sales and promotional offers around Father’s Day, the 4^th of July, and Labor Day for starters, but don’t stop there. Take advantage of summer and market seasonal products that are relevant to the warm weather such as BBQ supplies, outdoor gear, summer clothing, etc. And make sure that your sales are offered across every channel so that customers get the same great deals online and in-store.

3. Challenge & Train Employees

Not only do customers lack motivation to buy in the summer, it’s also normal for retail sales associates to lack motivation to sell – they’d rather be outside, too! To combat this issue, and discourage any slacking off, now is the perfect time to challenge them to sell more.

Creating healthy, fun competition between employees will help boost morale and keep associates engaged at work, when they’d rather be lounging by the pool. Summer presents an opportune time to host training events and help associates increase their product knowledge. You can even try combining product or brand training with a friendly competition for better sales results. Give your employees some extra motivation, and your summer sales might surprise you.

The summer months may not historically be your best selling season of the year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be productive and boost sales. Utilize your creativity, and your team, to help your retail store succeed this summer.

BDS specializes in readying retail stores, retail sales associates and retail fixtures for maximum impact. If you’re ready to take your summer selling to the next level, check out our Core Solutions to see how we can help you reach your sales goals this summer.