Making the most of Memorial Day sales for small businesses

For many shoppers, Memorial Day is the official start of summer and one of the biggest weekend shopping events of the year. Kick off the summer right with promotions and Memorial Day sales for small businesses.

Memorial Day is a perfect opportunity for your business to draw in customers, boost sales, and begin summer promotions. But it’s also a holiday with a deeper meaning, honoring those who lost their lives serving in the U.S. military. Striking the right balance between creating excitement around sales and maintaining respect for the day’s significance can be tricky.

To help you do that while making the most of holiday weekend sales, here are Memorial Day marketing strategies and tips to help drive foot traffic to your store, increase customer loyalty, and send your summer sales soaring.

1. Plan early and promote, promote, promote

How should you promote Memorial Day sales? Start your preparation for the holiday weekend’s marketing plans in motion as soon as you can. This gives you the lead time you need to build momentum and catch the attention of your audience.

Create a strong marketing strategy that uses multiple channels – emails, social media posts, online ads, and in-store signage. Your Memorial Day marketing ideas and messaging should all work together to promote your holiday sale. Use clear and eye-catching messaging featuring Memorial Day themes, such as the American flag, stars, and red, white, and blue colors.

Social media is your best friend for marketing. Post teaser campaigns, count down to your big sale, and include sneak peeks of the best deals. Try running fun polls, using hashtags like #MemorialDaySale and short videos to spark interest.

Don’t forget email marketing. Target your email list with attention-grabbing subject lines and time-sensitive Memorial Day offers. Consider sending a series of emails leading up to the holiday weekend, highlighting different product categories or deals each time.

Use signage in and around your store. Announce your Memorial Day weekend event starting in early May so customers will know about your upcoming sales event.

2. Highlight veteran and military discounts

Memorial Day is a perfect time to show appreciation for veterans and active military personnel. Offering special discounts to these individuals not only aligns with the spirit of the holiday but also creates goodwill and strengthens customer loyalty.

Consider veteran discount marketing, such as giving a percentage discount or flat rate off selected items for military personnel and their families. Advertise these offers in-store and online, clearly stating what’s required for verification, such as military ID.

Think beyond the sale to build positive relationships. Adding a thoughtful message in your marketing materials thanking soldiers and their families for their service can go a long way in connecting with your community. A heartfelt social post or a message displayed in your store can make a big difference.

3. Showcase financing partners and options

Sales events for big-ticket items such as furniture, appliances, and electronics are popular during Memorial Day weekend. Help more customers take advantage of your deals by showcasing available financing options and your store’s own Memorial Day financing options.

Highlight in-store financing programs or partnerships with third-party financing providers. Customers may not be able to get what they need without pay-over-time options, including those with less-than-perfect credit. The availability of inclusive alternative financing options can keep customers from walking away empty-handed and help you close the sale.

Make financing options part of your promotions. A banner ad on your website, a mention in email campaigns, and in-store signage reminders can spread the word.

4. Offer exclusive discounts and bundles

Everyone loves a good deal, and Memorial Day sales is an opportunity to offer discounts on bestsellers and seasonal items. Start your Memorial Day sales planning now.

Excite shoppers with flash sales and limited time offers. Announce sales events through text alerts, social media, and your website to create a sense of urgency and drive foot traffic or online visitors.

Offer BOGO sales and bundles. Pair complementary items together at a discounted rate for holiday bundle deals. For example, if you sell outdoor furniture, offer a bundled deal that includes a patio set, an umbrella, and a set of outdoor cushions. BOGO sales (buy-one-get-one-free promotions) are also crowd-pleasers and encourage bulk buying.

If your business operates online, Memorial Day e-commerce tips include exclusive holiday weekend codes and free shipping deals can motivate customers to add items to their carts.

5. Start your summer promotions

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, making it the perfect time to introduce seasonal products. Think about what your audience will need for beach trips, barbecues, and road trips, and get those items front-and-center.

How does what you offer fit with customers' summer plans and must-haves? If you sell furniture and home goods, promote items like patio furniture and grills. If you're an auto shop, remind customers to get new tires for their summer road trip. Use displays that reflect summer adventures to inspire customers when they shop.

Use the Memorial Day holiday weekend as a springboard for other summer marketing and promotions, including Father's Day, Fourth of July, and other summer holidays and events.

6. Strike the right tone

While Memorial Day sales can be exciting, it’s important to handle this holiday with care. Customers may be looking forward to discounts, but many also take this time to remember loved ones they've lost, including those who served. Keep your promotions positive and respectful, avoiding overly cheerful messaging that might come across as insensitive.

You might consider donating a portion of your Memorial Day weekend proceeds to a charity that supports veterans or military families. If that fits with your plans, highlight your intentions in your advertising so customers know they’re shopping for a cause.

If you approach it thoughtfully, Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity to increase foot traffic and build brand loyalty. By balancing sales with a meaningful message, you’re sure to leave a positive impression on your customers and make this Memorial Day weekend a win for your business.