Popular shopping dates and events play a big role in retail and local shopping. Local stores can plan special events at these dates and take advantage of the built up consumer demand.
In addition to national dates there are local important dates retailers can take advantage of individually or in association with other local organizations such as Chamber of Commerce.
Here are the important dates and events to consider:
Black Friday - The day after Thanksgiving, marking the start of the holiday shopping season with extensive discounts across all retail sectors.
Cyber Monday - The Monday following Thanksgiving, focusing on online sales.
Back-to-School Sales - Late July through early September, targeting school supplies and clothing.
Labor Day Sales - The first Monday in September, often featuring discounts on home goods and large appliances.
Memorial Day Sales - The last Monday in May, focusing on summer items like grills and outdoor furniture.
Independence Day Sales - Around July 4th, with promotions on summer products.
Veterans Day Sales - November 11th, offering promotions on apparel and technology.
President’s Day Sales - The third Monday in February, typically including furniture and appliance sales.
After-Christmas Sales - Starting December 26th, focusing on holiday decor and winter clothing.
Valentine’s Day - Sales on gifts such as jewelry, chocolates, and flowers.
Mother’s Day - Held on the second Sunday of May this significant event usually involves jewelry, beauty products, apparel, household items and many other options including health and wellness.
Father’s Day - Sales in mid-June on electronics, tools, sporting goods, and menswear.
Some Regional and Cultural Festivals
Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans
Carnaval San Francisco - A multicultural celebration in California with a grand parade and music in May.
Fiesta San Antonio - A ten-day festival in Texas with over 100 events celebrating local history and culture in April.
Seattle Seafair - A summer-long festival featuring parades, air shows, and boat races.
St. Paul Winter Carnival - A winter festival in Minnesota with ice and snow sculpting.
Key West Fantasy Fest - A late October festival with costume competitions and a grand parade.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - A visually stunning October festival featuring hot air balloons.
Pride Festivals - Held in June across various cities, celebrating LGBTQ+ communities with parades and vendors.
Additional dates which can be used to build momentum around for local retailers
State Sales Tax Holidays - Various states offer tax-free shopping days, typically in late summer.
Small Business Saturday - Encourages shopping at local small businesses the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Super Saturday - The last Saturday before Christmas, known for last-minute holiday shopping deals.
New Year's Sales - Extending into early January with discounts on holiday items and fitness gear.
Halloween - Late October sales of costumes, decorations, and candy.
Summer Sales - Discounts on summer inventory like swimwear and outdoor equipment.
National Small Business Week
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