Make Your Store a Summer Staycation Destination
Ideas to Boost Sales and Build Community
For most Americans, summer has long been known as the time of year when the whole gang would load up the car and hit the road for the annual family vacation. But this year, with rising gas prices, what is the forecast for summer travel? Data from Bank of America’ s“ Summer Travel 2026 Analysis” shows that 30 % of Americans are still planning to travel this summer; however, others are considering fewer trips or modifications to their travel plans. 1
That means, more families may be planning staycations and looking for things to do in their communities. Local businesses like yours can take advantage of this. This summer, make your store the summer destination they’ ll want to visit.
Elevate your store from just a retail space to a gathering place. Become a community hub where customers shop and linger, rather than shop and leave.
You can create community in your store three ways: hosting events, partnering with other local businesses and promoting giveaways. Family-friendly activities, such as story time and crafts, are a great place to start. They give parents time to shop, and if kids love it, parents are more likely to return. For more ideas to implement in your store, check out the following tried-and-true initiatives. continued on page 30 >>
28 CRA today / www. christianretailassociation. org