It might be 90 degrees outside, but smart boutique owners know July isn’t just for tank tops and lake days, it’s the perfect time to run a Christmas in July retail promotion that clears shelves, boosts cash flow, and builds excitement before the fall rush.
This fun, festive “retail holiday” gives you the chance to move leftover holiday inventory, get creative with summer clearance sale ideas, and surprise your customers with something unexpected. Whether you run a storefront or sell online, here’s how to make the most of this retail event idea for July.
Clear Out Last Season’s Leftovers
Still hanging on to holiday inventory from last November? Or styles that didn’t move in spring? Christmas in July is the perfect way to move old inventory while creating a fun shopping experience.
Ideas to try:
- “Santa’s Seconds” mystery bags
- Flash sale: 12 Hours of Deals
- Buy More, Save More: (ex. Buy 2, get 1 free)
These kinds of end-of-season markdown strategies can make a big dent in stale product.
Create a Holiday-Inspired Experience
Make it a moment! Bring in the twinkle lights, crank the holiday tunes, and go all-in on festive vibes, even if it’s just for a weekend.
- In-store event ideas for small businesses:
- Christmas cookie bar
- Holiday playlist and photo ops
- Online:
- Countdown timers
- Themed product collections
This type of holiday-themed store event doesn’t have to be complicated, just fun and timely.
Launch a Loyalty-Style Promo
Give your best customers something extra with a sneak peek, early access, or bonus discount during your event. Try:
- “The Nice List” VIP-only shopping hours
- “Stocking Stuffer Points” – double reward points on select days
- Email/text exclusive gift with purchase
These simple touches can boost summer retail sales and deepen customer engagement.
Make Space for Fall
Beyond the fun, the purpose here is strategic: it’s time to prepare for fall retail season. That means clearing space, increasing cash flow, and refocusing your inventory.
Messaging ideas:
- “We’re clearing the racks to make room for fall!”
- “One last summer markdown before cozy season begins!”
Adding urgency + future planning = smart retail.
Retailer Tip: Don’t Overthink It
This doesn’t have to be a month-long ordeal. Pick a weekend, promote it 3–5 days in advance, and go all in. Even a one-day “Christmas Comes Early” sale can boost cash flow and customer excitement in the middle of a slow summer stretch.
If you’ve never run a Christmas in July promo, let this be your sign. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s a smart move to help you clean out, catch up, and connect with your customers in a new way.
Looking for more tips on summer sales strategies, inventory management, or holiday marketing prep?
Join The Boutique Hub and unlock the trainings, tools, and community that help you grow year-round.
👉 Join now or log in to access your member dashboard!
Follow along on Instagram @theboutiquehub!
- The Boutique Hub at MAGIC NYC
The Hub Team is heading to MAGIC New York again and we couldn’t be more excited! With over 320+ brands, you are sure to find more MAGIC in a (New York) minute! - The Boutique Hub is Heading to PGA Orlando!The Boutique Hub is heading to the PGA Show in Orlando. Tapping into the fast-growing golf apparel market projected to hit $13B by 2032. Golf fashion is evolving beyond the course, creating big opportunities for boutique retailers. The Hub team will be connecting with brands, discovering new trends, and offering live education and retail audits at the event on July 28th. Boutique owners interested in athleisure, activewear, or preppy styles should consider adding golf-inspired looks to their lineup. VIP perks available through The Hub’s exclusive registration link.
- 2025 Wrapped: The Boutique Hub Community by the NumbersFrom thousands of daily conversations to millions of podcast downloads, 2025 was a powerful year for The Boutique Hub community. This recap breaks down the biggest wins, trends, and milestones—and shows how retailers can turn that momentum into a clear plan for an even stronger year ahead.
- Sales Tax & Nexus SimplifiedSales tax and nexus can feel like one giant headache — but it doesn’t have to be. If you sell across state lines, even online, you’re expected to collect and remit sales tax based on where your customers live… and those rules change constantly. Understanding when you’ve triggered nexus (and in which states) is the key to staying compliant and avoiding costly penalties. This guide breaks it all down in simple terms, so you can finally feel confident about what you owe, where you owe it, and how to stay ahead of it.
- The Ultimate Year-End Checklist for Boutique OwnersWe are so excited to be bringing you some tips to make rolling into 2026 the smoothest transition yet! Here you will find our Boutique Owner’s End of the Year Checklist, filled with info on taxes, inventory, and more! Â
