Summerween for SMBs: How to Get Customers + Staff in on the Fun
Main image courtesy of It’s a Charming Life.
The phrase "summerween" was first brought up by the Disney Channel's animated show, Gravity Falls, in 2012. It took a decade for the phrase to catch on, but the show came up with the idea in episode 12, which revolved around the residents of a fictional town who would celebrate Halloween twice yearly.
Although Summerween is a fictional holiday that occurs on June 22, many people choose to celebrate it all year round. Since it doesn't have a specific date, you can celebrate it anytime you want. You can also start planning your Halloween decorations earlier each year as stores such as Michaels and Walmart start releasing their new seasonal collections.
Early Halloween decor is also beneficial as it allows brands to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the holiday by introducing their products earlier. It can keep the spirit of Halloween alive even in the summer heat.
The earlier Halloween decorations go on sale, the more people can participate in the fun. This can create a snowball effect as it encourages everyone to share their finds and create a frightening spectacle during a shopping trip.
Throwing a Summerween Party
If you're planning on having a Summerween party in the workplace, then this could be a great way to celebrate the occasion! You can serve homemade cheese board inspired drinks such as the Spicy Watermelon Cocktail. While you're cooking burgers and hot dogs, you can also set up a variety of scary food items such as the Smoky Pumpkin Deviled Eggs and the Hot Dog Rattlesnake Bites.
It's often overlooked that summer holidays are often neglected, as coworkers may be scattered all over the place on vacations. With a little planning, you could throw something a bit more extravagant such as a Nancy Drew-themed party! You can create the invites using cutouts, set up a photo booth, and provide guests with customized treat bags that feature a mystery-solver patch, a microscope glass, and flashlights.
You can serve various treats such as the Follow-the-Footprint Sheet Cake, Devil's Food Cupcakes, and Magnifying Glass Cookies. If you're planning on having a Summerween party, then treat your guests to drinks that are both refreshing and scary. For instance, you can serve a Bloody Mary that combines vodka, fruit, and a potent drink. You can also create a blood-orange cocktail that's perfect for dipping into the pool. A Halloween Margarita is a must-have drink that combines tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
Since Summerween is all about tongue-in-cheek, why not host a costume competition along with all the food?
These simple and amusing costumes can be used to express common expressions or everyday items. Some of the suggested punny costume ideas include the breadwinner, dust bunny, cereal killer, and deviled egg.
Influence of Summerween and Halloween
Traditionally, the weeks between July 4th and Labor Day were spent stocking up on school supplies, such as notebooks and lunch boxes. But, now, back-to-school season has arrived, and stores are once again filled with treats like candy corn, pumpkins, and cauldrons.
This year, Summerween is happening earlier than usual, and retailers are starting to embrace the holiday as more consumers clamor for all things spooky. Sales have already exceeded last year's totals, and many are now ordering more Halloween-related items.
According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, Halloween is a big moneymaker for retailers. With the Summerween holiday having gained popularity on TikTok, many retailers are betting that consumers will treat themselves to large quantities of candy corn and skeletons.
Some retailers have started offering their Halloween merchandise earlier in the past couple of years due to the increasing demand. Although there is no clear reason for this, many believe that the holiday has gained a cult following.
Companies Following the Trend
The surge in interest in the holiday is similar to the popularity of Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte.The autumn menu of Starbucks was officially available to consumers on August 22, which was the earliest version of the company's offerings that it had ever released.
The Summerween phenomenon represents a shift in consumer behavior and the traditional promotional cycle. This year, for instance, Prime Day had retailers promoting back-to-school bargains earlier. The number of consumers planning on holding off on Black Friday has dropped significantly.
The traditional shopping calendar is becoming irrelevant. In June, Michaels' first collection of Halloween products hit store shelves. This was the earliest the company had ever started offering its products during the holiday.
Home Depot kicked off the Summerween season by holding its "Halfway to Halloween" sales event in April, and in July, the company showcased its Summerween-themed decorations at The Castle Hotel in Sleepy Hollow. The display included a massive headless horseman, as well as various other props.
For other companies like Home Depot and Lowe's, the summer season provides an opportunity to boost their sales by capitalizing on the excitement of Halloween. However, this is also a time when the company's earnings are affected by the declining home renovation spending.
The internal team of Home Depot begins planning the company's Halloween decorations around 18 months in advance, and next year's offerings are already well underway. The company's product development department begins by creating new ideas on a whiteboard or piece of paper. Image courtesy of Home Depot.
Many independent retailers are also benefiting from Summerween. In Long Beach, California, Christopher Pratt, the owner of Screamium, said that the business' sales have increased by about 10 times since last year.
In response to the increasing demand for Halloween-related products, PetSmart has increased its inventory by ordering more items and dedicating more floor space to its seasonal offerings.
It's also easier to get products to customers as early deadlines allow departments to meet the demand for Halloween decorations. Despite the increased demand for these items, retailers noted that they're still focused on keeping last-minute customers in mind. A company's assortment is often released several weeks before the holiday to accommodate customers who are still shopping closer to October 31.
Preparing for the Occasion & Staying True to Your Brand
It’s important to keep in mind that you don’t want to turn your e-commerce or luxury shop into a Halloween extravaganza. Even though this holiday is popular, you still need to remain true to your brand so that your customers can get what they need. There are several ways that you can use this season to captivate your audience.
Get started in September by introducing your seasonal displays. Throughout the month, continue to introduce your Summerween elements. This will allow your customers to feel like they're getting a sneak peak of what's to come.
The type of decorations that you use both online and in your store depend on the brand's identity and feel. For instance, if you're a high-end fashion brand, you don't want to have your employees wearing silly costumes while at the checkout. Instead, you can use vibrant colors and sophisticated arrangements.
Your store should feature an all-encompassing Summerween display, complete with appropriate signage that conveys the season's meaning and sparks interest in more unsettling options. To further enhance the experience, try creating exclusive limited-edition collections that combine the elements of summer, luxury, and autumn.
Even though your store's full summer display is popular, you can still host a variety of events that are designed to enhance the experience. For instance, you can hold a fashion show featuring your seasonal styles or a private shopping event that's themed. You can also create virtual gatherings or social media scavenger hunts to introduce new products or educate your customers about your offerings.
The importance of having a limited-time sale is that it draws in more potential customers. Also, the special collections that are created during Summerween can help boost the interest of your customers. These can be marketed based on the products' limited availability or the value they offer.
A gift basket or box can be used as a way to present unique items to your customers. These can be tied into special events by creating a prize basket that includes various items that your customers can enjoy. This can include a variety of accessories such as gold leaf earrings and a new autumn tweed jacket.
Without the appropriate marketing messages, you might not be able to share the excitement of Summerween. Your brand's identity should not be overshadowed by the unsettling atmosphere of the season. Your messages should be accompanied by elegant language and images that will captivate your target audience.
According to statistics, the number of people who are not interested in Halloween may be decreasing each year. By learning more about these individuals, you can create customized marketing strategies.
With these party ideas, you can have fun decorating your home and making it look like a haunted house. This event can provide you with an opportunity to have fun and build strong relationships with your team. It can also boost employee retention and satisfaction.
Celebrate the Occasion with Gift Cards
A gift card is a great way to celebrate Summerween, which is a fun and festive occasion combining the spirit of summer with a twist. It can be used to purchase various items, such as a fun and spooky blanket or a practical and unrelated present. The recipient can pick whatever they want, and the card can be used to make any purchase they prefer.
If you're uncertain about the recipient's preferences, giving them a gift card can eliminate the risk of getting an unwanted present. Some people may not want to spend money on certain items, which is why gift cards are great for giving people an excuse to indulge in whatever they want. They can be handy when you have a lot of people to deal with, such as during a Summerween gathering at work.
A gift card can be used at a variety of establishments that the recipient can relate to, such as a local cafe or bookstore, or a favorite restaurant. A gift card can also be paired with a unique item, such as a mug or a horror novel.
Instead of using an envelope, try creating a personalized gift basket, a boo basket, or a gift box that's inspired by Summerween. Write a message that explains why you chose the card and what you know the recipient will enjoy about it. The decision to give a gift card to a Summerween recipient will depend on the person's relationship with you and the event's spirit. Giving a gift card can be a great way to celebrate this special occasion.
Gift Card Granny is an online platform that lets users buy and sell gift cards. It has a wide variety of cards and a guarantee on them, and it allows users to easily compare and find the best deals. In addition, its app and website make it easy to use. Image courtesy of Gift Card Granny.
Over 100,000 gift cards are available on the platform, which comes from over a thousand different stores. It also offers a lifetime guarantee on all its gift cards, which ensures that they work seamlessly. Gift Card Granny provides users with cash back rewards, which can help them save money.