July and August dates for your marketing diary for 2024
That’s why we’ve compiled the key dates, from sporting events to dedicated days and months, which many of your customers will want you to take advantage of through events, one-off special product lines, or even with some cheery comments or internal drives you can promote through your social media.
With some of these dates just around the corner (or even already taking place), there’s no time to waste, so let’s get started:
Late July dates
All month in July:
- Independent Retailer Month (US)
- National Ice Cream Month (US)
- National Hot Dog Month (US)
- National Blueberry Month (US)
- Plastic Free July (Global)
- National Picnic Month (US)
Dedicated July days
17th July - National Hot Dog Day (US)
19th July – National Daquiri Day (US)
21st July – National Ice Cream Day (US)
24th July - International Self Care Day
25th July – Cheese and Wine Day (US)
26th July to 11 August – Paris 2024 Olympic Games
30th July – International Friendship Day
30th July – National Cheesecake Day (US)
Independent Retailer Month
No matter your industry (Yes, hospitality traders, I’m talking about you!), you can get involved with Independent Retailer Month. If you’ve not heard about it, this July is all about encouraging local citizens to visit and strike up lasting relationships with local indie retail stores. Having grown in popularity since its founding in the early 00s, and is a fantastic way to encourage people to support local businesses.
Whether it’s partnering with local retailers, signing up as a retailer, or frequenting them as a supportive customer, Independent Retailer Month is a great way to support your community.
If you want to learn more, take a look at the blog we wrote on #indieretail
Plastic-free July
Depending on your industry and model, you may not be in a position to casually eliminate plastic use from your business yet. But you can engage in this global drive to reduce plastic pollution, no matter where you’re starting from.
For instance, you can raise awareness about Plastic-free July by taking the challenge by looking at you and your staff’s personal use of plastic. Alternatively, you can make a few positive changes within the business to reduce your plastic consumption.
The movement has inspired over 100 million people in 190 countries, having a real impact on our planet’s health, and your participation can inspire your customers while giving your customer relations and business reputation a boost!
Paris 2024 Olympic Games
The Paris Olympic Games begins with the opening ceremony on the 26th of July, bringing the world together in a two-week festival of athleticism, shared passion, personal stories and international friendship. With so many of your customers riding the wave of optimism the Olympics brings, get ready to take advantage of the excitement by:
- Sharing thoughts, opinions, updates, and trending hashtags and even challenges on social media. With so many following the games, there’s no better way to boost engagement and gather an online following you can turn into valuable trade.
- Offer Olympic promotions. Theming a fortnight-long discount based around the Olympics can develop more interest, especially if they’re directly related to the games. Discount health and sport-relevant products, menu items with aptly named titles, or even tie the discount to your nation’s medal count! Now that’s a golden idea. 🥇
- Host an Olympics-related contest or event. If you’re in the hospitality business, you may be hoping to air the games to a full house, with everybody cheering on their favourite athletes with eyes fixed on your screens. But retailers can get involved too, with charity contests, miniature games, or even just an Olympic quiz your customers can stretch their head muscles with!
August dates
All month in August:
- National Black Business Month (US)
- Back to School Month (Global)
Dedicated August Days:
1st August - Cycle to Work Day (UK)
2nd August – International Beer Day
5th August – Civic Holiday (Canada)
5th August – Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland)
12th August to 18th August – Afternoon Tea Week (UK)
13th August – National Prosecco Day (UK)
22nd August – National Burger Day (UK)
26th August – Summer Bank Holiday (UK)
26th August - International Dog Day
28th August to 8th September – Paralympics 2024
Back to school month
When July glides seamlessly, from one sunny day to the next, but parents notice the bold “Aug” atop their calendar, the familiar back-to-school panic gets them rushing out in search of school kits, stationery, workbooks and more.
Retailers can make a safe bet parents will appreciate a special line of books and pens at the checkout, even if these aren’t products you would regularly stock. Run promotions and post on social media so your customers know they can come to you when in need!
Meanwhile, if you’re in hospitality, get involved with family deals and offers as many families on their summer holidays will go out for the special occasion before the busy term-time schedule begins. Once again, look to social media and marketing emails to make customers aware of any offers you have on, and to make your business the go-to spot for the back-to-school celebrations - or commiserations, depending on whether you’re a parent or pupil!
Cycle to Work Day
Cycling to work is a fantastic way to improve your health and fitness without having to set aside time from your already packed schedule. It’s also a surefire way to ensure you get exercise each day, which can be difficult to do, but brings so many mental and physical benefits.
The first of August Cycle to Work Day is just for the UK (The US date is the third Friday in May, but don't let that put you off!). But given that these schemes are all about driving (read pedalling) fitness into our everyday lives, there’s no reason for you and your staff to miss out, no matter where you’re based.
Get involved while saving you and your staff money by taking your bike all or even part of the way to work in August, enjoying the nice weather, getting the endorphins pumping round your body, and setting yourself up for a great day at work. Plus, you can go to the cycle scheme website (link above), and save yourself up to 42% on bicycles and accessories.
Let your customers know, too, raising awareness and encouraging health and fitness conversations!
International Beer Day and International Dog Day
The start and end of August are marked by two dates that would go together wonderfully: International Beer Day and International Dog Day. With a country full of both beer- and dog-lovers, finding a fun way to celebrate both of these could be a real money-spinner.
Encouraging visitors to bring their dogs, or (if your business isn’t dog friendly, and being mindful of hygiene and safety) bring in their favorite pet snaps and stories, could fill your establishment with a barking, yipping hubbub that gets the beer flowing.
Speaking of beer, International Beer Day could really be one to remember (unless you enjoy the day too much!). So it’s definitely worth stocking something special for the end of the month, running a promotion, or trying something fun and new such as hosting a beer quiz, beer tasting, or a fun competition that gets the customers out in droves, but definitely not driving!
Failing to prepare, or preparing to win
Now you’re in the loop about upcoming key dates, you can start thinking about how you’re going to take advantage of them. Remember to plan any events, marketing, and sales in advance so you can make the most of them. But most of all, remember to enjoy these special days yourself, whether it’s sport, dedicated dates, or just another lovely, successful day of trade!
Liked this blog? Take a look at our resources section for more fun and informative reads!
