5 things businesses can do to increase sales around Father's Day

In the pantheon of holidays, Father’s Day may not be the biggest, most impactful day of the year. Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, Valentine’s Day, Halloween; all of these days (most for good reason!) are bigger national events than Father’s Day.

But Father’s Day shouldn’t be overlooked—especially by retailers, restaurants, grocery stores and many other businesses. In fact, it’s usually the third-busiest day of the year for restaurants, sitting behind only Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. It’s also one of the top days for retail sales and other industries.

Just how lucrative is Father’s Day? That all depends on your business and your approach to the holiday, but according to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers will spend over $20.1 billion on Father’s Day-related gifts and items. Last year, despite a gripping pandemic, consumers spent a record $17 billion.

It seems that the holiday is gaining momentum as a major national event. The NRF data shows that in 2012, consumers spent roughly $117 per person on Father’s Day. In 2021, estimated spend has increased to $174 per person.

Roughly 74% of consumers plan on doing something for the holiday, creating a significant sales opportunity for any business willing to reach for it. But how can you capitalize on this growing holiday?

With a strategic, focused approach, you may be able to turn Father’s Day into your most profitable day of the year.

5 Things Businesses Can Do to Increase Sales Around Father’s Day

Prepare for takeout, curbside delivery, and touchless sales

While the pandemic is lifting, many customers are not yet ready for in-person dining or physically walking retail isles. However, they still want to enjoy excellent food and/or purchase top-quality clothing and gear for Dad.

If you run a restaurant, create a special take-out menu consisting of easy-to-scale and easy-to-package foods that can be delivered or carried out. For retailers, offer online shopping or curbside delivery so customers can safely and conveniently purchase your products.

Offer discounted business swag

You may not run a clothing outlet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of a significant Father’s Day trend: clothing purchases. According to NRF’s survey, 49% of consumers participating in the holiday will purchase clothing, which makes it second only to greeting cards (59%).

Branded tee shirts, polos and hats make a great option for Father’s Day sales. These items, especially when offered at a holiday discount, can become a significant up-sale opportunity or a revenue stream all by themselves. After all, what dad wouldn’t love a tee shirt or hat from his favorite steak house, sports outlet, auto store or outdoor retailer?

Regardless of business, cater to kids

If you want to bring in the parents, make things kid-friendly. You don’t have to turn your business into a fun-and-games parlor, but you should make it easier for parents to bring their kids. Offer activities or games, kid menus, or just a casual/relaxed environment that will let parents know that the little ones are welcome in your establishment.

Offer an experience over items

This is a tricky one, but it’s certainly possible. No matter what business you operate, there is likely an opportunity to create an experience for fathers and their families.

For restaurants, a cooking class that centers around traditionally “dad” meals (think grilling or smoking meat) is a good option. For clothing retailers, perhaps a seminar on latest styles for a fashion-focused dad. For sports stores, consider a one-hour class on golf, fishing or whatever activity relates to your business.

It will take creativity and planning, but selling these experiences can become a source of income, promote sales, and build your reputation around the community.

Inform the customer!

All of your Father’s Day efforts will be useless if customers don’t know they are happening. So whether you are offering a fishing class or simply discounting hats with your logo, make sure to spread the word. Use social media, signage and even local commercials to build the buzz around your Father’s Day activities.

Helping you through the Father’s Day rush

Father’s Day can become a busy time for many organizations. If you need help getting through the single holiday or the entire summer, contact Snagajob right away. We’ll help you find excellent workers to fill virtually any role in your business!