Monthly Marketing Series: Planning for August 2026. Close out summer selling on a high note!

In our Monthly Marketing Series, we'll be taking a look at the upcoming month and discussing tips and tactics to plan for holidays, seasonal trends, and a general marketing calendar to help bike shops stay ahead of the game and ready to capture sales. This month, we plan for August 2026.End of Summer Clearance Sale - The Tour de France is over, and summer is winding down.  For some retailers, invoices for big orders are due, and there is a need to turn some slow-moving inventory into cash. Fall is just around the corner, and now is the time to sell off spring/summer apparel to make way for fall/winter apparel.Action Item: Analyze your inventory for slow movers and spring/summer apparel. Depending on the quantity, consider a general category markdown or individual sale prices. Sale prices don’t need to be at closeout discounts…perhaps start at 20% off.  Once you’ve whittled down your core sizes, mark down the extreme sizes to 30-40% off. Back to School Campaign - Know when your school districts are heading back to school… some districts can be as early as mid-July… historically it's mid-August. Consider the following: Kids Bicycle Trade-In campaign - Where all trade-in bikes go to a local charity. Free kids bike safety check - This should be a 10-15 minute check, checking: tire wear/tear, tire pressure, bolts are secure, brakes are in good order, and chain is lubed.  Opportunity to sell brake pads, bells, and bags/baskets.  Helmet Discounts - Discounts on helmets when trading in old helmetsLock DiscountsPannier bags, etc.Action Item: Find a local charity that is looking for bike donations. Make sure service staff understands the opportunity to sell pads, lube, etc. on safety checks. Workstand Library and Premium Pages for August:Kids bike guideBMX bike guide showing different styles of BMX bikes and P&ACustom Bike BuildsEnd of Season Sale (premium for retailers on our Marketing subscription)What to think about:Labor Day is Monday, September 7Are you open/closed? Update your hours on your website, Google Business listing, and all the socialsHoliday Season is just around the cornerCheck your inventory on gift cardsBe sure to email your questions to [email protected]. We read all emails sent, and we look forward to hearing from you.If you're a Workstand client with questions about your subscription, email [email protected] or call 303-527-0676 x 1. If you are not currently a Workstand client with questions about how our programs work, email [email protected] Us on LinkedInMark Still, Senior Business DevelopmentDavid Martinez, Key Accounts AdvisorWe also publish Around the Workstand on our YouTube channel if you'd like to watch while you listen. Here is our Around the Workstand playlist.If you have any questions about the topics discussed in this episode of Around the Workstand or if you have ideas for new topics we can cover, schedule a time to meet with Mark Still here or email [email protected].