Summer can be a challenging season for adult retailers. As customers head outdoors for fun in the sun, shopping habits may shift. Vacations, festivals, and family outings often leave less room in the budget — and the schedule — for pleasure product purchases. But summer doesn’t have to mean a sales slump. With the right strategies, you can turn up the heat and keep customers engaged all season long. Here are three ways to keep your sales sizzling.
1. Bundle Me, Baby
Resist the temptation to toss slower-moving items into a clearance bin with bright discount stickers. In the adult retail space, that approach can backfire — making items look less desirable and harder to sell.
Instead, consider bundling. Create themed gift sets or mystery bags using products you’re looking to discount or discontinue. A well-packaged bundle feels like a special find rather than a markdown. Try using pastry boxes or small gift baskets to elevate the presentation — it adds perceived value while staying cost-effective and simple to assemble.
Bundles are ideal not just for bargain hunters, but for gifting occasions like anniversaries, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and holidays. Plus, by bundling, you can move multiple products at once rather than relying on selling each item individually.
2. Create a Buzz, Host In-Store Events
As the weather warms up, people are eager to get out and socialize — and your store can be the perfect destination. Hosting in-store events is a powerful way to bring in foot traffic, create buzz, and boost sales.
Consider inviting a sex educator to lead a workshop, partner with vendors to do live demos, or collaborate with other local businesses for added reach. Giveaways and door prizes can help drive attendance (and don’t be shy about asking vendors to contribute prizes or product samples).
Some fun event ideas include:
- Adult carnivals
- Ladies-only tea parties or happy hours
- Couples date nights
- Themed shopping nights with discounts and freebies
- Single evenings with a networking spin to it
- Lifestyle or other local groups for a shopping party
- Hide or seek incentives with coupons thru-out store
To manage attendance and offset costs, consider selling tickets through platforms like Eventbrite. And if your space is limited (or your city allows it), think about hosting part of your event outdoors — use your parking lot for pop-up tents, or set up a sidewalk-style sale. Stick to non-explicit items like lingerie, bath & body, games, and gift sets. Inviting local artists or craft makers to join you can also bring in a new crowd — their fans may become your next loyal customers.
3. Join the Festival Fun
Summer is prime time for festivals, markets, and bridal shows — all great opportunities to introduce your brand to new audiences. Booth spaces at local events are often affordable and can yield strong returns if you curate your product selection carefully.
When applying, let organizers know you’re happy to stick with their guidelines — many will allow lingerie, wellness items, games, or bath & body products, even if they’re cautious about more risqué items. You might be surprised by how open they are!
Pro tips for vendor events:
- Use a 6-ft table with a branded tablecloth for a clean, professional setup
- Include at least one rack or display for lingerie or clothing
- If outdoors, don’t forget a canopy tent for shade and rain protection
- Price items with simple, even numbers (tax included) for easy transactions
- Bring a portable card reader and plenty of change for cash buyers
- Offer coupons with purchases for future in-store visits
With the right setup and strategy, festivals can turn curious passersby into loyal customers long after the tents come down.
Final Thought: Keep It Fun and Flexible
Summer is a season of spontaneity, so stay adaptable. Try new things, test creative ideas, and don’t be afraid to step outside your usual routine. Even small changes can spark big results. With the right approach, you can keep your customers engaged, attract new shoppers, and make this summer one of your most profitable yet!
Taylor Means is a seasoned expert in sales, marketing, and brand strategy, with over 16 years of hands-on experience driving business development across every phase of growth within the adult industry. Known for her strategic insight and creative approach, Taylor has a proven track record of transforming fledgling brands into award-winning names—some in as little as six months. Her work has earned multiple industry accolades, and her extensive global network spans the top distributors and retailers in the adult space. Taylor’s services are designed to accelerate brand visibility, craft targeted marketing campaigns, and deliver measurable sales growth. Whether you’re launching a new product line or looking to elevate an established brand, Taylor delivers the strategy, execution, and industry connections to turn ambition into achievement.
