Summer is the classic road trip season. It’s the perfect time for local businesses like beach-town boutiques, local cafes and Main Street shops and restaurants to seize the opportunity to welcome eager travelers. 

Capturing that seasonal foot traffic requires some strategy. Travelers are looking for unique ways to remember their vacation, meaning businesses have a golden opportunity to turn impulse buys into long-lasting brand awareness.

Here’s how you can get your business shelf-ready for the summer rush, plus creative ways to personalize your own summer adventures.

Prime Opportunities for Local Businesses

When tourists walk into your shop, they’re looking for a way to take a piece of their trip home with them. Stocking up on the right merchandise can turn a casual browser into a paying customer.

1. Custom Stickers as Souvenirs

Stickers are the ultimate impulse buy. They’re an affordable keepsake, don't take up suitcase space and they’re a way for travelers to show off where they’ve been. Create custom sticker souvenirs featuring your town’s landmarks, local catchphrases or custom, destination-themed illustrations. Placing a basket of high-quality, weather-resistant Die-Cut Vinyl Stickers or Custom State Stickers, or a peg board with an assortment of Hang Tag Stickers, right by the cash register is an effortless way to boost your average order value.

2. Custom Labels for Small Business Goods

If you sell locally made products like artisanal jams, hand-poured candles, soaps or small-batch coffee, your packaging should tell a story. Upgrade to eye-catching Custom Labels so your goods look cohesive and giftable. Tourists looking for authentic local flavors will be drawn to the professional packaging.

3. High-Visibility Window Decals & Clings

Create a vibe to entice passersby into your store. Use Custom Window Decals and seasonal Window Clings to refresh your storefront signage. They’re perfect for advertising extended summer hours, highlighting special promotions or simply making your shop stand out.

4. Classic Magnets & Adventure Patches

Never underestimate the power of a great Custom Refrigerator Magnet. They’re a classic keepsake and trip souvenir for a reason. Custom Patches are an excellent offering for outdoorsy retailers, campgrounds and gear shops. Adventure-seeking travelers like to add them to backpacks and jackets as badges of honor.

Product To Help Boost Summer Sales

✓ Preparing Your Business for Tourist Season

Brilliant merchandise only works if it arrives on time. Use these quick tips to keep your road trip season prep smooth:

✓ Order Early

Beat the seasonal rush by ordering your signage and inventory before the heavy foot traffic begins. This gives you plenty of time to set up displays and test placements.

✓ Test New Designs with No Minimums

You don't need to overcommit your inventory budget. Use ordering options with no minimum quantities so you can test out multiple fun souvenir designs. This will allow you to see what resonates with customers before placing a larger reorder.

✓ Maximize Free Advertising

Every time a tourist slaps a souvenir sticker with your shop's logo onto a water bottle or laptop, your brand travels across the country with them.

✓ How to Personalize Your Own Summer Adventure

Are you heading out on the ultimate getaway? Planning ahead with a few custom made road trip essentials turns a standard vacation into a lifelong memory. Here’s how to make your trip unforgettable:

✓ Custom Bumper Stickers

Commemorate the adventure with Custom Bumper Stickers that make the drive down the highway way more entertaining.

✓ Custom Temporary Tattoos

Heading out on a bachelorette road trip, a milestone birthday weekend or a massive family reunion? Have your crew match with Temporary Tattoos! They add a fun, playful element to group photos.

✓ Custom Image Transfer Stickers & Iron-On Transfers 

Turn everyday travel items into one-of-a-kind keepsakes with Custom Image Transfer Stickers. They apply smoothly to hard surfaces. They’re a great way to personalize water bottles, keychains, luggage tags, cooler lids, and more. Planning a group getaway? Pair them with Iron-On Transfers to create matching custom t-shirts, hoodies, or tote bags for everyone in the car.

Get Ready for Summer

Whether you’re optimizing your storefront to welcome thousands of visitors or packing the car for a solo trek across the country, custom items help bridge the gap between a place and a memory.

Ready to prep your shop or plan your next adventure? Explore StickerYou’s collection of weather-resistant stickers, labels, decals and temporary tattoos to make this summer your most successful, memorable one yet.