When most people think of summer, they imagine vacations, music festivals, rooftop bars, and street fairs. But for marketers and retailers, July isn’t just about sun and fun—it’s a golden opportunity to drive customer acquisitionthrough creative, mobile-first gifting.
In 2025, consumers are more spontaneous than ever. They make decisions on the go, often with little time to plan ahead. This is especially true at seasonal events, where the vibe is about living in the moment. And that’s where digital gift cards shine.
Summer Gifting Isn’t Slowing Down—It’s Changing
Gone are the days when a gift card was a backup plan. Today, a well-designed e‑card can be the centerpiece of an experience—something a customer wants to give, not just something they fall back on.
Here’s what’s changed:
- Mobile shopping is mainstream. People expect to be able to send a gift in under 60 seconds—from anywhere.
- Events drive urgency. Gifting now happens “on the scene,” whether it’s a thank-you for a host or a shared gift at a concert.
- Personalization matters. Generic cards no longer cut it. A great gifting experience is fast, beautiful, and emotionally on point.
In July, with open-air markets and outdoor events in full swing, these shifts are especially pronounced. Smart businesses are designing event-driven gifting flows that convert in real time.
Micro-Moments to Capture in July
Let’s look at some real-world examples where SmartGifty merchants are winning during summer:
1. Street Food Meets Smart Gifting
One urban food truck brand partnered with SmartGifty to offer €5 digital cards to customers who posted about their meal on Instagram. The result? A 27% increase in follow-up visits over the next two weeks, with many customers forwarding the gift card to a friend.
2. Pop-Up Shops with Instant Rewards
At a coastal pop-up fashion market, every customer who spent €100 received a SmartGifty e-card redeemable at a nearby coffee shop. It transformed a one-time transaction into a cross-brand promotion—and led to both merchants seeing an uptick in loyalty sign-ups.
3. Summer Loyalty Triggers
Retailers using SmartGifty’s automation tools scheduled loyalty bonuses for July-only redemptions. Example: “Use your gift card before July 31 and get double loyalty points.” This created urgency without relying on heavy discounts.
These aren’t just clever ideas—they’re repeatable systems powered by SmartGifty’s flexible gifting infrastructure.
Mobile-First, Event-Ready: What Sets SmartGifty Apart
For gifting to succeed in spontaneous environments, it has to meet three key criteria:
- Instant delivery
SmartGifty ensures digital cards are sent and received in seconds, even in areas with weak Wi-Fi (essential for summer events). - Visual design
Customize your e-cards with seasonal themes—sunshine, festivals, music, beach vibes. Consumers share what looks good. - Performance tracking
Use SmartGifty analytics to see who redeems, when, and how much they spend afterward. This allows you to double down on what works.
Want to make it even more powerful? Pair SmartGifty with geo-targeted ads or QR codes at event venues, creating a seamless gifting experience from awareness to redemption.
Turn Gifting Into Loyalty
The biggest win from all of this? You’re not just making a sale—you’re creating a cycle. Someone gives a card at a summer event. The recipient becomes a new customer. That customer uses the gift, earns loyalty points, and returns.
Even better, this all happens within an automated flow you set up once with SmartGifty.
Here’s a simple summer flow you can try:
- Trigger: New customer visits your stall/store
- Gift: They receive a €5 e-card after purchase
- Reminder: Automated email if unused after 7 days
- Loyalty Bonus: Redeem it in July = 2x points
It’s simple. It’s scalable. And it keeps your brand top of mind long after the sun goes down.
Takeaway: July Isn’t Just for Selling. It’s for Seeding Loyalty
Seasonal shoppers tend to disappear by August—unless you give them a reason to return. Gift cards are no longer static transactions; they are touchpoints for future engagement, and SmartGifty gives you the tools to make that happen with ease.
So, don’t just ride the summer wave. Own it.
Start your July gifting campaign now and turn heat into loyalty.
