The 4th of July is the biggest holiday of the summer and the perfect time to showcase all the best summer foods. Here are some key things to focus on to make sure your customers have a great time.

• Watermelon bins are a must for the 4th of July. Even a small store can move through an entire watermelon bin over the holiday, because everyone is looking for this fruit! If there isn’t space for a full bin, you can floor stack cases of mini melons at registers for quick impulse buys. Also, remember to keep bins shaded if they’re outside.
• Berries, berries, berries. Make sure to have your department stocked with plenty of berries with an emphasis on strawberries and blueberries. Berries will be used for everything from salads, to drinks, to desserts. Inspect daily for the beginning signs of breakdown, and cull out all undesirable looking fruit.
• Pre-cut fruits and other items. There’s always high demand for precut produce for the holiday, and fruit that’s been cut and wrapped will fly off the shelf. If this is something your store offers, make sure to have plenty of backstock prepared.
• Cross merchandising opportunities. The 4th of July is a big outdoor holiday, so supplies for the grill, plus beer and chips, are obvious items to add to your displays. Floor stacking beer, soda, and sparkling water next to your tables or in a standalone display is a great way to increase ‘basket size.’ Also, when stocking beverages don’t forget to add lemons and limes to your display!
• Stock up on stone fruit. Customers will be looking for peaches, nectarines, and apricots, as they have become popular grilling items and are fantastic when given a slight char. They’re also popular ingredients for holiday cocktails, desserts, and fruit salads.
• Corn-on-the cob. What more needs to be said?