Memorial Day Sale Flyers for Retail: Respectful Promotion Design Guide

Memorial Day Sale Flyers for Retail

Creating effective Memorial Day sale flyers for retail businesses presents a unique challenge: balancing promotional objectives with appropriate respect for a holiday that honors those who died in military service. This guide provides retail specific strategies for developing flyers that drive sales while honoring the holiday’s true meaning.

For general Memorial Day design principles, see our Memorial Day Flyer Design Guide. For guidance on appropriate symbols and imagery, refer to our Memorial Day Symbolism Guide.

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How Can Retail Businesses Create Respectful Memorial Day Sale Flyers?

Retail businesses can create respectful Memorial Day sale flyers by acknowledging the holiday’s purpose, using appropriate imagery, maintaining a dignified tone, and positioning promotional content thoughtfully within the context of remembrance.

Balancing Promotional Content With Appropriate Commemoration

The fundamental challenge for retailers is balancing sales promotion with respect for Memorial Day’s solemn purpose:

According to research from Northwestern University’s Spiegel Center, nearly 50% of U.S. adults plan to participate in memorial day sales, underscoring the need for brands to approach promotions with both sensitivity and strategy.¹

Respectful Approaches

• Frame promotions within the context of the holiday’s significance
• Include a brief acknowledgment of Memorial Day’s purpose
• Separate commemorative elements from promotional content
• Consider donations to veteran causes in conjunction with sales
• Focus on how products enhance family gatherings or remembrance activities

Practices To Avoid

• Treating Memorial Day purely as a sales opportunity
• Using celebratory language that contradicts the holiday’s purpose
• Suggesting the holiday exists primarily for shopping
• Trivializing military service or sacrifice
• Overemphasizing discounts without appropriate context

Visual Balance Strategies

• Create distinct sections for memorial acknowledgment and sales information
• Use different design treatments to separate these elements
• Position memorial acknowledgment prominently (typically at top)
• Maintain consistent brand identity while incorporating appropriate patriotic elements
• Ensure promotional elements don’t visually overpower memorial acknowledgment

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Ethical Considerations For Memorial Day Marketing

Retailers should consider several ethical dimensions when promoting sales during Memorial Day:

Key Ethical Considerations

• Authenticity of military support claims or connections
• Appropriateness of product categories for promotion
• Transparency about promotional vs. charitable elements
• Respectful representation of military symbols and traditions
• Consistent values alignment beyond the holiday

Ethical Approaches

• Verify any claims about military support or donations
• Be transparent about how charitable components work
• Consider whether specific products align with the holiday’s meaning
• Respect protected symbols (Medal of Honor, military seals)
• Focus on genuine community and customer values

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• False or exaggerated claims about military support
• Conditional donations requiring purchases
• Trivializing service or sacrifice language to promote products
• Using military personnel images without proper permissions
• Implying official military endorsement

According to Michigan State University notes that economic pressures are shaping how retailers should approach Memorial Day sales, calling for more meaningful and respectful marketing as consumers face financial strain.²

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Design Approaches That Maintain Respect

Visual design choices significantly impact how customers perceive Memorial Day promotions:

Respectful Design Elements

• Subdued color palette incorporating patriotic elements thoughtfully
• Clean, organized layouts with clear information hierarchy
• Dignified typography choices (particularly for memorial elements)
• Appropriate use of white space to separate different content types
• Subtle patriotic accents rather than overwhelming patriotic themes

Design Elements To Use Cautiously

• American flag imagery (follow flag code guidelines)
• Military symbols and insignia
• Images of Arlington or military cemeteries
• Photographs of military personnel
• Excessive red, white, and blue color schemes

Design Elements To Avoid

• Party or celebration graphics (balloons, confetti, etc.)
• Overly casual or playful typography for the entire flyer
• Cluttered layouts that diminish respectful elements
• Sale graphics that overpower memorial acknowledgments
• Trivializing or cartoonish military imagery

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What Are Appropriate Messages For Memorial Day Retail Sale Flyers?

Creating effective messaging for Memorial Day retail promotions requires thoughtful language choices that acknowledge the holiday’s significance while communicating your offers clearly.

Respectful Promotional Language

The language used in Memorial Day promotions sets the tone for how customers perceive your brand:

Appropriate Phrasing Options

• “Memorial Day Weekend Sale” (neutral time reference)
• “In honor of Memorial Day…” (acknowledges purpose without being celebratory)
• “As we remember those who served…” (frames promotion within remembrance)
• “During this time of remembrance…” (acknowledges solemn context)
• “Memorial Day Weekend Hours & Specials” (factual approach)

Phrases To Use With Caution

• “Memorial Day Sale” (acceptable if accompanied by respectful acknowledgment)
• “Memorial Day Savings” (focus on customer rather than occasion)
• “Memorial Day Event” (vague but acceptable with proper context)

Phrases To Avoid

• “Happy Memorial Day” (contradicts solemn purpose)
• “Celebrate Memorial Day Savings” (inappropriate celebratory tone)
• “Memorial Day Blowout Sale” (overly commercial, disrespectful)
• “Explosive Deals” (problematic military connotations)
• “Independence Day Sale” (incorrect holiday reference)

Opening Statement Examples

• “As we honor those who gave their lives in service this Memorial Day, we’re offering special savings for your family gatherings…”
• “This Memorial Day weekend, as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we’re extending special offers…”
• “During this Memorial Day weekend of remembrance, we’ve prepared special offers to support your family gathering.

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Acknowledging The Holiday’s Significance

Including thoughtful acknowledgment of Memorial Day’s meaning enhances your brand image:

Appropriate Acknowledgment Approaches

• Brief, sincere statement about the holiday’s purpose
• Recognition of sacrifice without political statements
• Connections to community remembrance activities
• Support for military families or veterans’ causes
• Historical context relevant to your community

Effective Implementation Methods

• Dedicated section at the beginning of the flyer
• Tasteful sidebar with memorial information
• Banner across the top with acknowledgment message
• QR code linking to more information about Memorial Day
• Information about how your business supports military causes

Content Considerations

• Keep acknowledgments brief but meaningful
• Avoid generic statements that feel obligatory
• Consider your brand voice while maintaining appropriate respect
• Ensure factual accuracy in any historical references
• Position acknowledgment prominently, not as a footnote

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Honoring Service While Promoting Sales

Connect your promotional activity to meaningful support:

Authentic Connection Approaches

• Highlight any veteran hiring initiatives
• Mention ongoing military family support programs
• Announce specific donations tied to Memorial Day sales
• Feature veteran staff members (with permission)
• Provide information about local memorial events

Implementation Strategies

• Create separate but connected design elements
• Use testimonials from veterans associated with your business
• Highlight products with connections to American manufacturing
• Provide historical context connecting your business to community
• Offer special recognition or services for military families

Avoiding Inauthentic Approaches

• Making vague claims about supporting troops
• Using stock military images without real connection
• Creating false urgency using the holiday
• Appropriating military language for purely commercial purposes
• Exaggerating your business’s military connections

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How Should Retail Businesses Structure Memorial Day Sale Information on Flyers?

The organization and presentation of sales information significantly impacts both effectiveness and appropriateness.

Pricing And Discount Presentation

How you present sales information affects both promotional effectiveness and respectful tone:

Effective Presentation Approaches

• Clean, straightforward pricing information
• Clear, honest discount representations
• Organized presentation by department or category
• Simple pricing structures easily understood at a glance
• Professional design that reflects product quality

Formatting Recommendations

• Use clean typography for pricing information
• Create clear visual hierarchy for different offer levels
• Implement consistent price/discount formatting
• Provide adequate white space around pricing elements
• Use professional price presentation (e.g., $19.99 rather than $19.99!!!!)

Elements To Avoid

• Overwhelming, chaotic price presentations
• Misleading comparison pricing
• Exaggerated discount claims
• Over designed price graphics that create visual noise
• Excessive use of attention grabbing price tactics (starbursts, etc.)

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Sale Duration Formatting

Clearly communicating sale timeframes sets appropriate expectations:

Effective Approaches

• Clearly defined sale dates (e.g., “May 24-27”)
• Straightforward hours information
• Special hours clearly indicated
• Early access or extension information if applicable
• Online/in-store timing differences if relevant

Formatting Recommendations

• Position timing information prominently
• Use consistent date formatting throughout
• Consider timeline formatting for complex schedules
• Highlight any early access for military families
• Separate online and in store duration if different

Special Considerations

• Note if certain deals are limited to specific days
• Clearly indicate if stores will be closed for part of Memorial Day
• Specify time zone for online promotions
• Avoid creating false urgency with unclear timeframes
• Respect the morning hours of Memorial Day for solemn observances

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Product Highlight Approaches

Showcase products in ways that align with the holiday’s context:

Strategic Product Selection

• Items relevant to family gatherings and outdoor activities
• Products that support remembrance activities
• American-made products if applicable
• Items that enhance summer transition (seasonal relevance)
• Products with potential donate portion programs

Effective Presentation Methods

• Clean, organized product groupings
• Quality photography that showcases products well
• Clear connection between products and their uses/benefits
• Balanced layout that presents products respectfully
• Lifestyle imagery showing appropriate use contexts

Category Specific Approaches

• Home Goods: Family gathering contexts, outdoor spaces
• Apparel: Seasonal transition, family activities
• Electronics: Family connection, memory capture
• Sporting Goods: Outdoor gatherings, family recreation
• Grocery/Food: Family meal preparation, gathering supplies

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Call To Action Placement

Effective CTAs drive response while maintaining appropriate respect:

Appropriate CTA Approaches

• Clear, direct language about next steps
• Professional presentation that aligns with overall tone
• Straightforward information about how to respond
• Multiple response options when appropriate
• Adequate white space around CTAs for visual emphasis

Respectful Placement Strategies

• Position CTAs after memorial acknowledgment
• Use appropriate size that doesn’t overshadow memorial elements
• Implement color schemes that fit the overall design approach
• Create visual separation between memorial and CTA elements
• Consider secondary CTAs for charitable components

Effective CTA Language

• “Shop Memorial Day Weekend Savings”
• “View Our Memorial Day Weekend Collection”
• “See Special Hours & Offers”
• “Learn More About Our Military Family Support”
• “Visit Our Memorial Day Weekend Event”

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What Design Elements Work Best For Memorial Day Retail Sale Flyers?

Visual design elements require particular attention for Memorial Day promotions to balance sales effectiveness with appropriate respect.

Appropriate Use Of Patriotic Elements

Patriotic design elements require thoughtful implementation:

Effective Approaches

• Subtle integration of red, white, and blue accents
• Tasteful borders or dividing elements with patriotic themes
• Patriotic color schemes for specific sections rather than entire flyer
• Abstract patterns suggesting patriotic themes
• Architectural elements from significant memorials

Elements To Use with Caution

• American flag imagery (follow flag code guidelines)
• Military branch symbols (ensure accurate representation)
• Historical patriotic imagery (ensure appropriate context)
• Patriotic quotes (verify accuracy and appropriateness)
• Red, white, and blue color schemes (avoid overwhelming use)

Implementation Recommendations

• Use patriotic elements as accents rather than dominant features
• Create clear separation between patriotic elements and sale graphics
• Consider desaturated or subtle versions of patriotic colors
• Verify any symbolic elements for accuracy and appropriateness
• Follow official guidelines for any specific patriotic symbols

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Product Photography Integration

Product imagery requires thoughtful context for Memorial Day promotions:

Effective Approaches

• High-quality product photography with neutral backgrounds
• Lifestyle imagery showing appropriate use contexts
• Family gathering scenarios using products respectfully
• Seasonal contexts that align with early summer timing
• American-made products highlighted authentically

Contextual Considerations

• Show products in contexts that respect the holiday’s meaning
• Consider family gathering scenarios rather than celebration imagery
• Avoid placing products alongside solemn memorial symbols
• Use lifestyle photography that reflects community values
• Ensure diversity in any lifestyle imagery

Technical Recommendations

• Consistent product photography style throughout
• Professional image quality that reflects product value
• Appropriate white space around product images
• Clear connection between images and pricing information
• Mobile-responsive image implementation for digital flyers

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Promotional Badge Design

Sale indicators and promotional badges require careful design:

Respectful Approaches

• Clean, professional badge designs
• Simple, straightforward indicators
• Consistent styling throughout the flyer
• Appropriate size that doesn’t overpower other elements
• Professional typography within badges

Design Recommendations

• Use simple geometric shapes (circles, rectangles, ribbons)
• Implement consistent color scheme aligned with overall design
• Create clear hierarchy between different promotion levels
• Ensure readability at various sizes
• Consider subtle patriotic elements for badge designs

Elements To Avoid

• Explosion or starburst graphics
• Military themed badges (medals, dog tags, etc.)
• Overwhelming size or quantity of promotional badges
• Cluttered or chaotic badge placement
• Badges that mimic official military insignia

Explore memorial day military flyer ideas that focus on clean design by avoiding starburst graphics, military-themed badges, and cluttered or overwhelming badge placements.

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Memorial Day Promotion ROI Calculator

Planning an effective Memorial Day sale requires balancing marketing investment with expected returns. This calculator helps retail businesses estimate potential ROI for Memorial Day promotions while maintaining appropriate messaging and respect for the holiday’s significance.

Respectful Marketing Note: When planning your Memorial Day promotion, remember that return on investment isn’t measured solely in financial terms. A respectful, thoughtful approach to Memorial Day marketing can build long-term customer loyalty and community goodwill. Consider allocating a portion of your promotion profits to veteran causes or highlighting your business’s connection to military families to create meaningful customer engagement beyond the sale.

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Balancing Product And Patriotic Imagery

Creating visual harmony between promotional and patriotic elements:

Effective Balance Strategies

• Clear visual separation between different content types
• Consistent design language throughout the flyer
• Appropriate proportions giving each element suitable emphasis
• Thoughtful color transitions between sections
• Strategic use of white space to create visual breathing room

Layout Recommendations

• Position memorial/patriotic elements at top of the flyer
• Create distinct sections with clear boundaries
• Use column structures to organize different content types
• Implement consistent margins and padding
• Consider using subtle dividing elements between sections

Visual Hierarchy Guidelines

• Establish clear primary, secondary, and tertiary information
• Create visual flow that guides the eye appropriately
• Use size, color, and position to indicate importance
• Ensure memorial elements receive appropriate prominence
• Maintain professional appearance throughout

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When And How Should Retail Businesses Distribute Memorial Day Sale Flyers?

Timing and distribution strategies significantly impact both effectiveness and appropriateness for
Memorial Day promotions.

Timing For Maximum Impact

Strategic timing balances promotional effectiveness with respect for the holiday:

Timeline Recommendations

Timing your Memorial Day promotions strategically ensures your message is effective while remaining respectful to the holiday’s significance.

Timing	Action
2–3 Weeks Before	Initial announcement of upcoming promotion
10–14 Days Before	Distribution of detailed promotion information
7 Days Before	Primary promotional push
3–4 Days Before	Final reminder with urgency elements
Memorial Day Weekend	Appropriate in-store promotion

By following this timeline, you can maximize visibility, engage customers thoughtfully, and boost sales without compromising on respect.

Timing Considerations

• Allow sufficient advance notice for planning purchases
• Respect the increasing solemnity as the holiday approaches
• Consider early distribution for big ticket items requiring consideration
• Align email and social promotion timing with flyer distribution
• Respect Memorial Day morning for solemn observances

Special Timing Elements

• Early access for military families or veterans if offered
• Extended sale durations clearly communicated
• Online vs. in store timing differences explained
• Special hours or closures prominently noted
• Timing for any memorial related company activities

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In Store Display Strategies

Physical distribution requires thoughtful implementation

Effective In Store Approaches

• Dedicated display areas with appropriate design
• Counter placement with supporting signage
• Bag stuffers for preceding purchases
• Register/checkout area placement
• Display coordination with featured merchandise

Implementation Best Practices

• Create coordinated in-store signage that aligns with flyer design
• Position displays respectfully (not adjacent to any memorial displays)
• Train staff on appropriate messaging around the promotion
• Consider flyer handout timing (earlier for big-ticket items)
• Implement display refresh schedule as holiday approaches

Display Design Considerations

• Create professional, cohesive display elements
• Coordinate display materials with flyer design
• Consider three dimensional elements for impact
• Implement clear wayfinding to promoted merchandise
• Develop appropriate sizing for different store areas

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Direct Mail Considerations

Physical mail distribution offers targeted opportunities:

Strategic Approaches

• Segmented mailing to different customer groups
• Personalized offerings based on purchase history
• Enhanced design quality for direct mail pieces
• Multi-touch campaigns building toward the holiday
• Integrated digital components (QR codes, personalized URLs)

Format Considerations

• Standard flyer formats for cost efficiency
• Enhanced formats for premium promotions
• Consideration of production and delivery timelines
• Format selection appropriate to merchandise value
• Envelope vs. self-mailer considerations

Timing Recommendations

• Schedule delivery 7-14 days before the holiday weekend
• Account for mail delivery variations by region
• Consider sequence for multi touch campaigns
• Align with customer purchase planning timeline
• Allow sufficient time for customer response

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Digital Distribution Channels

Online promotion requires platform-specific adaptation:

Effective Digital Channels

• Email marketing to segmented lists
• Website homepage features and banners
• Social media platform specific content
• SMS messaging to opted in customers
• Digital advertising in appropriate contexts

Cross-Platform Considerations

• Consistent messaging across all digital touchpoints
• Format adaptation for different platform requirements
• Coordinated timing across digital channels
• Platform specific response mechanisms
• Integrated measurement across channels

Digital-Specific Adjustments

• Mobile-optimization for all digital content
• Interactive elements for enhanced engagement
• Click-through functionality to specific offerings
• Personalization capabilities leveraging customer data
• A/B testing for optimal message presentation

For ready to use designs that incorporate these retail-specific principles, explore our Memorial Day Retail Templates.

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Case study: Department Store Memorial Day Sale Flyer

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Riverside Department Store Memorial Day Weekend Event

Riverside Department Store launched a Memorial Day weekend flyer campaign that masterfully balanced commercial promotion with the respectful tone appropriate for the holiday. Their approach serves as a compelling example for other retail businesses aiming to honor Memorial Day’s meaning while still driving engagement and sales.

Honoring the Holiday with Purpose

• The flyer opens with a dignified header that subtly integrates patriotic design elements muted stars, a soft red-blue gradient, and a respectful serif font. At the very top, the flyer includes a brief but powerful statement acknowledging the significance of Memorial Day, paying tribute to the fallen service members.

• This emotional grounding immediately sets a tone of sincerity and care, positioning the flyer not just as a promotional tool, but as a message of solidarity with the community.

Strategic Layout & Visual Balance

• The layout is thoughtfully structured, with each department apparel, electronics, home goods, and seasonal items clearly separated into its own section. This not only enhances readability but also respects the viewer’s time by making it easy to scan.

• Color usage is restrained but effective. Instead of saturating the flyer in red, white, and blue, Riverside opted for subtle accents: red dividers, soft blue headings, and white space that keeps the overall design calm and elegant. The design avoids overly festive or celebratory visuals, instead favoring a professional tone that matches the holiday’s purpose.

• Product photography also supports this tone. Images are professionally shot and placed in real-life contexts that feel genuine and relevant such as a family gathered on a porch or a folded flag placed gently next to a grill. These lifestyle visuals add warmth without compromising respect.

Clear Communication of Promotions

• One of the flyer’s strongest assets is how clearly it communicates its sales and events. The sale duration is prominently displayed, along with specific store hours for the Memorial Day weekend. Discounted products are grouped into easy-to-navigate categories, and pricing is transparent no misleading markdowns or exaggerated before-and-after comparisons.

• Each department highlights its top deals, from 25% off outdoor furniture to buy-one-get-one on apparel basics. Importantly, all this information is presented in a clean, readable format that doesn’t feel rushed or cluttered.

Meaningful Additions Beyond Sales

• What truly sets this flyer apart is the inclusion of initiatives that connect the brand to the spirit of the holiday. One section explains the store’s partnership with a local veterans’ organization, through which a portion of sales is donated to military families in need. Another section invites shoppers to visit an in-store memorial display where local families have contributed photos and tributes.

• The call-to-action language reinforces this balance of commerce and compassion. Rather than aggressive sales phrases like “Don’t Miss Out!” or “Lowest Prices Ever!”, the flyer uses gentle, purposeful wording such as “Join us this weekend in remembrance and giving” or “Celebrate with purpose. Save with meaning.”

Why This Flyer Works

• Riverside’s Memorial Day flyer is successful because it never loses sight of the holiday’s deeper significance. It offers a commercial promotion, yes but wrapped in empathy, awareness, and respect. The design maintains a professional appearance throughout, and every detail feels intentional, from the tone of the messaging to the placement of the veteran donation information.

• It respects its audience shoppers who are likely touched by the meaning of Memorial Day—by not just selling to them, but speaking to them. It informs. It invites. And it honors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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People Also Ask

1. How can retail businesses acknowledge Memorial Day while still promoting sales?
Include a respectful acknowledgment at the beginning of your flyer, support veteran-focused charities with portion-of-sales donations, recognize your company’s veteran employees or military support initiatives, provide information about local memorial events, and maintain dignified design elements throughout promotional materials.

2. What products are most appropriate to highlight in Memorial Day promotions?
Focus on products that support family gatherings and outdoor activities (grills, patio furniture, picnic supplies), items made in America if applicable, outdoor recreation equipment for family use, home improvement products for summer projects, and seasonal apparel appropriate for early summer activities.

3. How should retailers approach social media promotion for Memorial Day sales?
Post respectful acknowledgments of Memorial Day’s purpose before any sales content, create a thoughtful posting schedule that respects morning hours for observances, develop platform-specific content rather than cross-posting the same promotional messages, avoid overly casual or celebratory tone, and consider sharing information about your company’s veteran support initiatives.

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Conclusion

Creating effective Memorial Day sale flyers for retail businesses requires thoughtfully balancing promotional objectives with respect for the holiday’s solemn purpose. By using a customizable flyer template and following these guidelines, you can develop materials that drive sales while honoring those who gave their lives in military service.

Key Takeaways

• Acknowledge Memorial Day’s purpose prominently before promotional content
• Use respectful language that avoids celebratory tone
• Implement thoughtful design that incorporates patriotic elements appropriately
• Present products and pricing with professional, dignified formatting
• Distribute materials with strategic timing that respects the holiday

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References:

1. Retail trends and spending for Memorial Day and graduation. Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism. Retrieved April 30, 2025, from Spiegel Research Center. (2024).

2. How will inflation impact consumers and retailers over Memorial Day weekend? MSUToday Retrieved from 2023, May 26. Michigan State University.