Holiday Marketing Campaigns We Love
We patiently waited until after Thanksgiving to start discussing our top holiday campaigns; however, we were really ready to roll this out November 1st. I mean, correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve never seen an unhappy person holding a Starbucks holiday cup. We could go on and on about the joys of the best season of the year, but we would be here all day. So, without further ado, here are three of our favorite holiday marketing campaigns.
Is there a limit on how many times we mention Starbucks red cups?
These red cups have been around since December of 1997 - talk about a marketing effort that sticks. Each year, Starbucks releases new designs of both disposable and reusable holiday cups. It is safe to say that this tactic is extremely iconic - there are even websites that have come along over the years that feature countdowns to the famous cup releases. We’ve said it once and we will say it again…it’s impossible to be the Grinch with one of these in your hand. Starbucks clearly has learned that an eye-catching and cohesive brand identity serves as an extremely useful tool. The company keeps consumers coming back year after year for this unique tradition. Starbucks truly knows how to capture an audience - especially around the holidays!
REI Opt Outside
We tip our hats to REI as every year on Black Friday, their employees are in the exact opposite place of probably every other retailer - they are outside in nature. REI stores are closed while the brand encourages their community to get outside and realize the importance of time spent outdoors and its impact on wellbeing. This has been an annual tradition since Black Friday of 2015. Instead of leaning into the busiest shopping day of the year, REI takes a stand against the status quo. This marketing strategy is bold, unique, and leaves its consumers with something to think about amongst the holiday craze.
Spotify Wrapped
If you missed it being plastered across your Instagram feed this past week, allow us to catch you up - Spotify’s Wrapped was released. As congested as our feeds get seeing every single person post their 2023 Wrapped, you have to admit it is a ginormous marketing win for Spotify. Since 2016, the brand has collected data on each listener's streaming habits and provides a personalized snapshot to each customer. It is an animated, enthralling, and eye-catching musical “year in review.” Spotify is connecting physical media to digital content and allows its whole entire audience to observe, exchange nods, and relate to one another on a personal level.
There are endless ads, campaigns, and posts centered around getting consumers in the holiday spirit. As digital marketers, we can work to create a shared sense of comfort, familiarity, and joy in our content around this time of year. Integrating personalized and festive aspects into our brands over the next few weeks will boost overall morale among your audience and consequently will keep them coming back for more.
