Get Inspired by Brands that Own Christmas
Everyone celebrating Christmas probably has at least one in mind—that ubiquitous brand that has become part of the holiday ritual. Finding a firm spot in highly anticipated cultural traditions makes for #brandgoals to many business owners and marketers. Take a look at what some big brands have done for the season through the years. These might just inspire your new holiday marketing idea for your startup or SME.
Coca-Cola and Santa Claus
A holiday brand as iconic as Santa Claus himself, Coca-Cola has a long history of Christmas campaigns that may have even helped build St. Nick’s image. Erin Rolek over at the Brandisty blog gets into detail about how Coke owned holiday marketing through the years, and Coca-Cola UK presents a pretty cool timeline infographic of the brand’s Christmas memories. From giving a voice to the hardworking Santa and redesigning labels to look like gift ribbons, to parading festively lit trucks as early as mid-November, the 125-year old brand appeals to the wonderment and spirit of giving that comes with this joyous time.
Looking for stocking stuffers for your customers? Check out our catalog for toys and novelties for kids and grown-ups alike, as well as Santa Claus themed goodies.
“Kentucky for Christmas” in Japan
Yes, the Colonel has a strong following during Christmas in Japan, a country with a mighty hold on its own cultural traditions. According to BBC, as many as 3.6 million Japanese families celebrate this holiday with KFC, even ordering the special Christmas dinner weeks in advance to avoid long lines on the day.
How did this become such a huge tradition? The big idea reportedly dates back to 1970, shortly after the opening of the first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Japan. Inspired by an overheard conversation between a couple of Westerners who missed having holiday turkey dinners, then-manager Takeshi Okawara came up with the idea of offering a “party barrel” for Christmastime. A few years later, KFC made it the focus of a national campaign dubbed Kentucky for Christmas, and it was a big hit. This success also led to Okawara’s rise through the ranks, eventually serving as KFC Japan’s president and CEO from 1984 to 2002.
Aside from solid proof of how effective holiday marketing can be, KFC Japan’s Christmas tradition story drives home the value of listening to your customers. Since it was then mainly known to customers who come from America, the company dug into the emotional aspect of missing home and addressing that by recreating a beloved tradition. The country’s lack of turkeys couldn’t stop this great idea from taking hold.
Even if you’re not in the food business, you can find treats that will help your clients relive fond memories of home this holiday season.
Macy’s Believe Campaign
Featured in the classic film Miracle on 34th Street, the 159-year old retail giant and definitive holiday shopping destination Notably, Macy’s uses its influence and Christmas marketing efforts to make a difference. Its National Believe Day campaign, in partnership with Make-A-Wish, pledges a dollar for every letter to Santa Claus received, up to $1 million, to grant the wish of critically ill children. Aside from their advocacy, Macy’s delivers the message of giving “the perfect gift that brings people together.” A stark contrast to the colorful, much-anticipated annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that signals the start of the holiday shopping season, this year’s Christmas campaign is a poignant take on gift-giving centered on warm thoughts of family and friendship.
Reward your customers with gifts they can take to memorable occasions, whether they decide to visit family and friends or host a lovely holiday gathering at home. Impact Marketing & Design is here to help make the magic happen. Contact us here.