Around the same time each year, the leaves start to brown, the temperature begins to drop, and our favorite companies tailor their products to reflect one thing: autumn.
Seasonal marketing—whether in quick-service restaurants, retail or even your local grocery store—is a powerful strategy that celebrates the season and showcases entrepreneurial creativity.
Starbucks: Creating Urgency with the Pumpkin Spice Latte
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte has become a seasonal icon since its debut in 2003. Customers look forward to its return each year, and the limited-time availability creates urgency. By framing the Pumpkin Spice Latte as a seasonal treat, Starbucks encourages more frequent visits and captures millions of sales during the fall months. It’s an amazing example of how a single seasonal product can become part of a brand’s identity.
Bath & Body Works: Building Loyalty Through Nostalgia
Bath & Body Works has perfected the art of tying products to seasonal emotions. Scents like “Sweater Weather” and “Pumpkin Apple” remind customers of their favorite fall traditions, cozy memories and positive feelings. This sense of nostalgia builds strong brand loyalty, as shoppers return year after year to stock up on their favorite seasonal candles, lotions and soaps. Fall becomes not just another quarter of sales, but a chance to strengthen customer relationships.
Trader Joe’s: Differentiating With Seasonal Variety
Trader Joe’s takes a different approach by filling its shelves with countless fall-themed items, from pumpkin ravioli to maple-flavored coffee. This variety makes the store a destination during the season, drawing customers who want to try something new and exciting. By offering unique and creative options, Trader Joe’s differentiates itself from competitors and keeps shoppers excited to see what’s next.
Seasonal items are way more than just businesses keeping up with trends. By bringing back familiar flavors and scents from this time of year, companies tap into our sense of nostalgia while blending it with new and exciting experiences!
