inquisity

I’ve been observing for the past few years how different companies choose to label products and promotions “Christmas” or “Holiday.” Here are two observations about Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.

Dunkin Donuts’ slogan is “American Runs on Dunkin.” While up in New Hampshire last week, I noticed an interesting holiday twist on their slogan:


Normally, the picture on the left is an outline of the continental United States. Here, however, the marketing folks decided America was best represented by a Christmas Tree. I wonder if it’s the same in all markets.

Also popular this time of year is Starbucks’ seasonal varieties of coffee. According to a catalog I saw at a local Starbucks, there are three holiday varieties: regular Christmas, decaf Christmas, and Holiday Blend. At more than 5 stores I have yet to see this “Holiday Blend” available for sale, either by the bean or the cup. Even on their website they seem to advertise it; here’s an advertisement for the holiday blends (it’s the blue package on the left):

but when you click on the link, the Holiday Blend is nowhere to be found:

I was only able to find the Holiday Blend after using Google. As of today it says the Holiday Blend is sold out, so perhaps that’s why it doesn’t come up on their website, or isn’t at any of their stores I’ve been to.