Holiday 2020: Franchises Across the UK Ring in the Holidays with Effective Seasonal Marketing Campaigns

It’s that time of the year again. The John Lewis advert is on our television screens and we’re all thinking about how we’re going to spend the festive period. After a strange 12 months, it’s high time we all sit back, relax and enjoy the overflowing buffet of seasonal marketing campaigns ringing in the Christmas holiday 2020.

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With many businesses struggling after a challenging year, the pressure to create effective holiday marketing campaigns is significant. We’ve gathered some of the best examples of great franchise marketing initiatives to inspire us, entertain us and - as any good Christmas advert should - warm the cockles of our hearts.

Examples of great franchise marketing campaigns

McDonald’s - Even the grumpiest of television viewers who reach for the remote during advert breaks are bound to have seen this year’s McDonald’s commercial. The animated video features a mother who tries to cheer up her son. After a trip to their local McDonald’s outlet for a burger, the boy rediscovers his inner child to enjoy a snowball fight and tree decorating session with his mum.

Dunkin’ Donuts - The doughnut franchise has invented a whole new word for its holiday 2020 marketing campaign. It’s inviting customers to send a virtual “Cheersin’” to loved ones they can’t see in person this year. A video featuring a catchy song shows people dancing with Dunkin’ Donuts drinks in hand to celebrate the introduction of a festive range of beverages, including the Peppermint Mocha Latte.

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Starbucks - Starbucks has probably already cemented its status as a festive franchise; its seasonal cups are always the talk of the town and many people’s favourite way to ring in the Christmas countdown. This year, stores will be selling reusable cups, which change from green to red when filled with a hot drink. If that’s not exciting enough, Starbucks is also introducing a range of beverages to enjoy in them, including Gingerbread and Toffee Nut lattes, which can be made vegan on request.

Costa Coffee - Another food and drink franchise to play with language, Costa Coffee is wishing its customers “the Christmassy-est Christmas ever”. Its holiday 2020 marketing campaign includes a video featuring animated trees and presents, as well as a waving penguin and gingerbread man. To mark the festive season, the cafe franchise has introduced a Pigs Under Blankets Panini, along with other treats, including the exclusive Quality Street Purple One Latte or Hot Chocolate.

Pizza Hut - Amongst a deluge of sentimental seasonal marketing initiatives, it’s nice to find a humorous Christmas advert. Pizza Hut’s tongue-in-cheek campaign, “The 55 Days of Christmas Pizza”, presents Dickensian carolers literally singing the praises of the franchise’s festive addition, with rotisserie chicken and red wine gravy base. According to the carol, it’s “the best thing from 2020” and “nothing says Christmas like pizza”.

Burger King - After launching a multi-channel “Christmas in July” campaign to cheer us all up in the summer, Burger King could have been forgiven for skipping seasonal celebrations this month. But, having unpacked and re-boxed the Christmas lights once this year, evidently the franchise is ready to whip them out again and mark Yuletide with the rest of us. Its Festive BBQ King burger is one of the new menu options featured in its holiday 2020 marketing material.

Papa John’s - Rather than bigging up its festive menu for its holiday 2020 marketing campaign, Papa John’s has chosen to switch the focus and donate much-needed funds to deserving charities. Through its “Giving More this Christmas” initiative, the pizza franchise is helping to tackle homelessness and hunger by donating part of its advertising budget to Crisis and the Trussell Trust. Its simple promotional video shows messages written on pizza boxes: “We thought about doing a fancy Christmas ad this year, but decided to put our dough to better use.”

Cafe Rouge - When one deal isn’t enough, Cafe Rouge has you covered. The French food franchise has launched a swathe of festive treats for the Christmas period. It has announced the introduction of its seasonal menu, with the option of ordering two courses for £17.95 or three courses for £19.95. For those who pre-book a Christmas party and spend more than £50, the franchise is offering a 20 percent discount on every drink. Alternatively, customers can indulge in a five-course menu on the big day itself - and the designated driver gets free soft drinks all night. And to top it all off, Cafe Rouge has brought back its popular Limited Edition The Snowman Afternoon Tea.

Las Iguanas - The Latin American food franchise has marked the Christmas period with promotional material announcing the launch of its festive menu. It’s celebrating the season in classic Las Iguanas style with no fewer than eight main course options, including Veggie Chimichanga and Pisco Pork Belly. Customers can enjoy two or three courses from just £14.95. Plus, the restaurant chain is truly getting people into the party spirit, with two-for-one cocktails and mocktails on offer all day every day this Christmas.

Really Awesome Coffee - We’re rounding off the list with one of our very own mobile coffee franchises. Really Awesome Coffee has released adverts celebrating its new range of wonderfully warming festive drinks. Those in need of a caffeine fix will enjoy the Toffeenut and Gingerbread lattes. And customers with a sweet tooth are also catered for, with the Macadamia and White Chocolate Hot Chocolate and the Really Awesome Peppermint Mocha. Yum.

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>> Read more:

• Why Is a Business Plan Important?
• Try Out These 8 Outside-the-Box Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business and Engage Your Customers

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More information on franchise marketing

We hope these examples of great franchise marketing campaigns have given you inspiration for your own promotional activity - or at least a sense of optimism for the Christmas period.

We have a large catalogue of business guides to help entrepreneurs throughout the year. Continue your research by taking a look at the eight essential marketing strategies you can incorporate into your business, or browse our entire selection of franchise articles.