The Origins of the Sweet Deal: Eighty-Seven Cents
Remember when scoring a warm, melt-in-your-mouth Krispy Kreme doughnut for less than a dollar was a reality? It wasn’t a dream, but a sweet, sugary promotion that had doughnut lovers lining up around the block. This wasn’t just any discount; it was the legendary eighty-seven cent Krispy Kreme deal, a marketing masterstroke that resonated with customers and solidified Krispy Kreme’s place as a beloved treat provider. Let’s delve into the details of this promotion, exploring its origins, impact, and why it remains a cherished memory for many. And more importantly, how it compares to the Krispy Kreme offers, deals, and promotions of today.
The genesis of the eighty-seven cent Krispy Kreme promotion is rooted in a celebration of the company’s rich history. Back in two thousand seventeen, Krispy Kreme marked its eighty-seventh anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, they decided to offer a special treat to their loyal customers: a single Original Glazed doughnut for just eighty-seven cents. The promotion typically ran in July, coinciding with their anniversary month, adding a festive touch to the summer season.
The mechanics of the deal were relatively straightforward. For a limited time, customers could purchase an Original Glazed doughnut for the deeply discounted price. The simplicity was intentional, a way to ensure maximum participation and create widespread excitement. While some locations may have had slight variations or purchase requirements (such as buying a dozen at full price to unlock the eighty-seven cent deal), the core offer remained consistent: an affordable way to indulge in a classic Krispy Kreme treat.
The price point itself was a clever marketing move. Eighty-seven cents wasn’t just a random number; it directly referenced Krispy Kreme’s eighty-seventh anniversary, creating a direct link between the deal and the company’s heritage. This association added a layer of meaning to the promotion, reminding customers of Krispy Kreme’s long-standing tradition of providing delicious doughnuts.
A Doughnut-Shaped Frenzy: Impact and Customer Reaction
The eighty-seven cent Krispy Kreme promotion was more than just a discount; it was a cultural phenomenon. The response from customers was overwhelming, with long lines snaking out of Krispy Kreme locations across the country. Social media buzzed with posts of people sharing their experiences, posting pictures of their cheap doughnuts, and lamenting about their local store running out. The hashtag #KrispyKreme quickly became a trending topic, amplifying the promotion’s reach and solidifying its place in social media marketing history.
The excitement surrounding the deal wasn’t just about the low price; it was also about the nostalgia and emotional connection people had with Krispy Kreme. For many, Krispy Kreme doughnuts are associated with happy memories – childhood treats, special occasions, or simply a comforting indulgence. The eighty-seven cent promotion tapped into these emotions, reminding customers of the simple pleasures in life and reinforcing their loyalty to the brand.
Of course, the promotion wasn’t without its challenges. The sheer volume of customers sometimes led to longer wait times and occasional shortages of doughnuts. Some customers expressed frustration with these issues, but the overall sentiment remained positive, with most people understanding the logistical challenges of handling such a popular promotion.
More Than Just a Discount: The Marketing Strategy Behind the Doughnuts
From a marketing perspective, the eighty-seven cent Krispy Kreme promotion was a resounding success. It generated significant buzz, increased brand awareness, and drove traffic to Krispy Kreme stores. The low price point acted as a powerful incentive, attracting both loyal customers and those who might not typically frequent Krispy Kreme.
The promotion also served as a loss leader, enticing customers to purchase other items while they were in the store. While customers might have come in for the eighty-seven cent doughnut, they were also likely to purchase coffee, other doughnut varieties, or even a full dozen to share with friends and family. This strategy allowed Krispy Kreme to increase its overall sales and generate additional revenue.
In addition to its direct impact on sales, the eighty-seven cent promotion also strengthened Krispy Kreme’s brand image. By offering such a generous deal, Krispy Kreme demonstrated its commitment to customer satisfaction and its willingness to give back to the community. This helped to cultivate a positive brand perception and further solidify Krispy Kreme’s position as a beloved brand.
A Different Landscape: Why it Worked Then and What is Working Now
The success of the eighty-seven cent Krispy Kreme promotion can be attributed to a combination of factors, including nostalgia, the perception of a great deal, and the power of limited-time offers. In two thousand seventeen, the economy was still recovering from the financial crisis, and consumers were particularly price-sensitive. The eighty-seven cent deal offered a welcome respite from everyday expenses and provided a guilt-free indulgence.
The promotion also benefited from the relatively uncluttered marketing landscape of the time. While social media was already a powerful force, it hadn’t yet reached the saturation point it has today. This allowed the eighty-seven cent Krispy Kreme promotion to stand out and capture the attention of consumers.
However, replicating the exact same promotion today would likely be more challenging. Increased ingredient costs, rising labor expenses, and inflationary pressures would make it difficult to offer a doughnut for such a low price. Moreover, the marketing landscape has become increasingly competitive, with consumers bombarded with countless offers and promotions.
To succeed in today’s market, Krispy Kreme needs to adapt its marketing strategies to reflect the changing consumer landscape. This might involve offering personalized deals through its loyalty program, partnering with other brands to create unique promotions, or focusing on creating engaging content that resonates with its target audience. Krispy Kreme have adapted with innovative promotions such as collaborations with well known brands such as Oreo, Twix, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch, as well as promotions linked to events such as the solar eclipse in April of two thousand twenty-four.
Current Krispy Kreme Promotions, Offers, and Deals
Although the legendary eighty-seven cent doughnut deal may be a thing of the past, Krispy Kreme continues to offer a variety of promotions, deals, and discounts to entice customers. Krispy Kreme have embraced the trend of limited-time offers, frequently introducing new and exciting doughnut flavors tied to specific holidays, seasons, or partnerships. These limited-time offerings create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to visit Krispy Kreme more often.
For example, in recent years, Krispy Kreme has offered Halloween-themed doughnuts, holiday-themed doughnuts, and even doughnuts inspired by popular movies and television shows. These limited-time creations not only taste delicious but also generate buzz on social media, helping to drive traffic to Krispy Kreme stores.
Krispy Kreme also has a rewards program in which you gain points for every dollar spent, and after earning a certain amount of points, you unlock rewards. This creates brand loyalty from customers who are more likely to choose Krispy Kreme as their coffee and doughnut option.
While the specific offerings change regularly, Krispy Kreme consistently provides ways for customers to save money and enjoy their favorite doughnuts. It’s always a good idea to check the Krispy Kreme website or app for the latest deals and promotions.
Final Thoughts on a Sweet Memory
The eighty-seven cent Krispy Kreme doughnut promotion was more than just a discount; it was a cultural moment. It brought people together, created excitement, and reinforced Krispy Kreme’s position as a beloved brand. While the promotion may be a thing of the past, it serves as a delicious reminder of Krispy Kreme’s ability to create buzz and delight its customers. As Krispy Kreme continues to evolve its marketing strategies, it’s clear that the company will always strive to offer its customers the sweetest deals possible, one doughnut at a time. The legacy of the eighty-seven cent doughnut lives on, a testament to the power of a simple, yet effective, marketing campaign. And even though the prices have changed, the sweet experience of enjoying a fresh, hot Krispy Kreme doughnut remains a timeless pleasure. The current marketing strategies employed by Krispy Kreme aim to recapture the magic of the past while adapting to the modern consumer.
