How seasonal promotions spark interest and boost sales for any business

How do seasonal promotions impact business?

• A. They have no effect on sales
• B. They stimulate customer interest and can boost sales
• C. They only benefit online stores
• D. They require excessive planning and resources

Answer: (B)

Seasonal promotions significantly stimulate customer interest and can lead to a boost in sales. During specific times of the year, such as holidays or seasonal events, consumers are often more receptive to marketing efforts and are looking for special offers. These promotions can create a sense of urgency, encouraging customers to make purchases they might not have considered otherwise. By tapping into seasonal themes and consumer behaviors, businesses can tailor their offerings to align with what customers are actively seeking, making these promotions effective tools for driving volume. Additionally, seasonal promotions can enhance brand visibility and strengthen customer loyalty, as shoppers associate positive experiences with the brand during these special promotions. Other options do not encapsulate the full benefits and realities of seasonal promotions. For instance, while they might require some planning, the potential return on investment and sales increase usually justifies the resources involved. The idea that they do not affect sales is contrary to the observed outcomes of many businesses that strategically utilize seasonal marketing. Similarly, the notion that only online stores benefit ignores the potential for in-person retailers to also attract more customers during peak seasons.

Seasonal promotions are a staple in the business world, but they’re more than just red-and-green signage or a date on the calendar. When done right, they pull customers in, spark excitement, and—yes—move the numbers. For a quick-service brand like Jersey Mike’s, these promotions aren’t just nice to have; they’re a practical way to align what customers want with what you offer, across the entire year.

Let me explain why these promotions tend to work so well.

Why seasonal promos pull people in

• They tap into current vibes. Holidays, sports events, school breaks, and even local happenings change what people feel like buying. A limited-time twist on a favorite sub can feel timely, like it’s designed for today, not for some generic shopping list. That sense of timing matters.

• They create a sense of urgency. When a deal isn’t here tomorrow, customers are likelier to act now. Scarcity—whether it’s a limited edition flavor, a bundle deal, or a promo code valid for a few days—drives quick decisions.

• They boost perceived value. People love feeling they’ve snagged a deal or gotten more for their money. If a sandwich combo lowers the price of sides or adds a small upgrade, the whole meal feels like a win.

• They push across channels. Seasonal offers don’t have to live only in one corner of the business. They can live in-store, on the app, via email, and on social. A cohesive seasonal push reinforces brand familiarity and keeps the message consistent.

A quick myth-busting detour

Some folks tend to think seasonal promotions are a waste or only help online retailers. The truth is more nuanced:

• They’re not just online tricks. In-store promotions can be just as powerful, especially when there’s a tactile, social element—like a counter display that features a “today’s special,” or a pop-in event tied to a local celebration.

• They don’t always require massive resources. The key isn’t a grand, multi-week campaign every season. It’s smart timing, a clear offer, and a simple way to message it.

• They don’t have to be perfect from day one. Seasonality is forgiving. You test, learn, and refine. Small wins add up.

A practical playbook for seasonal promos

If you’re thinking about how to apply seasonal promos in a real-world setting—say, at a sandwich shop similar to Jersey Mike’s—here’s a practical way to approach it.

1. Pick the right moments

• Holidays and major events are obvious anchors. But don’t overlook local festivals, school events, or even weather shifts. A hot-day promo with a cold drink pairing, for instance, can be surprisingly effective.

• Consider the “lifecycle” of your location. A busy downtown store might lean into commuter-friendly deals, while a neighborhood shop could emphasize family-friendly bundles on weekends.

2. Craft clear, compelling offers

• Make the value obvious. “Two subs, one drink, and a side for a bundled price” is easy to grasp. People skim quickly—your message should be instantly understood.

• Add a time frame. A short window creates urgency without feeling pushy: “This week only.” “While supplies last.” People respond to limited-time cues.

• Tie it to flavor or experience. A seasonal sub feature (think a new roast, a heritage recipe, or a local favorite topping) can feel special and unique.

3. Stage the promotion across touchpoints

• In-store visuals: Clear signs near the counter, with a quick explanation of the deal.

• Digital channels: A simple post with the promo code or a coupon link. Ensure pricing and terms are easy to read on mobile.

• Email and SMS: Short, friendly messages that highlight why the promo matters now. Include a reminder as the deadline approaches.

• Local partnerships: If you’re in a community-driven area, align with nearby events or cross-promotions with another local business.

4. Make the experience easy

• Smooth ordering flow. No one wants to chase a page that’s hard to navigate. Keep the path from seeing the promo to getting the sandwich frictionless.

• Stock and readiness. Seasonal items should be ready to go. If a promo hinges on a limited topping or a special sub, ensure you’re not caught flat-footed with inventory gaps.

• Staff awareness. Your team should understand the offer, the benefits, and how to upsell naturally without sounding pushy.

5. Measure what matters

• Track sales lift during the promo window. Compare to a similar non-promotional period to isolate the effect.

• Monitor average ticket size. Are people adding drinks, sides, or upgrading subs because of the deal?

• Watch redemption trends. Which channels drive the most redemptions? If email yields more redemptions than social, you might double down there.

• Capture customer feedback. A quick, friendly question at pickup can reveal whether the promo felt valuable and which elements to keep or tweak.

A couple of real-world touches that help

• Seasonal storytelling. People love stories they can tell friends about. A promo tied to a local sports team, a regional flavor, or a community event becomes more than a discount—it becomes a story you’re part of.

• Localized flavor twists. If you’re in a region with particular tastes, offer a limited-time topping or sub that reflects that flavor. It makes the promotion feel grounded in the place where customers live and eat.

• Personalization on a small scale. If you have repeat customers, a familiar offer can feel personalized without heavy targeting. A “welcome back” promo for loyal fans can show appreciation and encourage repeat visits.

Common traps to avoid

• Overloading promotions. Too many offers in a year can dilute value and train customers to wait for the next deal. Pick a few high-impact moments and do them well.

• Complicated terms. If the discount has a dozen exclusions, people will skip. Keep it straightforward: one price, one simple condition, one clear expires date.

• Failing to tie to the brand voice. A seasonal promo should feel like it belongs to the brand, not a generic marketing tactic. Maintain your tone, from the signage to the social post.

A brief tangent you might enjoy: the psychology behind it

Seasonal promos work in part because people like a sense of ritual. The calendar gives us cues—Mother’s Day, back-to-school, summer road trips—that shape our cravings. We’re more willing to reward ourselves when the calendar says it’s time to celebrate, or when there’s a story behind the offer. A well-timed sub combo isn’t just a meal; it’s a little moment of anticipation, a pocket of joy in a busy week. And that emotional lift translates into more frequent visits.

Turning this into a simple routine

If you’re building a habit around seasonal promotions, start with a light plan. Choose two to three anchor moments in the year, map out a single offer for each, and decide how you’ll promote them. Then run a small pilot in one or two locations. Gather quick feedback from staff and customers, adjust, and roll out more broadly. It’s easier to manage than you think, and the payoff can be surprisingly strong.

Why seasonal promotions matter for a brand like Jersey Mike’s

Seasonal promotions connect what you sell with when customers want it. They’re not a gimmick; they’re a channel for dialogue with your community. They help you stay relevant in a crowded market, give regulars something to look forward to, and invite new customers to try something familiar yet refreshed. When done with clarity and care, they become an ongoing conversation rather than a one-off sale.

If you’re mapping out a seasonal calendar for a sandwich shop, here are a few questions to guide you:

• What moments in our local area would listeners care about this year? A local festival, a weekend tournament, a seasonal market?

• Which flavors or toppings naturally fit the moment? Do we have a signature sub that can be highlighted in a limited edition?

• How will we communicate the offer across in-store, app, email, and social without sending mixed signals?

• What’s a realistic goal for each promotion in terms of sales lift and average ticket?

A closing thought: momentum over time

Seasonal promotions aren’t a single event; they’re a rhythm. When you align offers with the calendar, the community calendar, and the brand story, you create momentum that lasts beyond the promo period. Customers remember the good vibes, the value, and the sense that you’re paying attention to what matters at the moment. That recognition is worth more than the dopamine hit of a one-time discount.

So, if you’re weighing the impact of seasonal promotions, the answer is clear: they stimulate interest and can boost sales. They’re a practical, multi-channel tool that, when used thoughtfully, strengthens brand visibility, customer loyalty, and day-to-day performance. And if you’re building a simple, repeatable framework, you’ll find it fits neatly into the overall growth puzzle—without turning the business into a maze.

In short: seasonal promos work best when they’re clear, timely, and true to the brand. They invite customers to feel a little bit of celebration with every bite, and that feeling often translates into more visits, more sharing, and more smiles across the counter. If you’re ready to test one, start small, watch closely, and let the calendar guide you toward smarter, steadier growth.