Businesses are capitalizing on the solar eclipse set to darken skies across North America, with companies like Krispy Kreme teaming up with Oreo to create a limited doughnut-cookie creation, Sonic Drive-In offering a “Blackout Slush Float,” Frito-Lay’s SunChips unveiling a new flavor only available during the event’s totality. MoonPie is promoting a “Sun vs. Moon” campaign with an “eclipse survival kit” containing mini MoonPies and eclipse glasses. Airlines like Southwest and Delta are advertising eclipse-viewing flight paths, and small businesses along the eclipse’s path are preparing for the influx of tourists with various eclipse-themed products and events.
Local vendors and towns along the 115 mile-wide path of the eclipse have been anticipating the event and its large crowds for years. They are selling eclipse safety glasses, T-shirts, and souvenirs, along with offering eclipse-themed beer, specialty dining packages, and watch parties at amusement parks, wineries, and zoos. Marketing initiatives tied to rare events like the solar eclipse have been successful in the past, with companies like Krispy Kreme launching special products for the 2017 eclipse, including limited-edition chocolate glazed doughnuts that have made a return since. The “Total Solar Eclipse Doughnut” by Krispy Kreme and Oreo is set to be available from Friday to Monday, according to an announcement from the chain this week.
In 2017, the last time the U.S. saw a total solar eclipse, many companies took advantage of the event to attract customers. Krispy Kreme, for example, launched limited-edition chocolate glazed doughnuts for the 2017 eclipse, and they have made a few comebacks since then. For this year’s eclipse, Krispy Kreme is partnering with Oreo to release a special doughnut-cookie creation available from Friday through Monday. Other businesses, such as Sonic Drive-In and Frito-Lay’s SunChips, are also releasing eclipse-themed products, while airlines like Southwest and Delta are offering eclipse-viewing flights. Small businesses along the eclipse’s path are preparing for the event by offering various products and events to cater to the influx of tourists.
