Before reading Queenie’s blog (https://blogs.ubc.ca/queeniema/) I’ve never really thought too much about companies’ Christmas advertising campaigns. Often at the start of November, malls will begin putting up Christmas decorations, radio stations will play Christmas carols, and of course Starbucks will bring out their red cups. All of this indicates that the holiday season has begun.
For many companies, the holiday season is their peak sales period. Therefore, advertising campaigns becomes essential to boosting sales. Much of a company’s advertising plays on the consumer’s emotions and the “Christmas Spirit.” For instance, department stores like the Bay will put up their Christmas decorations in November. The music they hear in their stores reminds them that Christmas is approaching. As a result, they begin to gain that “Christmas Spirit.” Christmas is probably the most expensive holiday because when people buy gifts they often relax their budget. Thus being reminded that it’s almost Christmas puts consumers in that state of mind and leads to increased sales for the company. This tactic plays on consumer emotions using situational factors.