Tools for Tomorrow: Daylight Saving Time

What is Daylight Saving Time?

In the United States, at 2:00 AM on the second Sunday in March, we set our clocks forward one hour ahead of Standard Time and leave them that way until the first Sunday in November at 2:00 AM, when we turn them back. Supposedly, this allows us to use less energy in lighting our homes by taking advantage of the longer and later daylight hours during the summer. On Sunday, March 13, 2016, we’ll “spring forward” – losing an hour of sleep, but gaining an extra hour of daylight – yahoo!

While March might seem very far away, it’ll be here before we know it! Get ahead of schedule by thinking about how you can use this seasonal shift to drive traffic and generate buzz about your business!

Why do we do it?

Daylight Saving Time was instituted by the United States during World War I in order to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the later hours of daylight between April and October. In 2007, Daylight Saving Time became 4 weeks longer due to the Energy Policy Act passed in 2005.

However, not all countries the world over observe Daylight Saving Time. Most areas of North America and Europe observe Daylight Saving Time, while most areas of Asia and Africa do not. In South America, most areas in the northern part of the continent do not observe DST, while southern areas do. To learn more about DST in other countries, click here.

How can you celebrate it?

While it’s not really a “holiday,” it does offer an excuse to have a little fun with your customers! Here are a few ideas to commemorate the beginning of daylight savings:

• Offer early morning coffee and breakfast – to help customers get used to the new “morning” routine.
• Remind your customers about Daylight Saving Time at check out, and on social media – they’ll appreciate the reminder!
• Celebrate the longer days by offering your restaurant customers new happy hour specials, especially if you have outdoor seating!
• Organize early morning or after-work running clubs with your customers!

How will you be “springing forward” this year?

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