Tools for Tomorrow: Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is not traditionally a widely-celebrated holiday. That’s what makes it so great. It’s a fun excuse to celebrate with your customers and perhaps market a few new menu items or products!

First, let’s cover the basics: Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2, and is a fun way to “predict” the arrival of Spring. According to legend, if it is cloudy when the groundhog emerges from its burrow, Spring will arrive early. However, if it’s sunny when the groundhog emerges, and he sees his shadow, he will retreat back into his burrow and Winter will continue for 6 more weeks.

Trivia to Share with Your Customers

• Punxsutawney Phil is a groundhog resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He lives in the town library with his “wife” Phyllis.
• According to fans, Punxsutawney Phil is given a sip of a magical elixir each summer to extend his life for 7 years. Thus, he has made weather predictions for over 123 years.
• According to records kept since 1887, Punxsutawney Phil’s weather predictions have only been correct 39% of the time.

Celebrating Suggestions

• Preview Spring menu items for the week leading up to Groundhog Day.
• Create a fun “gift with purchase” promotion, and give away a different gift depending on Phil’s forecast
• Have guests vote whether they think if Phil will see his shadow, and pull a winner from the “correct” batch (winner receives a gift card).
• Use Phil’s prediction to drive a new in-store promotion or event! If possible, restaurants and bars can introduce new Spring menu items, and retail shops can use a “shadow” forecast to move through the rest of their winter merchandise.

For more information on marketing holidays (and how to celebrate them) visit our Marketing Holiday Calendar!