‘Tis the Season - Starbucks Red Cups Are Here! #FeelingFriday

Source: Starbucks

Yesterday was “Red Cup Day,” an annual event when Starbucks brings out its newly designed holiday cups boldly featuring the color red. It’s a tradition that started in 1997, and has taken on a life of its own and has become one of a few key signals to the start of the holiday season. Cue Mariah Carey.

This year’s cups were designed internally by the brand’s creative director and pay homage to the Barista’s aprons (note the apron ties that become ribbons on the cups). Cute. Personally, I love the plaid.

Truth be told, carrying a Starbucks Red Cup has also become a signal that you too are starting the holiday season and truth be told I look forward to this little tradition every year. I spotted one yesterday on the street and just had to stop in to carry one too!

It just makes me so happy, and we can all take a little happiness right now. If it comes in the form of a Red Cup, then I’ll take it.

The Red Cups are just a part of the overall Starbucks Holiday Season that includes new drinks and menu items with some specially created for Starbucks Reserve. Layering in the holiday season shall we say. Click here to take a look.

One new holiday item that totally took off is the Bearista refillable permanent cup. Adorable. But evidently only available in limited supply so they went fast and caused quite the stir …

The brand certainly got a lot of play with that and given the frenzy around both drinking bottles and bears, they should have known they had a winner on their hands, and that people would want one in their hands. Stock up soon, please, because I’d like to get a few for Christmas myself!

Brands: please hang on to your traditions, with the Starbucks Red Cup being just one of them. Consumers need them, rely on them, and in some cases get revived by them. They look forward to them. It gives them joy.

It’s our duty! What’s a tradition that your brand can continue to bring some joy?

What’s your experience? JIM