The Eclipse Is Here! How 10 Companies Are Cashing in on the Event of the Decade.
From Krispy Kreme to Casper, these businesses are rolling out promotions for the big event. Here’s what they’re doing and what you can learn.
Spencer Platt / Getty Images
The eclipse is here!
On Aug. 21, the United States will experience a total solar eclipse, the first since the winter of 1979. The rarity of this type of eclipse, combined with the overall weirdness that occurs during these types of events — think changes in temperature, weather and animal behavior — have raised anticipation levels across the country. But it’s not just eclipse chasers and astronomy buffs who are getting in the on the action — businesses are, too.
Take a look at how these companies are cashing in — and get ideas on how your company can take advantage.
Krispy KremeKrispy Kreme
The plan: The donut maker is offering a chocolate glaze donut for the first time in honor of the eclipse at participating locations from Aug. 19 until Aug. 21.
What you can learn
HipCampHipcamp
The plan: This new startup offers campsites in off-beat areas such as nature preserves. It put together a list of 23 unbooked campgrounds in the eclipse “path of totality” offering spots costing less than $100 as well as comprehensive map of options for eclipse-watchers.
American Paper Optics
The plan: The company makes paper 3D glasses and has gotten NASA’s seal of approval for its eclipse safety glasses product.
What you can learn fake glasses
Warby Parker
The plan: Eyeglass retailer Warby Parker expects to give away thousands of solar eclipse glasses at its shops across the country before the Aug. 21 event. The company has also created a special page on its site about the eclipse and will plan a special event at its Nashville store, which is in the “path of totality,” a strip of land that falls beneath the moon’s shadow and will be put into complete darkness.
What you can learn: The retailer found a natural tie to the eclipse — glasses — and a way to keep people safe and bring them into their stores.
TSE
The plan: TSE is a supplier that has helped with the fulfillment of multiple astronomical projects for both the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. In preparation for the eclipse, it also developed NASA-approved eclipse-viewing glasses for consumers. It is selling these glasses and other products on a special hub for eclipse watchers.
Casper
The plan: The mattress maker is setting up a campsite for customers in the appropriately named Casper, Wyoming, which is in direct line of the total eclipse. The experience includes a luxury tent, movies, food and drink.
What you can learn
Rainbow Symphony
The plan: The company is dedicated to making eclipse-viewing glasses all year round and this event is no exception.
What you can learn 18 months
Moon Pie
The plan: The makers of these chocolate treats with the smiling moon logo are selling a special Eclipse Survival Kit complete with glasses and enough moon pies for the entire family.
What you can learn: .
HertzHertz
The plan: The car rental company offered promotions to inspire travelers to rent Hertz cars to see the eclipse up close.
Thousand Oaks Optical
The plan: The company makes the light solar filters use on NASA space shuttles, so it makes sense that its eclipse glasses would be on the short list of products approved by the space agency.
What you can learnThe eclipse is here!
On Aug. 21, the United States will experience a total solar eclipse, the first since the winter of 1979. The rarity of this type of eclipse, combined with the overall weirdness that occurs during these types of events — think changes in temperature, weather and animal behavior — have raised anticipation levels across the country. But it’s not just eclipse chasers and astronomy buffs who are getting in the on the action — businesses are, too.
Take a look at how these companies are cashing in — and get ideas on how your company can take advantage.
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