More and more businesses are taking advantage of the total solar eclipse that is expected to darken skies across North America on Monday.
In the snack aisle only, Krispy Kreme is teaming up with Oreo to sell a limited donut cookie creation. Sonic Drive-In sells a “Blackout Slush Float”. And Frito-Lay’s SunChips have unveiled a new flavor that will only be available during the nearly 4 1/2 minute totality of the celestial event.
MoonPie has also kicked off a “Sun vs. Moon” themed campaign as the chocolate snack maker promotes its “eclipse survival kit,” consisting of four mini MoonPies and two pairs of eclipse glasses.
Meanwhile, airlines like Southwest and Delta have advertised flight routes for eclipse viewing. And beyond promotions from big brands, small businesses along the 185-kilometer (115-mile) main route are leading the race to meet incoming tourism demand.
Some cities and local vendors have been waiting for the celestial event and its huge crowds for years. There are oodles of special eclipse goggles on sale, along with T-shirts emblazoned with clever slogans and other astronomical souvenirs. Other offerings include eclipse-themed beer, special restaurant packages and parties at amusement parks, wineries and zoos.
Marketing related to rare glasses, such as the sun disappearing behind the moon, is not new.
In 2017, the last time the United States saw a large chunk of a total solar eclipse, dozens of companies got in on the action, including Krispy Kreme.
The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company previously released limited-edition chocolate glazed donuts for the 2017 eclipse, and those treats have made a few returns since then. But that may not be the case with this year’s “Total Solar Eclipse Donut.” The Krispy Kreme-Oreo combo will be available Friday through Monday, according to an announcement from the chain this week.