A variety of marketers are taking a diverse approach to Memorial Day, with some focusing on the seasonal aspects while others pay homage to veterans.
The weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer road trips, and a Cars.com survey found that despite an almost 35% year-over-year increase in gas prices, 82% of Americans who are planning to travel this Memorial Day will do so by car.
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Overall travel across all modes of transportation is up 8% for the holiday weekend compared to 2021, but car travel is down slightly (7%) primarily due to high gas prices, a general desire to save money due to rising inflation, and lingering COVID-19 concerns.
Eighty-seven percent of consumers surveyed by Cars.com say they will be traveling with others this holiday weekend, with 51% citing high gas prices as a driver. For those traveling by car, 11% will be taking an electric vehicle on the road.
Pilot Flying J gas stations has named the Friday before Memorial Day National Road Trip Day. The retailer is helping travelers fulfill their road trip dreams with a $50,000 fuel giveaway and summer deals. To enter, consumers can visit Pilot Flying J's Facebook from May 25-29 to share road trip favorites, memories and photos.
Road trippers also can tailor their trip routes and save as they go with special offers and three cents off gas and auto diesel by using Pilot Flying J's myRewards Plus app. Deals in the app include daily offers on popular drinks, snacks and merchandise.
Mtn Dew is focusing on outdoor enthusiasts who are set to fish at their favorite ponds, streams, rivers and lakes this Memorial Day weekend with a promotion that aims to make sure no one goes home empty-handed. No fish? No problem — the Pepsi Co. brand will Venmo $20 to the first 5,000 entrants who show that they didn’t catch a fish.
Starting at 9 a.m. CT on May 28, consumers can tweet a photo of their empty hook, hands, cooler or bucket by the water and tag @MountainDew and #DEWOpeningDayGiveaway.
Big Lots is launching a campaign featuring “Bridesmaids” star Wendi McLendon-Covey that encourages customers to create their backyard oasis. The Memorial Day "Price Crush Summer Sale" runs through June 4 and is focused on outdoor items.
Lowe’s is taking a more solemn approach to the holiday weekend. In honor of Military Appreciation Month, Lowe’s launched a TV spot about how it prioritizes veteran-owned businesses as product suppliers, like United States Air Force veteran Michael Healy and his door knockers.
The retailer says it employs more than 26,000 veterans, active, guard, reserve and military spouse associates and gives an everyday 10% discount, with no annual limit, that saves military families $1 billion each year.
Home Depot also offers a year-round discount to military members and veterans.
D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. is celebrating Military Appreciation Month with a lineup of special events benefiting two of its longtime military charitable partners: Team Red, White & Blue and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The beer maker donated $50,000 to each group.
Finally, Coleman Natural Foods is running ads on Instagram and Facebook targeting consumers in areas where the Coleman Natural Budweiser BBQ Collection is available to encourage people to shop for Memorial day barbecues. The ads, from Sway Group, will run throughout the Memorial Day weekend.