National Pumpkin Day, observed on October 26, 2018, marked a significant promotional period for retailers across the United States. During this time, numerous brands released discounts, freebies, and limited-time offers on pumpkin-flavored products. These promotions typically extended through the Halloween season, providing consumers with opportunities to purchase or receive seasonal items at reduced costs or as part of marketing giveaways. The availability of these offers spanned various categories, primarily focusing on food and beverage items, though the source data indicates that specific "free sample" programs requiring mail-in requests or online sign-ups were not detailed. Instead, the available information highlights in-store discounts and purchase-based deals accessible at national chains.
The following article details the specific promotional offers reported during the 2018 National Pumpkin Day period, categorized by retailer and product type. All information is derived from contemporary reports of sales and deals active at the time.
Food and Beverage Promotions
A wide variety of restaurants, convenience stores, and quick-service chains participated in National Pumpkin Day promotions in 2018. The offers generally consisted of seasonal menu additions available for purchase, though some included discounts or "freebie" mechanics tied to specific purchase requirements.
Convenience Stores and Coffee Chains
- 7-Eleven: The retailer offered pumpkin spice hot coffee, pumpkin spice lattes, and pumpkin spice muffins.
- Au Bon Pain: The fall menu featured Harvest Pumpkin soup, pumpkin croissants, and the Pumpkin Pie Latte.
- Biggby Coffee: This chain featured the "Chumpkin Latte," a blend of chai and pumpkin flavors.
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Offers included Fall Pumpkin bagels, pumpkin spice coffee, and pumpkin-flavored cream cheese. On National Coffee Day (September 29), Bruegger’s also provided a free medium coffee with any purchase for Inner Circle rewards members.
- Caribou Coffee: The menu included pumpkin-flavored seasonal drinks such as the Pumpkin White Mocha, the Pumpkin Ice Crafted Press, and the Pumpkin Pie Latte. On National Coffee Day, Caribou offered a free brewed coffee with the purchase of any food item.
- Cumberland Farms: Pumpkin flavoring and coffee creamer were available, along with Pumpkin Yogurt Muffins through December. The Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino was noted as available year-round.
Ice Cream and Dessert Chains
- Baskin Robbins: The chain featured the Pumpkin Cheesecake Cappuccino Blast. On National Coffee Day, a small Cappuccino Blast was offered for $2.99, with a free scoop of ice cream available via app download.
- Ben & Jerry’s: The Pumpkin Cheesecake flavor returned to grocery stores for a limited time.
- Carvel: Pumpkin pie flavored ice cream was available as soft serve, hard scooped, shakes, and sundaes through November.
- Dairy Queen: The seasonal Pumpkin Pie Blizzard returned on September 3.
- Gigi’s Cupcakes: The chain offered a fall lineup including Pumpkin Spice Latte cupcakes, available for shipping or in stores until November 1.
- Krispy Kreme: Pumpkin Spice Cake doughnuts and Pumpkin Spice Lattes were available. On National Coffee Day, Krispy Kreme was listed among retailers offering deals, though specific pumpkin-related mechanics for that day were not detailed in the source data.
Casual and Quick-Service Restaurants
- Auntie Anne’s: Participating locations offered pumpkin spice Pretzel Nuggets.
- Denny’s: Pumpkin pancakes returned for a limited time.
- Dunkin’: The menu featured pumpkin and maple pecan flavorings for coffee, as well as pumpkin muffins, glazed pumpkin doughnuts, and Munchkins for a limited time.
- First Watch: Pumpkin pancakes were available for a limited time.
- IHOP: Pumpkin Spice pancakes were offered for a limited time.
- Jack in the Box: The chain offered a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Shake.
- Mimi’s Café: The menu included Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Harvest Griddlecakes, Pumpkin Crème Muffin, and Pumpkin Cheesecake through November.
Retail and General Merchandise Offers
While the majority of the National Pumpkin Day 2018 data focused on food and beverage, some retailers offered promotions on pumpkin-related merchandise or treats.
- Edible Arrangements: This retailer offered 50 percent off pumpkin treats at stores on Friday (October 26) for National Pumpkin Day. The treats included "pumpkin edible donuts."
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: The chain featured the Pumpkin Pie Latte, Pumpkin Muffin, and Pumpkin Walnut Crunch Gourmet Bagel with Pumpkin Shmear through October 31.
Timing and Availability
According to reports, most of the National Pumpkin Day specials were scheduled to run until Halloween, October 31, 2018. However, consumers were advised to verify participation at their nearest location, as availability could vary by franchise and region. The source data did not specify eligibility requirements beyond standard purchase requirements for certain deals (e.g., free coffee with food purchase).
Conclusion
National Pumpkin Day 2018 served as a focal point for seasonal marketing, with major brands leveraging the holiday to promote pumpkin-flavored menu items through limited-time offers and discounts. The available source material details a broad range of food and beverage promotions rather than traditional mail-in free sample programs. Consumers seeking to take advantage of these offers were required to visit participating retail locations, with many deals extending through the Halloween season.