The year 2018 offered a wide array of promotional freebies and deals across various consumer sectors, ranging from food and beverage to retail and services. These offers were often tied to specific holidays and events, including Tax Day, Veterans Day, the Summer Solstice, and Election Day. Businesses utilized these occasions to attract customers through free products, discounted services, and exclusive gift-with-purchase incentives. The availability of these deals typically varied by location, with many national chains offering promotions at participating stores only.
Tax Day 2018 Promotions
Tax Day 2018, falling on April 17, served as a major promotional event for businesses across the United States, particularly in Northern Virginia. Companies sought to ease the stress of tax filing with a variety of discounts and complimentary items. These offers were generally valid only on April 17 unless otherwise specified.
Food and Drink Specials
Numerous restaurant chains offered free food items or discounted beverages on Tax Day. * Applebee's: Offered the Dollarita cocktail throughout April, timed to coincide with Tax Day. * Firehouse Subs: Provided a free medium sub with the purchase of a medium or large sub, chips, and drink at participating locations from April 17 through April 19. A printable coupon or the promo code TAXDAY2018 was required for online orders. * Hardee's: Distributed free Sausage Biscuits between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time on April 17. Customers were required to say the passphrase "Made from Scratch" to redeem the offer. * Hot Dog on a Stick: Gave away one free Original Turkey or Veggie Dog per customer at participating locations nationwide on April 17. * Kona Ice: Provided free shaved ice for each customer on Tax Day, which the brand dubbed "National Chill Out Day." * Great American Cookies: Offered a free Cookies & Cream cookie with no purchase necessary, limited to one per customer on April 17. * Tony Roma's: Provided a free order of Kickin' Shrimp per table per visit at participating locations from April 14 through April 17. * Mazzio's Italian Eatery: Featured a "Triple Play" special for $20, including a medium two-topping pizza, a signature Calzone Ring, and 9-inch Cheese Dippers.
Discounts on food and beverage purchases were also available. * Noodles & Company: Offered $4 off a $10 purchase online only from April 11 through April 18. This required an online loyalty account and the promo code TAXDAY18. * Mrs. Fields: Provided 10% off any order until midnight on April 16 using the code SAVETEN. * Omaha Steaks: Offered a free 2-lb. ham with online orders over $59. This promotion ran through April 17 or until supplies ran out.
Retail and Service Deals
Retailers and service providers participated in Tax Day promotions with discounts on various products. * Ashley Furniture: Offered 10% off any order using code REFUND10 from April 15 through April 17. * Crate & Barrel: Provided up to 30% off rugs and 20% off curtains until April 17. * Franklin Planner: Offered 17% off any order on April 17 with code TAX17. * Groupon Getaways: Offered up to 70% off guided tours to China through April 17. * Lancome: Provided a free seven-piece gift set with a $60 purchase and a 10-piece gift set with a $95 purchase until April 19. * Party City: Offered discounts on party decorations, crafts, and toys through April 20. * Samsonite: Provided up to 50% off most items with code SAVE and free standard shipping on orders over $99 through midnight PST on April 17. * Shoe Carnival: Offered 20% off when buying two or more pairs of shoes through April 17 using promo code APRIL20. * Shoe's.com: Provided up to 50% off select athletic shoes through April 17.
Financial service offers were also part of the Tax Day landscape. H&R Block offered a free income tax calculator on any order, and a specific link provided up to $20 off TurboTax until April 17.
Veterans Day 2018 Promotions
On November 11, 2018, and the designated Federal Holiday on November 12, businesses nationwide honored veterans with discounts, deals, and free meals. While specific participating brands were not detailed in the provided source, nationwide lists of freebies and deals were made available to consumers.
Summer Solstice 2018 Promotions
The arrival of summer on June 21, 2018, was celebrated with various freebies and activities designed for families and individuals looking to enjoy the season.
Free Food and Beverages
- Dunkin' Donuts: Offered a free frozen lemonade to help customers beat the heat.
- Wayback Burgers: Provided a free Black & White shake to start the summer at locations across the U.S.
Summer Camps and Activities for Kids
Several retailers hosted free or low-cost summer programs for children. * Apple: Hosted Apple Camp, offering free 90-minute classes over three days for children ages 8 to 12. Classes covered coding, music, and video production and were available throughout July. Parents could sign up via Apple's website. * Microsoft: Offered free YouthSpark Summer Camps for children ages six and up. Details on classes were available on the company's website. * Bass Pro Shops: Hosted free family activities, including fishing, games, crafts, and workshops, every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at noon from June 23 through July 22. * Michaels: Hosted Camp Creativity, where kids could learn crafts and experiments for $2 to $5 per class. Classes were held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from June 11 through July 27.
Summer Movies
- Regal: Showed $1 movies at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays all summer long. Movie selections varied by location.
Election Day 2018 Specials
On November 6, 2018, businesses in Los Angeles offered incentives to encourage voting. Customers who presented an "I VOTED" sticker could access various discounts and free items.
Bar and Restaurant Deals
- Oldfield’s Liquor Room, Bigfoot Lodge West, Harlowe, and Highland Park Bowl: Offered $1 old-fashioneds.
- Sassafras, Idle Hour, Thirsty Crow, La Cuevita, and Bigfoot Lodge: Offered $1 Moscow mules made with house ginger beer. These deals ran from 5 to 7 p.m. or until supplies lasted.
- The Abbey: Offered a $5 Blue Wave shot special made with Tito’s, blue curaçao, and Sprite.
Conclusion
The promotional landscape of 18 highlighted how businesses leveraged specific calendar events to engage consumers. From the stress-relief offers of Tax Day to the patriotic gestures of Veterans Day, the seasonal kick-offs of the Summer Solstice, and the civic-minded incentives of Election Day, freebies and deals served as effective marketing tools. Consumers were encouraged to verify offer details and participation with local establishments, as terms and availability frequently varied by location.