Costco adds exclusive limited-time candy treat
As a fan of peppermint, I look forward to the Christmas season because that’s generally the mintiest part of the year.
I’m not actually a fan of candy canes, but add peppermint to ice cream or chocolate, and I’m in. Publix actually has the best limited-time offer (LTO) peppermint stick ice cream, at least since I left New England, but if you add that specific minty flavor into hot chocolate, ice cream, or a chocolate bar, I’ll try it at least once.
Costco will, of course, be entering its own holiday season soon, carrying decorations, lights, gifts, and seasonal foods. In some cases, that means bringing back past favorites, and in others, it’s a chance to introduce something new.
Now, the warehouse club has partnered with Häagen-Dazs.
Costco will be the home to one exclusive LTO Häagen-Dazs offer, while the ice cream brand will keep one treat just for its stores, and offer a third widely across its retail partners.
Costco adds a Häagen-Dazs exclusive LTO
Costco actually has a web page that shows off some of its exclusive LTOs. The current page shows everything from a massage chair to a top-loading dishwasher.
The page does not show any food items, but it does offer two separate golf carts that cost more than $10,000.
To experience the Häagen-Dazs offer, you actually have to visit a Costco. Häagen-Dazs shared a description of its exclusive with the warehouse club.
- Peppermint Bark Mini Bars: Peppermint perfection is back and making its debut in Mini Bars! Available exclusively at Costco for the first time as a 18-count pack, these festive treats feature creamy white chocolate ice cream coated in a thick layer of dark chocolate and finished with crunchy peppermint bark pieces.
The Costco exclusive has begun hitting shelves, but the official launch is on Oct. 14. The Peppermint Bark Mini Bars will be available at all Costco locations nationwide starting at $13.99.
Häagen-Dazs also has two other seasonal offers, not unique to Costco. The first will be sold at retailers everywhere, while the second is only being offered at Häagen-Dazs shops.
- Peppermint Bark: Celebrate the season with Häagen-Dazs delicious take on a beloved holiday classic. Available at national grocery retailers, this rich white chocolate ice cream is blended with crunchy, chocolaty peppermint bark and peppermint candy pieces.
- Häagen-Dazs Shops Treats: Häagen-Dazs Shops are getting into the holiday spirit with four festive peppermint bark creations: the Peppermint Bark Shake, Peppermint Bark Dazzler Sundae, Peppermint Bark Frozen Hot Chocolate, and Peppermint Bark Dipped Waffle Cone.
The seasonal treats will be available at Häagen-Dazs Shops from Nov. 14 through Jan. 14.
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LTOs drive interest and excitement at warehouse clubs
Chris Coyne, who serves as director of merchant analytics for Costco rival BJ’s Wholesale, explained the value and challenges of LTOs on his LinkedIn page.
“Category managers often wonder about how to think about rotational or LTO offerings within the assortment,” he wrote.
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“Yes, they often drive increased costs through operational complexities, end-of-life markdowns, and increased resource allocation, BUT the benefits to the business are excitement and incrementality for the members and potentially incremental margins for the retailer.”
Coyne also made it clear that creating exclusive LTOs drives customer engagement. “Rotations are fun and exciting for the members and, if managed well, can deliver sales that would not have been there otherwise at strong profits.”
LTOs all drive more store visits
“Ninety-one percent of consumers report they are more likely to visit a chain if they provide limited-time offers or new items,” Circana shared.
“Nostalgia is a powerful ingredient in the recipe for LTO success, targeting older consumers by resurrecting previously discontinued menu items,” said Circana Senior Vice President David Portalatin.
“While LTOs are designed to be temporary, their impact on the perception of a brand is lasting, contributing to maintaining a positive brand image even after the limited-time offer concludes.”
Related: Grocery Cart Price Check: How Publix, Walmart, and Aldi compare