Retail

17 clever ways brands are cashing in on the eclipse

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Eclipse 2017: Here's what to expect
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Eclipse 2017: Here's what to expect

While Americans await the first solar eclipse to hit the continental U.S. since 1979, brands are using the excitement around the phenomenon to their advantage.

While there were other solar eclipses — one in 1990 could be seen from four small islands in Alaska and another in 1991, a clouded experience for folks in Hawaii — this one on Monday, Aug. 21 is very special. The so-called path of totality, where the eclipse is full, will cut across the entire country from Oregon to South Carolina. Viewing will also be best in Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming.

The last time the sun put on this kind of show was the 1979 total eclipse, which could be seen in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and North Dakota.

As the event grows closer, the anticipation is building. It's no wonder that brands are getting in on the action. From car companies and apparel to restaurants and real estate, there have been many clever tie-ins to the event.

Chiquita

Have you ever looked at a banana and thought about an eclipse? You will now.

Working with viral online video maker Funny or Die, Chiquita drew inspiration from the shape of the yellow fruit for a playful eclipse-themed marketing campaign.

The company said that for a few moments before and after the eclipse, the sun turns into a giant banana.

"This phenomenon shall be known as the banana sun," the company said.

Volvo

Volvo has designed a custom eclipse viewer for the moonroof of its 2018 XC60 so that its car owners can watch the eclipse anywhere from the comfort of their car.

"The development of the XC60 Panoramic Moonroof Eclipse Viewer gives those in the eclipse's path a unique way to experience this historic event in both comfort and safety," Bob Jacobs, vice president of marketing, product and brand communications at Volvo USA, said in a statement.

Volvo

Dairy Queen

Starting Aug. 21, at participating Dairy Queen locations in the U.S., diners can buy one Blizzard and get a second one for 99 cents. The deal is in honor of the solar eclipse and lasts through Sept. 3.

"We love any excuse to celebrate with our fans," Maria Hokanson, executive vice president of marketing for American Dairy Queen Corporation, said in a statement.

Dairy Queen

Southern Pressed Juicery

Black Sun Lemonade from Southern Pressed Juciery in Greenville, South Carolina, is a fun play on the coming solar eclipse.

The drink, made with lemon, lime, maple syrup, cayenne, ginger and charcoal turns from yellow to black with a quick shake of the bottle.

Mitsubishi

When there is a frenzy around an eclipse, and your company happens to make a car with that name, you almost have to take advantage of the opportunity.

Mitsubishi is making good use of the rare event to promote its new 2018 Eclipse Cross.

The car company will be living-streaming the eclipse from Salem, Oregon, and capturing images of its aptly named car for future ad campaigns.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph Mitsubishi's Eclipse Cross during the total solar eclipse," Francine Harsini, senior director or marketing, said in a statement.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is on display during the 87th Geneva International Motor Show at Palexpo Exhibition Centre in Geneva, Switzerland on March 07, 2017.
Fatih Erel | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

Michigan Mansion

Have $6 million to spare?

A real estate firm in Michigan is using the solar eclipse to entice buyers to purchase a $5.9 million home. Dubbed the "Michigan Eclipse-Watching Mansion," this property features a rotating observatory and telescope — perfect for stargazing and, of course, watching solar eclipses.

TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

Casper

Several cities have been promoted as prime places to view the event. And one of them happens to be Casper, Wyoming.

Mattress company Casper is offering up the chance to watch the solar eclipse in a luxury tent with food, drinks and a comfortable mattress. Your ticket to "Camp Casper" will cost you $499.

Casper

7-Eleven

Still looking for viewing glasses for the solar eclipse on Monday? 7-Eleven has you covered.

The convenience store is one of several retailers that are selling American Astronomical Society approved glasses for the solar eclipse. The solar eclipse sunglasses will cost you $2.99. But you better hurry, many places are already sold out.

7-Eleven

McDonald's

If you live in Oregon, you may be able to pick up your solar sunglasses at your local McDonald's. Several of the Golden Arches' restaurants are offering customers a chance to grab a pair of glasses with their burger.

McDonald's is a certified vendor by both NASA and the American Astronomical Society.

A sign advertising solar eclipse glasses for the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse hangs in the window of a McDonald's restaurant in Madras, Oregon.
Gillian Flaccus | AP

DoorDash

The food delivery service is giving away free half-moon cookies between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. local time in cities in which it operates.

Open the app, click the button for the "The Eclipse Cookie Store," and you can add the free black and white cookie to your cart.

DoorDash

Krispy Kreme

For the first time ever, Krispy Kreme is selling chocolate glazed doughnuts. The darkly decadent treat will be available on Aug. 21.

Krispy Kreme

Denny's

On Monday, Aug. 21 Denny's is offering customers $4 All You Can Eat "Mooncakes." These moon-shaped pancakes look quite a bit like Denny's regular pancakes, the company said.

Source: Denny's

Fridgidaire

Fridgidaire is having a "blackout sale" starting Aug. 17 and running through Aug. 23 to celebrate the solar eclipse. Several products from its smudge-proof black stainless steel collection will be 30 percent off retail price.

Source: PR Newswire

Toppers Pizza

Toppers Pizza said it is "eclipsing" its prices and will be offering 50 percent off all pizzas ordered online on Monday at participating restaurants.

Source: Toppers Pizza

Nike

"On August 21st, take your look from day to night to day again in all black," Nike boasts on its website.

The athletic apparel shop has curated a collection of black shoes, sweatshirts, shorts and accessories that will match perfectly with the coming solar eclipse.

Source: Nike

Shoney's

Shoney's is offering up a free "Eclipse Survival Kit" with the purchase of any entree, sandwich of buffet order. These kits contain a pair of solar eclipse glasses and a complimentary Chocolate Double Decker MoonPie.

Don't feel like dining in? You can purchase the kit from the restaurant for $3.

Source: Shoney's

Amtrak

Amtrak's "Eclipse Train" tickets are already sold out, but the trip will be quite a sight for those that were able to snag tickets.

The passenger train service is taking riders from Chicago on a round-trip to see the eclipse in southern Illinois. Amtrak is providing these patrons with free viewing glasses.

A man walks to board an Amtrak train in Penn Station in New York City.
Getty Images