Firing Up Brand Sales in the Thick of a Pandemic

COVID-19 is still looming over us every single day. Not only do we have a threat to our health and economy, but in 2020, we also learned the fragility of our nation’s food supply chain.

As a result of COVID, CPG supply and distribution issues have created a drop in retail consumer sales promotions worldwide, and the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) resale channel is no exception. However, with careful and strategic planning led by Branch 5 Marketing, our clients’ brands were awarded one of the few promotions currently allowed in DeCA, with special display approval granted for the upcoming Labor Day holiday.

Displays began popping up mid-August in anticipation of holiday sales, and will run past the holiday to offer patrons substantial savings on top grilling staples – Clorox’s® Kingsford® Charcoal and Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks!

Pictured above: Shelf talker creative design by Branch 5 Marketing, featuring Coney Island’s famous mouth-watering hot dog, and the #1 selling charcoal brand on the market.

Designing and forging the partnership for both brands, Branch 5 was able to facilitate communication between both companies and develop a program that reduced each partner’s investment by 50% versus a solo brand promotion. During these turbulent economic times, manufacturers and agencies alike are being challenged to do more with less and deliver exceptional ROI. Co-ops are the magic sauce so all parties can keep pushing forward.

Pictured above: A joint Kingsford and Nathan’s cross-promotional display at March ARB.

With the consumer strain on spending due to unemployment skyrocketing (think military spouse job loss), military families are leaning on the Commissary and its products to deliver a savings greater than traditional or online retailers can offer.

While many brands are pulling back on promotions and advertising, we used the opportunity to encourage tie-ins to grow market share while offering Commissary shoppers additional savings they very much need and deserve.

Pictured above: Sizable coupon savings for Commissary patrons!

The ‘Fire Up the Flavor’ promotion features high-value coupon tear pads ($2.00/2), and point of sale including case cards and shelf talkers. The program will also be enhanced by a broker display contest, awarding high-value prizes for the top 10 displays.

Pictured above: Another eye-catching cross-promotional display at Patrick AFB.

Branch 5 produced all creative in-house, led project direction, estimates and print management, developed sales field instructions, program summaries, managed timing and logistics, and will also execute the wrap-up with fulfillment of the display contest winners and post-event analysis.

Pictured above: An excellent display at Travis AFB.

If you are a manufacturer interested in brand partnerships within military resale, please reach out to Branch 5 Marketing to find out if we have a natural brand partnership opportunity for you! Email Stephanie Medlin directly at stephanie[at]branch5marketing.com or call (480) 420-9129.