Thanksgiving 2025

Thanksgiving 2025

Market Research Report and Strategic Marketing Recommendations
Prepared by: One Media Connect

Executive Summary

Thanksgiving 2025 presents a strong opportunity for businesses to build customer loyalty through authentic gratitude messaging, value-driven bundles, and community-centered experiences. Stable inflation rates and improved consumer sentiment are contributing to increased discretionary spending during the 2025 holiday season.

Key trends include the rise of gratitude-based marketing, bundled food and beverage promotions, and Friendsgiving and pre-Black Friday events that create earlier engagement and higher customer participation. Businesses that align their promotions with emotional storytelling and convenience-focused offerings will achieve the highest engagement and return on investment (ROI).

1. Gratitude Messaging Fosters Emotional Brand Connection

• Consumers increasingly respond to marketing campaigns that emphasize appreciation and shared experiences.
• Gratitude-focused messaging helps brands build emotional loyalty and reinforce long-term customer relationships.
• Campaigns that feature authentic “thank you” messages from company leaders or employees drive higher engagement on social media.
• Video and visual storytelling showcase customer appreciation events or charitable partnerships create a deeper connection with audiences.
• Brands that participate in community giving programs such as food drives or volunteer events see improved perception and positive word-of-mouth exposure.

Key Insight: According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 64% of consumers say they are more likely to support brands that demonstrate community involvement and appreciation for their customers.

2. Bundled Food and Drink Deals Drive Higher Spend

• Thanksgiving remains one of the highest food and bevera ge spending periods of the year.
• Bundled meal promotions, “holiday pairing” menus, and seasonal beverage offerings encourage higher average order values.
• Restaurants and grocers that provide mix-and-match dinner packages or ready-to-serve options appeal to busy families and Friendsgiving hosts.
• Limited-edition drinks such as spiced cider, pumpkin lattes, and specialty cocktails drive traffic in cafés and restaurants during November.
• Loyalty program tie-ins offering bonus points or discounts for bundled purchases increase repeat customer visits throughout the holiday season.

Key Insight: Data from NielsenIQ (2025) shows that meal and drink bundles generate up to 28% higher spending per customer compared to individual item promotions.

3. Friendsgiving and Pre-Black Friday Events Gain Traction

• Friendsgiving celebrations, often held the week before Thanksgiving, are gaining popularity among Millennials and Gen Z consumers.
• These gatherings create opportunities for restaurants, bars, and retailers to host themed events with special menus and entertainment.
• Retailers benefit from “Pre-Black Friday” experiences such as private shopping nights, gratitude parties, and early-access deals.
• Small businesses can collaborate with local venues to host “Thankful Thursdays” or “Shop Local Fridays” that promote both community and commerce.
• Brands leveraging social media hashtags like #Friendsgiving2025, #ThankfulTogether, and #ShopLocalHoliday can expand reach and attract younger demographics.

Key Insight: A survey by Eventbrite (2024) found that Friendsgiving-related events have grown by over 32% year-over-year, highlighting an increasing demand for social, experience-based celebrations.

Recommendations for Strategic Marketing

Promotional Strategies

• Create gratitude campaigns that highlight customer appreciation, team culture, and local partnerships.
• Offer bundled meal or drink packages to capture higher average ticket values.
• Launch early-access sales or VIP events in the week leading up to Black Friday.

Digital and Social Media Engagement

• Share short “thank you” videos or community appreciation posts.
• Use hashtags such as #ThankfulTogether, #OMCGratitude, or #HolidayWithHeart to foster social engagement.
• Encourage customers to share personal gratitude stories or photos featuring your products.

Community and In-Store Experiences

• Host “Customer Appreciation Week” leading up to Thanksgiving with giveaways and discounts.
• Collaborate with local nonprofits on food donation drives or volunteer events.
• Offer in-store tastings, live music, or cooking demonstrations to create memorable experiences.

Financial Considerations and ROI

• Gratitude-based campaigns show an average of 20% higher engagement than standard promotional messaging.
• Bundled food and drink promotions can increase average transaction values by 25–30%, especially when paired with loyalty rewards.
• Pre-Black Friday or Friendsgiving events can drive 15–20% additional foot traffic in the two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

Implementation Timeline

October 2025

• Develop creative content for gratitude campaigns.
• Finalize event and partnership planning.

November 1–20, 2025

• Launch Friendsgiving and early-access promotions.
• Begin gratitude social media campaigns.

November 21–30, 2025

• Execute Thanksgiving and pre-Black Friday sales.
• Host customer appreciation events and community initiatives.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving 2025 offers businesses the opportunity to combine emotional storytelling with practical value. Brands that express genuine gratitude, offer bundled savings, and create shared experiences will build lasting connections with their audiences. By integrating appreciation, convenience, and community, businesses can strengthen loyalty and position themselves for a successful holiday season.

Gratitude builds trust. Experience builds loyalty. Together, they create lasting impact.

Citations and References

• National Retail Federation (NRF) Holiday Consumer Spending Outlook 2025 – https://nrf.com/research/holiday-and-seasonal-trends
• NielsenIQ 2025 Seasonal Food and Beverage Report – https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights
• Eventbrite Holiday Experience Report 2024 – https://www.eventbrite.com/l/holiday-trends
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Trends 2025 – https://www.uschamber.com/small-business
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index 2025 – https://www.bls.gov/cpi