Should Companies Make Seasonal Products?

January 23, 2024

Yes, Companies Should Make Seasonal Products.

By Tate Lam (IV)

Contributing Writer

As the leaves change and the snow falls, so does the chance for businesses to captivate people with the allure of holiday-themed or “limited edition” items. Seasonal products are goods that are associated with a distinct time of the year and would not commonly be marketed during the rest of the year. With the ability to increase consumer engagement, company cash flow and relevance, companies should look forward to the holidays and the production of these seasonal products.

Some companies rely heavily on the holiday season or specific events during the year to earn their profits. When creating seasonal products, companies can use their consumers’ preferences to strategically capitalize on seasonal relevance, ultimately giving them a boost in profit.

Many companies take the opportunity to get extra cash flow from their consumers’ seasonal preferences, selling products that align with themes, festivities and weather conditions. When a company is able to plan and carry out the production of a product for a long time and successfully market that product when the time is right, it can bring in many more sales.

Not only do seasonal products help companies be more organized, they can also help struggling companies regain their revenue. During the summer when there are not many holidays and events, companies could struggle to earn money. A way to gain income back is by spending the summer planning a product and then successfully releasing it during the holiday season.

Boston Latin School economics teacher Mr. Dominic Rinaldi states, “You can make a year’s worth of income or revenue in a very short period of time, which allows you the whole year planning and gathering resources.”

Strategically incorporating seasonal products not only enhances a brand’s identity by aligning it with consumer preferences, but also increases the brand’s popularity by creating an immersive image that resonates with audiences throughout the year. If a company is able to produce a very innovative and creative seasonal product, recognition for their other creative ideas grows. As a result, consumers will be more likely to return every year looking for another piece of merchandise.

Mr. Rinaldi further explains that when a company is the first “that comes to mind […] when you think of New Year’s or Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day, it is advertising in and of itself; it becomes a staple, which can be ultimately good for a business.” In this way, the ability to consistently produce creative seasonal offerings fosters a brand’s recognition. This uniqueness, coupled with customer loyalty generated through repeated engagement, is a critical factor in a company’s enduring success.

No, Companies Should Not Make Seasonal Products.

By Kylie Phan (IV)

Contributing Writer

In a world driven by materialism, the allure of seasonal products is irresistible to many. Beneath the surface, however, lies a web of drawbacks to these specialized products that require attention. As shoppers indulge in their favorite pumpkin-spice lattes and peppermint mochas, it is crucial for them to understand the long-term economic and ethical consequences of over-consumption.

Seasonal products feed into the cycle of consumerism, which encourages shoppers to buy more than they need. The explosive and enticing advertising surrounding seasonal products creates a sense of urgency, compelling individuals to make impulsive purchases that they may not be able to afford. BLS AP Economics teacher Mr. Patrick Boor states, “Consumers are going to prefer to purchase a product in a season,” and emphasizes that “they’ll demand more [seasonal products] during that season.” This desire for goods that fit into a seasonal aesthetic not only strains personal finances, but also perpetuates a culture that glorifies materialism. The temporary rush and excitement of opening up a new package takes precedence over rationalism in regarding what is and is not necessary.

Not only do seasonal products take a large toll on people’s bank accounts, but they also impact the laborers who produce them. With increasing purchases, companies need more workers to keep up with demand. For this reason, temporary employment and exploitative work practices haunt the holiday season. Employees suffer through precarious work conditions, with minimal benefits and no job security. In addition, they endure pressure to meet tight production schedules that can lead to exploitation of labor to cater to the frivolous desires of consumers.

Companies themselves also face increasing production costs and numerous risks when they choose to make these products. The unpredictable nature of consumer trends can lead to massive financial losses from excess inventory. Since the period to market these products is so short, companies cannot make any errors when choosing which flavors to add to their menu or which coat fabrics to use on specialized jackets. Mr. Boor comments, “I think companies can do really well, but it’s going to take understanding the market and people’s tastes and preferences.” The process of understanding the market can take decades, and therefore engaging in the making of seasonal products can be dangerous and inaccessible for newer businesses.

It is crucial for consumers to recognize the broader implications of their choices. Beyond the momentary joy that seasonal products bring, people must consider their personal finances, the well-being of laborers and the sustainability of production practices when making decisions during the holiday season. Companies should aim to create more timeless, durable items for all seasons, encouraging a more sustainable and economically safe approach to both consumption and production.

Comments (1)

Share your thoughts...

All The Argo Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

P

Patricia Hudson • Apr 1, 2024 at 7:04 pm

Mallowmars the chocolate coated marshmallow cookie is seasonal because they tend to be a meaty mess when it’s summer season. They are only presented for sake in the winter!


https://blsargo.org/5123/forum/should-companies-make-seasonal-products/#comment-40