A new promotional campaign from Stewart’s Shops will provide customers with a monthly challenge with the opportunity to win a year’s supply of free coffee or ice cream. The convenience-store chain is holding the “Make Your Own” prize contest online, with a different challenge each month. For January, the competition is to create a Stewart’s meme.
“We’ve seen some pretty great memes about our shops over the years, but we’re looking for brand-new, original work made by you,” the company posted on its website with contest details. “So, get your thinking caps on and get designing!”
Kate Nelson, public relations specialist at Ballston Spa, New York-based Stewart’s Shops, said customers have enjoyed the c-store chain’s contests in the past. “So, we figured why not do them all year long?” she said. “Coffee and ice cream are our two most popular products, and what better prize than winning a free year’s worth? Stewart’s Shops is known for Make Your Own Sundaes and Make Your Own Coffee, and now customers can make their own prize if they win.”
Nelson said Stewart’s Shops knew when developing this contest that they wanted it monthly for the year.
“At Stewart’s Shops, we are a sharing company, and we wanted a way for our customers to share with us,” she said. “We brainstormed fun, unique contest ideas where our customers could utilize their creativity and their love for Stewart’s Shops.”
- Stewart's Shops is No. 23 on CSP’s 2022 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by number of company-owned retail outlets.
The contest will end the year with a final winner getting not only the ice cream or coffee supply but also the chance to take a private tour of the Stewart’s dairy plant with Gary Dake, company president.
The retailer will post each month’s contest on the Stewart’s Shops website or social media the first Friday of each month, with the goal of driving customers to Stewart’s Shops recently launched online shop, Nelson said.
“It was only natural we went big on social media this year,” she said. “We see this as an opportunity to grow our overall social media following and directly interact with our customers and fans. … We have a lot of informative and fun engagement happening on our social media channels every day of the year and not just when we run a contest.”
Prizes will be presented in the form of Stewart's Shops gift certificates. Winners who select the ice cream will get 52 half-gallon ice cream certificates. Those who choose coffee will get 180 12-oz. coffee certificates and a $280 Stewart’s My Money Card.
Founded in 1945, Ballston Spa, New York-based Stewart’s Shops is an employee- and family-owned c-store chain known for its milk, ice cream, coffee, Easy Food meals and other convenience items. There are 354 Stewart’s Shops in upstate New York and southern Vermont.