Starting on February 15th, fan-favorite milkshake and also an Oreo Shamrock McFlurry will be on sale in US restaurants for a limited time. These temporary offers, which include not only vacation items, but also specials like McRib and celebrity meals, help McDonald’s create buzz and increase sales.
McDonald’s started selling the Shamrock Shake in 1970. Over the years, the hamburger chain brought back the original, as well as variations like the “Shamrock Sundae” in 1980, a chocolate version in 2017 and the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry in 2020. Shamrock Shake started to be sold nationwide in 2012.
Fast food chains are constantly competing for money and customer attention, and special offers are a way of trying to cut the noise.
McDonalds (MCD)has revealed many items in this category in the past few months, including spicy chicken nuggets and celebrity meals with singers J. Balvin and Travis Scott. The offers create “enthusiasm in the menu that keeps customers engaged,” said CEO Chris Kempczinski at McDonald’s most recent earnings conference call. Sales in American restaurants open at least a year increased 5.5% in the fourth quarter compared to the previous year.
Shamrock Shake is part of a big month for McDonald’s, which is due to launch three new chicken sandwiches on February 24.