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McDonald’s embraces nostalgia with new ‘Collector’s Meal’McDonald’s embraces nostalgia with new ‘Collector’s Meal’

The chain is offering six limited-time collectible cups with the meal, all inspired by past designs

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

August 7, 2024

2 Min Read
Collectible Cups Group Shot
McDonald's lineup of Collectible Meal cupsPhoto courtesy of McDonald's

 

McDonald’s is introducing a limited-time Collector’s Meal, which includes one of six collectible cups inspired by past designs. The meal is available starting Aug. 13 and comes with the option of either a sausage McMuffin with egg sandwich, hash brown and hot coffee during breakfast hours, or the choice of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or Big Mac with fries and a soft drink throughout the rest of the day.

“There’s an undeniable thrill when you snag that one elusive McDonald’s collectible or the final piece to complete your collection. We’re bringing back some of our most-loved keepsakes with a twist, giving fans a memory that they can hold in their hands,” global chief marketing officer and head of new business ventures Morgan Flatley said in a statement. “These new collectible cups commemorate some of our most unforgettable designs and global collaborations over the years, allowing longtime fans to relive treasured moments and helping a new generation make their own lasting memories.”  

The six-cup lineup includes:  

  • Barbie and Hot Wheels, putting a new spin on these two Mattel toys

  • Beanie Babies, paying homage to this fad from the 1990s, with characters including Golden Arches Bear from 2024

  • Coca-Cola, celebrating the longtime partnership between the two iconic brands

Related:McDonald’s has experienced a traffic bump from its $5 Meal Deal

  • Hello Kitty & Peanuts

  • Shrek, Jurassic Park & Minions 

  • McDonald’s, including The Grimace glass, Boo Buckets, Cowpoke McNugget Buddy, and Funny Fry Friends

Nostalgic marketing campaigns have become a popular strategy for brands throughout the past several years, driven by younger consumers. According to research from GWI, Gen Z consumers are the most nostalgic, with 15% noting they would prefer to think about the past than the future. Fourteen percent of millennials feel the same.

For this campaign, McDonald’s is promoting the launch with an augmented reality experience, which is accessible by scanning cups on Snapchat or visiting the company’s Snapchat profile. Additionally, the company is hosting a Collector’s Cup Poolside Paradise at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will include limited-edition drinks inspired by the cups and a D.J. Admission is free with a Collector’s Meal cup serving as a ticket. Also on Aug. 17, customers in New York can earn a free ride on Coney Island’s Phoenix Roller Coaster in Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park by showing their Collectible Meal cup.

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]

About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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