Introduction
The use of Santa Claus in advertising has become a ubiquitous part of the holiday season. But which company was the first to feature Santa Claus in their advertisements? In this article, we will delve into the origins of Santa Claus in advertising and explore the company that can be credited with this iconic marketing move.
The Origins of Santa Claus
Before we can determine which company first used Santa Claus in advertising, it is important to understand the origins of this beloved figure. Santa Claus, as we know him today, is based on the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas, who was brought to America by Dutch settlers in the 17th century. Over time, Sinterklaas evolved into the Santa Claus we know and love, with his iconic red suit, white beard, and jolly demeanor.
The Evolution of Santa Claus in Advertising
The use of Santa Claus in advertising began in the late 19th century when companies started recognizing the marketing potential of this beloved figure. However, it was the Coca-Cola Company that truly popularized Santa Claus in advertising.
Coca-Cola and Santa Claus: In the 1930s, Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to create a series of illustrations featuring Santa Claus for their holiday advertising campaigns. Sundblom’s depictions of Santa Claus, with his rosy cheeks, twinkling eyes, and a bottle of Coca-Cola in hand, became instantly recognizable and helped solidify the modern image of Santa Claus. These advertisements, which ran in magazines, billboards, and store displays, were hugely successful and played a significant role in shaping the public’s perception of Santa Claus.
While Coca-Cola’s use of Santa Claus in advertising was groundbreaking, they were not the first company to feature him in their marketing campaigns. In fact, there were earlier instances of Santa Claus being used in advertising.
The First Company to Use Santa Claus in Advertising
The honor of being the first company to use Santa Claus in advertising goes to the White Rock Beverages Company. In 1915, White Rock Beverages featured Santa Claus in their holiday advertising campaign. The advertisements depicted Santa Claus enjoying a bottle of White Rock ginger ale, positioning the beverage as a festive and refreshing choice for the holiday season.
White Rock Beverages’ use of Santa Claus in their advertising was innovative for its time and set the stage for future companies to incorporate this beloved figure into their marketing strategies.
Conclusion
While Coca-Cola is often credited with popularizing the use of Santa Claus in advertising, it was actually the White Rock Beverages Company that can be considered the first to feature Santa Claus in their marketing campaigns. Their 1915 advertisements featuring Santa Claus enjoying a bottle of White Rock ginger ale paved the way for the iconic role Santa Claus now plays in holiday advertising.
References
– White Rock Beverages: www.whiterockbeverages.com
– Coca-Cola: www.coca-cola.com
