Mason, Inc. Creates a Solution to the Starbucks Red Cup Controversy

BETHANY, Conn. (Dec. 21, 2015) – Earlier this fall, Starbucks ® consumers were distraught after the company decided to replace their annual holiday cup with a simpler red cup design. As part of its annual holiday card, Mason, Inc., in Bethany, Connecticut, introduced the “Interactive Cup Designer” which allows users to craft festive coffee cups that can be shared with family, friends and co-workers. This program is testament to the ingenuity and talent possessed by all members of the Mason team, as they are constantly striving to create a fun way to break the monotony of the standard “Happy Holidays” greeting.

“Our team focused on giving the user an easy way to create and share their cup designs by creating millions of possible cup combinations in an easy to use interface,” said Neil Johnson, digital creative director, Mason, Inc. “Overall, it’s a fun way share your personality and festive spirit with something that has become so ubiquitous.”

To participate, please visit cup.mason23.com and utilize the variety of backgrounds and art elements to create your perfect cup. The various choices inspire creativity and establish an opportunity for you to share your personality. Once completed, the images are then added to a public gallery and can be shared via social media.

“One of the things we look for when creating the annual Mason holiday greeting card is certainly creativity, but something that’s also fun and interesting the people are going to engage with,” said Derek Beere, director of brand engagement, Mason, Inc. “When Starbucks® introduced its annual holiday cup, it received a lot of criticism because there was nothing festive or holiday about it – it was just a red cup that suddenly became big news. We looked at this topical event as the perfect opportunity to tie our holiday car into and we know people are going will have fun creating their own designs.”

In addition to the cups, Mason will also be making a charitable donation to the Connecticut Food Bank. This contribution is made in the name of the clients, partners and friends of the company.

For more information please contact Derek Beere at dbeere@mason23.com.

About Mason, Inc.
Bethany, Conn.-Mason, Inc. is a brand development and integrated marketing communication firm with award-winning expertise in digital and offline programs. Clients rely on Mason insight for uncovering and communicating what is at the heart of their brands. From developing authentic brand platforms to message development through implementation at every point of contact, Mason connects people to brands and brands to people.

Mason clients include Acadia Insurance Co., Connex Credit Union, The Connecticut Open, Hospital for Special Care, Lyman Orchards, Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corp., Precision X-Ray, Inc., The United Illuminating Co., and Yale-New Haven health. For more information, please visit http://www.mason23.com or tap our insights at www.mason23.com/blog

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