Smart News from a Smartass by Bill Davis

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The rise and fall of Subway's $5 footlong promo

Oh boy, hold onto your hat! This Morning Sixpack is worth every penny you pay for it!


Our feature story (the one on top) tells the tale of a spectacular marketing promo gone wrong.


Really wrong. Get the full Morning Sixpack here.


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What goes up must come down? Subway's $5 Footlong

The Rise and Fall of Subway (and the $5 footlong)


This is a fascinating story well worth your time. Read it.


In short, it tells the story of Subway's famous (now infamous) “$5 footlong” promotion, which, when introduced by the corporation during the financial crisis, was a smashing success, sometimes doubling (or more) a store's revenue. The promo catapulted Subway into the #1 spot among fast food eateries.


But in years since, with rising labor costs and a jacked up franchise fee, the promotion became a true loss leader, causing many franchisees to fold or stop honoring the promotion.


The $5 footlong was created by a Subway franchisee back in the 1980s. He refuses to participate in the promo now.


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Get the full Morning Sixpack here. And don't forget to tip your waiter!


Bill

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