ONLY At…Glenn’s For A Limited Time. PUMPKIN SPICE OIL CHANGE.
That message bannering a corner fence at Glenn’s Service, a full service auto repair shop, gas station and towing service, 628 Central Avenue North, Faribault, certainly grabbed my attention. Not that I needed an oil change given my sort-of-retired automotive machinist husband services our vans. But, I wondered, what exactly is a PUMPKIN SPICE OIL CHANGE?
So I called Glenn’s, expecting to learn that oil change customers will be treated to a pumpkin spice latte. Not that I’ve ever had a latte. I haven’t. I brew my own plain black decaff coffee at home in my mini coffee pot. Nothing fancy for this girl, although I wouldn’t mind trying a fancy coffee drink.
The guy who answered the phone—the guy who isn’t Glenn, because Glenn passed away years ago—told me the whole PUMPKIN SPICE OIL CHANGE offer is a joke. Oh, so there’s no free pumpkin spice latte with an oil change? Nope. I didn’t ask for a detailed explanation because I know service stations are often busy places and I didn’t need to take anymore of this guy’s time. But he did volunteer that a customer had the sign made for the shop a few years back.
I can only imagine mechanics and customers joking about pumpkin spice this and pumpkin spice that. And then coming up with that PUMPKIN SPICE OIL CHANGE idea and someone ordering a banner and the guys hanging the sign, laughing the entire time.
It’s clever marketing, for sure. Humor works in marketing as does a message that elicits interest. That banner at Glenn’s has likely been the source of more than one entertaining story between oil changes, car repairs, tows…during this season of all things pumpkin spice.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Delightful, Audrey. The reporter in you had to find out the facts of a Pumpkin Spice Oil change. Fun post and so timely.
You’re exactly right…the reporter in me.
You’re right it certainly got my attention! Now I am craving a Pumpkin Spice Oil Change, er, um, I mean latté ! 😉🎃😅
I expect plenty of others are craving the same oil change.
Very interesting marketing…
I thought so. Made me stop and wonder.
That funny sign definitely caught my attention, so glad your reporter instincts pursued the facts for us.
Yup, I just had to follow up.
that is quite funny and goes with the trend of pumpkin spice everything during this season. what a great sign and sense of humor
Definitely a great sense of humor.
Cute! I think they need to offer something with that oil change even if it is only a pumpkin spice latte sticker or something. I would totally give them my business.
The sticker is a good idea.
Maybe pumpkin spice donuts would be easier……
I like that idea!