This year, PNC Bank decided to celebrate the holidays by doing something that had never before been done by creating a working gingerbread bank branch. In Philadelphia over the weekend of December 4th, PNC debuted the world's first life-sized bank made from real gingerbread. The over-the-top project was constructed beside one of Philadelphia's main seasonal skating rinks at Penn's Landing.
The innovative holiday pop-up also features a gingerbread-coated ATM and candy cane banisters. The entire gingerbread bank project involved 12 bakers and pastry chefs and over 5,000-lbs of real gingerbread. The event was part of PNC Bank's annual 'Christmas Price Index,' which showcases the average cost of gifts each year to the tune of 'Twelve Days of Christmas.'
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Gingerbread-themed Pop-ups
- Opportunities for creating other unique and immersive gingerbread-themed pop-ups, such as restaurants or hotels, that can attract customers during the holiday season.
- Edible Architecture
- Potential for innovative culinary experiences featuring edible architecture, where chefs and food artists create structures made from edible materials.
- Experience-based Marketing
- A chance for brands to create memorable and interactive experiences through immersive pop-up events, generating positive brand associations and engaging customers.
Sectors Adopting This
- Banking
- Disruptive innovation opportunity for banks to create unique and attention-grabbing pop-up branches, showcasing their creativity and customer-centric approach.
- Hospitality
- Opportunities for hotels and restaurants to incorporate gingerbread-themed decorations or even entire gingerbread structures as part of their holiday offerings, providing a unique dining or lodging experience.
- Culinary Arts
- Possibility for chefs and food artists to explore the field of edible architecture, pushing the boundaries of creativity and gastronomy by creating edible structures and installations.
