Little Words Project announces first-ever appearance at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event. Little Words Project has announced it will be making its first-ever appearance at D23, this August in Anaheim, California, where guests can shop the brand's collection. Latest videos. Video Muted In an announcement on Instagram, the brand stated it will be "For the very first time ever" heading to D23, where guests will be able to shop for favorite Disney-inspired original word bracelets, bead kits, bag charms, and other accessories. Little Words Project will be exhibiting at D23 in Hall C and will give attendees the opportunity to purchase merchandise celebrating favorite Disney characters, stories, and memories. The post teased that it has "a little magic waiting" for Disney fans and more information will be shared soon. Exclusive merchandise and new shopping experiences at D23 2026. D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is taking place August 14-16, 2026, in Anaheim, California. D23 has announced its full programming lineup for D23 2026. As always, there will be showcases dedicated to Disney Entertainment and Disney Experiences, as well as the Disney Legends ceremony, a live podcast with the Jonas Brothers, Percy Jackson and the Olympians panel, Alan Menken concert, and much more. Neil Patrick Harris will host the Disney Parks panel. Disney has also shared a first look at the stores, limited-edition collectibles, interactive activities, immersive experiences, and keepsakes awaiting fans at this year's D23. All-new stores at D23 will include a D23 Marketplace Pin Store, Disney .YNSD by Mickey's of Glendale, and The Disney Experiences Auction - Rare and Remarkable Finds from Disney Parks. "Shopping is a fan-favorite part of the event, and this year our teams across Disney have come together to make it truly one of a kind," said Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. "We can't wait for fans to discover exclusive merchandise they won't find anywhere else and take a piece of the magic home to enjoy long after the event ends."

Auntie Anne's turns National Auntie Day into a bogo-and-bracelet loyalty play. Jul 19, 2026 There's a lesson buried in every "made-up" holiday a brand chooses to celebrate: the smartest QSR marketing today isn't about the discount, it's about the reason to connect. Auntie Anne's just proved the point again. On July 26, 2026, the pretzel giant is marking National Auntie Day with a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) pretzel offer and a limited-edition collaboration with kindness-driven jewelry brand Little Words Project(R). It's a heartfelt play - but for foodservice operators watching how the category wins repeat traffic, it's also a tidy case study in loyalty-driven, emotionally resonant promotion. Double the twists: the National Auntie Day BOGO. The mechanics are simple and app-anchored. On July 26, Auntie Anne's Rewards members get a fan-favorite Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel on the house with any pretzel purchase. It's built to reward the people who show up - biological aunts, chosen aunties, mentors and lifelong cheerleaders alike. Note the deliberate gate: the freebie lives inside the Auntie Anne's Rewards app. That's not a throwaway detail - it's the whole strategy. The holiday becomes a reason to download, sign up, and stay opted in for offers all year. Snag a gift for your Auntie: the Little Words Project bracelet. The collaboration is where the emotional connection gets tangible. Auntie Anne's and Little Words Project co-created a limited-edition bracelet featuring a custom pattern inspired by Auntie Anne's iconic colors, crystal glass and acrylic beads, finished with a genuine, gold-plated enamel cast bead. * In-store freebie: Guests can get a complimentary co-branded bracelet with purchase on July 26 at select locations while supplies last - including Roosevelt Field Mall (Long Island, NY), King of Prussia (Philadelphia, PA), Mall of America (Minneapolis, MN), Woodfield Mall (Chicago, IL), Perimeter Mall (Atlanta, GA), Century City (Los Angeles, CA), International Plaza (Tampa, FL) and Concord Mills (Charlotte, NC). * Online exclusive: For fans outside those markets, a limited quantity is available for purchase online starting July 20 at auntieannesswag.com - $12 for all guests or $10 for loyalty members with code AUNTIEDAY, while supplies last. "National Auntie Day is a natural extension of who we are as a brand," said Nathan Baldwin, Chief Brand Officer at Auntie Anne's. "Aunties play such an important role in bringing people together and making life a little brighter, just like our pretzels. This celebration is about recognizing those relationships and giving people a reason to connect, celebrate and share something they love." "We are thrilled to partner with Auntie Anne's to celebrate the incredible bond of 'Aunties' everywhere," said Adriana Carrig, Chief Brand Officer and Founder of Little Words Project. "At Little Words Project, our 'Auntie' bracelet has consistently been one of our most loved, fast-selling styles because our community deeply values the unique and supportive role that all aunts play in their lives. Pairing our signature bracelet together with the nostalgia and comfort of America's favorite pretzel brand felt like the perfect way to give our audiences a meaningful way to wear their love on their sleeve." Why it matters. For QSR operators, foodservice marketers and brand teams, this promotion is worth studying for what it does beyond a single-day sales bump: * Loyalty as the conversion mechanism. Locking the BOGO inside the rewards app turns holiday buzz into first-party data and long-term opt-ins - an asset far more valuable than one day of traffic in a cookie-constrained marketing world. * Niche holidays are low-cost occasion marketing. A single-day, product-anchored event gives a brand a reason to reach out without heavy media spend, and it's easily repeatable year over year. * Co-branding extends reach to a new audience. Partnering with a values-aligned lifestyle brand like Little Words Project lets Auntie Anne's borrow a passionate community - and the merchandise creates a wearable, shareable asset that keeps the brand visible long after July 26. * Emotional relevance drives shareability. The "auntie" framing is broad enough to include chosen family and mentors, widening the celebration's appeal and its social-sharing potential. The practical takeaway: pick a holiday your product can authentically own, gate the reward behind loyalty sign-up, and pair it with a partner whose community amplifies yours. That's a template any operator - from mall QSR to independent café - can adapt. Auntie Anne's was founded in 1988 and, as of March 29, 2026, operates more than 2,100 locations across 49 states and 28 countries and territories, with orders available for delivery, pickup and catering through its rewards app. The bottom line. Whether you're treating your aunt, your go-to mentor, or someone who simply feels like family, the message is the same one operators keep relearning: the best moments - and the best marketing - are meant to be shared. Fans are encouraged to download the Auntie Anne's app and join the free rewards program ahead of July 26 to unlock the BOGO offer. For more brand-partnership playbooks, see how other operators are building loyalty in our coverage of smart beverage partnerships and culture-driven brand collaborations. How is your brand turning niche holidays into loyalty and connection? Weigh in and share your best occasion-marketing wins in the comments.

Auntie Anne's(R) celebrates National Auntie Day with a BOGO Pretzel Offer and exclusive Little Words Project(R) collaboration. Jul 16, 2026, 09:05 ET America's #1 Auntie Brings Back its BOGO Pretzel Offer Plus a Limited-Edition Charm Bracelet to Honor the Auntie Bond ATLANTA, July 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Auntie Anne's(R) is putting a heartfelt twist on one of its favorite holidays of the year, National Auntie Day on July 26, to champion those who play a uniquely special role in our lives. From biological aunts to chosen aunties, mentors and lifelong cheerleaders, the brand is rolling out a nationwide celebration of all aunt figures with Buy One, Get One (BOGO) pretzels* and a limited-edition collaboration with the inspirational jewelry brand, Little Words Project(R). Auntie Anne's has always been about more than just great-tasting pretzels - it's about creating shareable moments of connection. The brand is inviting everyone to celebrate the "aunties" in their lives - the ones who show up when you need them, listen without judgement and lift you up through life's twists. Double the Twists, Double the Love: National Auntie Day BOGO On July 26, Auntie Anne's Rewards members can enjoy a fan-favorite Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel On Us* with any pretzel purchase. Whether you're treating your aunt, go-to mentor, or simply sharing a moment with someone who feels like family, the BOGO offer is a reminder that the best moments are meant to be shared. Snag a Gift for Your Auntie: Little Words Project Collaboration Auntie Anne's is taking the celebration one step further with a meaningful collaboration with Little Words Project, the kindness-driven jewelry brand known for its signature word bracelets designed to inspire connection. Together, the brands have teamed up to create a limited-edition Auntie Anne's x Little Words Project bracelet, featuring a custom pattern inspired by Auntie Anne's iconic colors, crystal glass and acrylic beads and finished with a genuine, gold-plated enamel cast bead. * In-Store Freebie: Fans can snag a complimentary co-branded bracelet with purchase** at select Auntie Anne's store locations on July 26 while supplies last. Participating locations include: * Long Island, NY: Roosevelt Field Mall (next to Build-A-Bear) * Philadelphia, PA: King of Prussia (Upper Level) * Minneapolis, MN: Mall of America (Level 2) * Chicago, IL: Woodfield Mall (Upper Level) * Atlanta, GA: Perimeter Mall * Los Angeles, CA: Century City * Tampa, FL: International Plaza * Charlotte, NC: Concord Mills (Food Court) * Online Exclusives: For those outside these markets, a limited quantity of bracelets will also be available for purchase online, for $12 for all guests or $10 for loyalty members with code AUNTIEDAY, starting July 20 at https://auntieannesswag.com/ while supplies last. "National Auntie Day is a natural extension of who we are as a brand," said Nathan Baldwin, Chief Brand Officer at Auntie Anne's. "Aunties play such an important role in bringing people together and making life a little brighter, just like our pretzels. This celebration is about recognizing those relationships and giving people a reason to connect, celebrate and share something they love." "We are thrilled to partner with Auntie Anne's to celebrate the incredible bond of 'Aunties' everywhere," said Adriana Carrig, Chief Brand Officer and Founder of Little Words Project. "At Little Words Project, our 'Auntie' bracelet has consistently been one of our most loved, fast-selling styles because our community deeply values the unique and supportive role that all aunts play in their lives. Pairing our signature bracelet together with the nostalgia and comfort of America's favorite pretzel brand felt like the perfect way to give our audiences a meaningful way to wear their love on their sleeve." Pretzel lovers are encouraged to download the Auntie Anne's app and sign up for the free rewards program ahead of July 26 to unlock the BOGO offer* and ensure they don't miss out on this limited-time celebration, plus other offers throughout the year. *On 7/26/26 Auntie Anne's Rewards Members receive One (1) Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel on us with the purchase of any Pretzel Item (Classic Pretzels, Pretzel Nuggets, Mini Pretzel Dogs, and Original Pretzel Dogs) at participating locations. Single Use. Discount applies to item of least value. Excludes taxes & fees. Must redeem in the Auntie Anne's Rewards App. Not valid with any other offer or reward, or third-party delivery. Service fee applies to online and in app orders, other fees and taxes may apply for all orders; see check out for details. Void where prohibited. **On 7/26/26, Auntie Anne's in-store guests receive One (1) Little Words Project x Auntie Anne's bracelet on us with purchase of any item at participating locations while supplies last. One per person. Visit AuntieAnnes.com/newsroom for participating locations. Void where prohibited. About Auntie Anne's(R) Auntie Anne's(R) was founded in 1988 and is known for mixing, twisting, and baking pretzels to golden brown perfection in full view of guests. The stores can be found in malls, outlet centers, universities, airports, select Walmart- locations, travel plazas, military bases, and food trucks. As of March 29, 2026, there are more than 2,100 locations in 49 states and 28 countries and territories. Fans can now order their favorite pretzel snacks for delivery, pickup and catering through the Auntie Anne's Rewards app. Join Auntie Anne's rewards for special offers. For more information, visit auntieannes.com, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X. About Little Words Project(R) Little Words Project(R) is a kindness-driven jewelry brand founded in 2013 by Adriana Carrig - who started the business from her parents' basement with one word and a hope for change. What began as a personal tool to navigate life's hardest moments has grown into a movement of kindness spanning millions of people worldwide. The brand's signature handcrafted word bracelets are designed to be worn, loved, and passed forward - each carrying a unique ID that connects wearers to a global community dedicated to paying kindness forward, one bracelet at a time. Available at littlewordsproject.com, Little Words Project Bead Bar locations, Nordstrom, Disney Parks, and Target nationwide, Little Words Project(R) believes that just one little word can change everything. SOURCE Auntie Anne's