A Look at Shopping Season

The origins of the discount

Welcome to Vignettes, our new weekly cabinet of curiosities. It’s part of our just-launched set of expanded offerings. Here you’ll find unexpected facts, intimate portraits of interesting people, interviews and more. Vignettes is for paid subscribers—thank you for your support! If you’re not yet a paid subscriber, what are you waiting for?

Coca-Cola Company, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When a bookkeeper for Coca-Cola started giving out tickets for free tastes of Coke in 1886, John Pemberton, the inventor of the beverage, admonished him. Two years later, Asa Griggs Candler bought the company and mailed out thousands of such tickets. By 1913, the company had redeemed 8.5 million free drink coupons–and discount shopping was born.

---

Holiday shopping is increasingly crazy and gift guides have become ubiquitous in the US. If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift, check out our gorgeous array of award-winning print guides! Use the code GIFTWRAP and you’ll save 25 percent! We’ll even gift-wrap your guides and include a handwritten note with your personal message for free. Just be sure to use the code GIFTWRAP and include your message in the order notes when you check out.

---