Crumbl Cookies and the Power of Visual Hype: What Retailers Can Learn

In just a few short years, Crumbl Cookies has gone from a single location in Utah to a nationwide empire boasting over 1,000 storefronts and more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue.

Their secret? It Comes Down to 3 Things:

1. A highly visual brand experience powered by social media
2. A rotating weekly menu that drives urgency
3. A deep understanding of how to turn content into conversion.As Crumbl flirts with a potential $2 billion valuation and a future IPO, marketers across industries—especially those focused on in-location retail media—should take note.

At the heart of Crumbl’s growth is a savvy approach to digital content. Their 30-person in-house creative team produces high-end video, photos, and content drops every week, timed perfectly with their Sunday night menu reveals. This consistency has made Crumbl one of the most followed food brands online, with millions of followers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

They understand that a product designed to be photographed and shared can drive not just engagement, but physical foot traffic.

And in the case of their cookies, the more visually outrageous the flavor or topping, the more likely it is to trend, and in turn get people through their doors.

This attention to the visual experience doesn’t stop online. In-store, Crumbl stores are intentionally minimalist—open kitchens, streamlined counters, and most importantly, digital screens that reflect the week’s lineup and real-time volume discount offers. These in-location displays do more than just inform—they influence purchasing behavior. Limited-time add-ons, featured flavors, and upsells are highlighted through digital signage that reinforces the same design language customers have already seen on their feeds. It creates a seamless transition from the online hype to the in-store checkout.

This model offers a blueprint for other retailers and food brands, especially those with visually-driven products. The ability to coordinate digital marketing with on-location screen content is one of the most powerful tools in the modern marketing stack.

Businesses that embrace custom in-store TV networks—especially those that can update dynamically and mirror current social campaigns—create immersive brand environments.

Whether it’s showcasing a product drop, cross-promoting accessories, or driving loyalty program signups, in-location media can reinforce urgency, elevate perception, and drive higher transaction values.

Crumbl’s success also reflects a shift in consumer behavior. People aren’t just buying cookies—they’re buying the moment, the reveal, the exclusivity, and the shareability. The customer becomes part of the marketing. Retailers who want to replicate this effect must think beyond static signage or passive background TV. Instead, they should be leveraging tools like custom business TV platforms that allow them to tailor content to their own promotions, seasonal campaigns, or limited-time offers—just as Crumbl does with its rotating menu.

As Crumbl positions itself for Wall Street, it’s clear the brand was built as much on visual media strategy as it was on frosting and flour. Their ability to connect with customers at multiple touchpoints—online and in-store—has redefined what a modern retail experience can look like. For marketers, it’s a clear sign: visual storytelling and strategic screen usage aren’t just add-ons—they’re now essential ingredients in building the next billion-dollar brand.