“Hurry Up!! Limited Stocks Available” “VIP Access to Special Discounts” “Rush before you Miss out on this Steal Deal,” these words must have created a sense of urgency, a need to click before you miss out! That is exactly what the brands want you to do! It is called playing on your FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and it is a marketer’s clever trick to cash in fast. In today’s hyper-competitive market, brands aren’t just selling products; they’re engineering desire through FOMO. From Nike’s limited edition sneaker drops to Apple’s pre-order frenzy, scarcity has become a powerful tool to drive consumer obsession.
The trend is now catching on in India, with brands like Kinder Joy and Britannia capitalising on exclusivity. After Kinder Joy’s limited-edition Harry Potter collectibles, Britannia followed suit with its Harry Potter edition Pure Magic biscuits, demonstrating how limited releases not only evoke nostalgia but also create a sense of urgency to purchase before they’re gone. Brands across categories are using FOMO-driven marketing with limited editions, pre-orders, and exclusive collaborations to spark excitement, drive sales, and turn everyday products into must-have collectibles. Let’s unravel the strategies behind the hype and why they work.