MediaPost | Around the Net In Brand Marketing

Millennials Are Money-Savvy Thanks To Parents

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:34:42 -0500

Millennials are savvy when it comes to personal finance. "Nearly three-quarters of millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, grew up in families that talked about money, according to a recent survey and report from Forbes Advisor," per USA Today. "By contrast, only 41% of boomers recalled talking to their parents about finance."

Longevity Drugs Could Add Years To Pets' Lives

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:28:01 -0500

Choosing to live with pets comes with an inevitable loss, since they're around for just a fraction of human lives. "In recent years, scientists have been chasing after drugs that might stave off this heartbreak by extending the lives of our canine companions," per The New York Times. "On Tuesday, the biotech company Loyal announced that it had moved one step closer to bringing one such drug to market."

Doritos Offers Chip Silencer Software

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:11:33 -0500

The crunchy sound made when chewing chips is annoying -- but there's a solution. "The chip brand Doritos created Doritos Silent, a crunch-cancellation software that removes the sound of chewing from voice chats, Zoom or any calls that use headphones. But it was really created for gamers," per The Washington Post. "It can be used on any PC, and the company says it will eventually be expanded to other devices."

U.S. Considers How To Sever Electric Car Ties To China

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:33:31 -0500

The Biden administration is finalizing rules that will help determine whether companies will find it profitable enough to participate in America’s electric vehicle industry. "The rules, which are expected to be proposed this week, will dictate the extent to which foreign companies, particularly in China, can supply parts and products for American-made vehicles that are set to receive billions of dollars in subsidies," per The New York Times. "The administration is offering up to $7,500 in tax credits to Americans who buy electric vehicles, in an effort to supercharge the industry and reduce the country’s carbon emissions. The rules will determine whether electric vehicle makers seeking to benefit from that program will have the flexibility to get cheap components from China."

Weight Watchers Shifts Attitude Toward Weight Loss Prescriptions

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:52:01 -0500

WeightWatchers CEO Sima Sistani says the company got it wrong in its initial rejection of diet drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. "Sistani says that while weight loss medications have exploded in popularity, there’s still a lack of knowledgeable practitioners safely prescribing them. That’s a role, she said, that WeightWatchers can fill," per CNN Business.

Cadillac Flagship Vehicle Offers Unique Keyfob

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:51:27 -0500

General Motors is billing the bespoke Cadilac Celestiq as being ultra luxurious, and as a result, the keyfob has some unique design elements. "Flipping the keyfob over onto its backside, we find that it has been color-matched to its vehicle," per GM Authoirty. "The Cadillac Celestiq is positioned as the pinnacle of the Cadillac – and General Motors – lineup. To this end, the Detroit-based automaker is pulling out all the stops to make the Celestiq stand out from the crowd. With this in mind, the exterior styling is designed to represent the avant-garde, with bold themes found throughout."

Everyone Knows Flo From Progressive

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:44:42 -0500

It's pretty hard to find consumers who don't know -- and like -- Flo from Progressive. "Jumbling the puzzle of Flo’s likability, according to Cait Lamberton, a professor of marketing at the Wharton School, is the possibility that what audiences enjoyed about Flo in 2008 is not what they enjoy — or think they enjoy — about her in 2023," per The New York Times. "What makes the 'Superstore' campaign not just notable but virtuosic is its freakish longevity. To stave off what Lamberton called the “wear out” phase — when content becomes so familiar it is no longer effective — Arnold is perpetually altering the ads just enough to keep them novel."

Consumers Think Electric Vehicles Prices Too High, Per Survey

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:22:49 -0500

AAA’s EV Consumer Sentiment Survey, which examines consumer attitudes toward adopting electric vehicles, indicates that while they are interested, consumers think prices are too high. "Of the 1,170 U.S. adults that AAA surveyed, the number one reason those shoppers stated they aren’t likely to consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase is cost, coming in at 59%," per Ford Authority. "It was followed by a lack of charging stations (56%), the cost to repair or replace a battery (55%), and range anxiety (53%). Additionally, four out of 10 surveyed consumers are concerned about the negative impact cold weather has on an electric vehicle’s range."

Ford Cites Slowdown In Consumer Demand For EVs

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:08:54 -0500

Ford Motor said it was "resuming work on an electric vehicle battery plant in Michigan but significantly scaling back its plans in part because of slow E.V. adoption in the United States," according to The New York Times. "Demand for electric vehicles is 'not growing at the rate that we originally expected,' said the Ford spokesman, T.R. Reid."

J. Crew Hoping To Rebound -- Again

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:51:23 -0500

"After four decades of business and filing for bankruptcy in 2020, the American retailer is hoping for a renaissance," begins this New York Times article on a once-storied brand. Still, "it’s tough to gauge.. recovery efforts, given that J. Crew is privately held and does not disclose much financial data," the article continues. "But there are promising signs. The company said that A.O.V., or average order value — the amount shoppers spend in a single transaction — is back up."

Jewelry Biz Can Now Trace Diamonds' Provenance

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:56:37 -0500

Where did that diamond come from? is it sustainable or politically correct -- or not? "Now, primarily because of the war in Ukraine and the additional sanctions expected soon on diamonds from Russia (the world’s biggest diamond exporter by volume), 'knowing where a diamond has come from is becoming essential information,' Al Cook, the chief executive of the De Beers Group," according to the New York Times. So "several traceability systems have been introduced in the last six months."

Companies Get Smarter About BOGO Deals

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:51:02 -0500

Buy one get one free offers, or "BOGOs, as they are called in the industry, once mostly existed to help companies clear out excess inventory, hit sales targets or go head-to-head with competitors at key moments," per The Wall Street Journal. "But marketers’ increasing obsession with data means many of their offers now come with red tape that is designed to either help collect information about their consumers or capitalize on a data-driven insight."

Corona Partners With Fashion Designer For Cans

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:53:20 -0500

Corona unveiled a collaboration with celebrity fashion designer Talia Coles. "Coined Feliz Navi-Drip, the exclusive holiday pairing consists of limited-edition holiday cans of Corona Extra and matching robes, both designed by Talia," per Beverage Industry. "The limited-edition color-changing cans of Corona Extra are available in 12-packs sold exclusively in Los Angeles, Miami, New York and Philadelphia. The special holiday cans will be available beginning on Black Friday."

Court Orders Balance of Nature To Stop Sales

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:50:36 -0500

Balance of Nature is being ordered by a federal court to stop producing and selling its dietary supplements. The Food and Drug Administration is accusing the company and its affiliates of repeatedly breaking the law in how they make and market the products. "The FDA says the company marketing Balance of Nature, Evig LLC, and its CEO Lex Howard had flouted years of federal warnings about overstepping limits in what they could claim about diseases their supplements could cure or prevent," per CBS News.

Mars To Buy U.K. Chocolate Company

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:50:26 -0500

Mars, maker of Snickers and M&Ms, is buying the U.K.'s Hotel Chocolat for $665 million. "While Mars is best known for its mainstream confections, the acquisition of Hotel Chocolat will give the New Jersey-based company a premium brand that it can expand in the U.K. and 'potentially in new geographies,'" per Food Dive. "Mars said the purchase will add to its portfolio a brand with 'distinctive capabilities in product development, luxury gifting and immersive brand experiences.'"

Burger King, McDonald's Partner With Fila, Crocs

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 08:24:04 -0500

It's the mashup du jour -- fast food and fashion. "Burger King in Brazil has teamed with Fila on a fashion collection inspired by its flame-grilled food that is accompanied by a campaign, 'The Collab Born from Fire,'" per Marketing Dive. "Similarly, McDonald’s in Canada partnered with Crocs for a limited-edition line of shoes, socks and Jibbitz charms inspired by brand mascots Grimace, Birdie and the Hamburglar."

Whirlpool Will Make Refrigerators With Bigger Interiors

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:11:39 -0500

Whirlpool refrigerator doors are getting thinner and the interior space larger due to a new thinner insulation material. Better yet, the appliances -- which are sold under the JennAir, KitchenAid and Whirlpool brands -- will use less energy. "The design, size, and even location of refrigerators is about to change forever," per Fast Company.

In-N-Out Expands To Southwest

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 09:04:13 -0500

In-N-Out is entering a new market in New Mexico with plans to expand to other Southwestern cities. "The burger brand is in the early stages of planning its first restaurants in the state," per QSR Magazine. "Openings in Albuquerque should happen by 2027. Expansion into other cities are expected beyond that. In-N-Out will use a distribution facility in Colorado Springs to deliver products to the upcoming New Mexico locations."

Amazon Resumes Grocery Store Openings

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:11:24 -0500

Amaon tested grocery store delivery earlier this year to people who are not Prime loyalty program subscribers on the ecommerce website. Now, the behemoth says it plans to open new US Amazon Fresh stores in 2024 and that Whole Foods delivery is coming "in the very near future," per Bloomberg.

Uniqlo Founder Prods Japan To 'Wake Up'

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:06:49 -0500

Tadashi Yanai, Japan’s richest man and the founder of $73 billion apparel empire Uniqlo, has a stern message for his fellow countrymen, telling them to "Wake up!" His sobering pitch is that "Japan’s economy is teetering on a precipice because of an unhealthy obsession with manufacturing, workers conditioned to corporate bloat, and a budget financed by soaring debt rather than tax receipts," per Time.

Prices For Even 'Accessible' Luxury Brands Skyrockets

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:01:55 -0500

Average luxury prices are up by 25% since 2019, according to the data company EDITED. But who is going to pay $3,000 on a knit hat shaped like a duck from Burberry or $24,500 on a vicuña jacket by Brunello Cucinelli? "In the past year there have been signs that so-called aspirational customers, who buy entry-level luxury products like cosmetics and spirits, have curbed their spending," per The New York Times. "Middle class professionals who once saved up for a luxury investment handbag or coat have been aggressively priced out."

Fake Online Reviews Run Rampant Despite Efforts To Stop Them

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:57:10 -0500

Even doctors like orthopedist Dr. Mark J. Mohrmann are getting caught -- and fined -- for hiring companies to write and post fake reviews online. "Fake reviews are as old as the internet itself, and they are illegal and banned by online platforms," per The New York Times. "But fake review businesses have continued to blossom anyway. Now, for the first time, a wave of regulation and moves by tech companies are coalescing in a more concerted effort to turn the tide."

Fruit Puree Pouches Recalled Due To Potential Lead

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 17:31:09 -0500

Two more companies are recalling fruit puree pouches due to potential contamination with lead. Schnucks-branded pouches and Weis-branded pouches are being recalled, in addition to WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree sold by multiple retailers, including Sam’s Club, Amazon and Dollar Tree, that were recalled last month. The FDA said seven cases of elevated blood lead levels have been found in five states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri and North Carolina.

Green Giant Canned Vegetables Sold

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 17:04:18 -0500

B&G Foods, which also makes Crisco, Cream of Wheat and Ortega, is selling the Green Giant U.S. canned vegetable line to Seneca Foods. The manufacturer said it continues to explore divesting products that have low margins or cash flow, as well as items that do not fit with its core portfolio, per Food Dive.

Ryan Reynolds Promotes Aviation Gin

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:50:24 -0500

Actor Ryan Reynolds is promoting his gin brand, Aviation American Gin, with the help of Matchbox Twenty’s lead singer Rob Thomas."Reynolds, who co-owns the Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC with friend and fellow actor Rob McElhenney, says in the 30-second spot: 'Wrexham fans have grown used to seeing me and ‘other’ Rob together – but he’s not legally allowed to be in Aviation Gin commercials,'" per The Drum.

Tesla Faces Blockade In Sweden Due To Labor Dispute

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:04:37 -0500

Tesla is under fire in Sweden over its refusal to sign a collective bargaining agreement with its mechanics. "Dockworkers said they would expand their blockade of the automaker’s shipment to all ports in Sweden next week, after launching the action at four key locations," per The New York Times. "The electricians’ union said its members would stop servicing Tesla charging stations when they needed a repair, and maintenance workers said they wouldn’t clean Tesla facilities."

Starbucks Plans Expansion, Cost Cutting

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:00:02 -0500

Starbucks outlined plans to dramatically increase its footprint by 17,000 locaions to a total of 55,000 stores by 2030. "As part of the coffee giant’s new 'triple shot reinvention with two pumps' strategy, the company also plans to generate $3 billion in savings over three years," per Chain Stores Age. "Of the savings, $2 billion is expected to come from outside the store through savings on its cost of goods sold. The remaining $1 billion is expected to come from making stores more efficient."

WeWork Files For Bankruptcy Protection

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 18:17:23 -0500

The office sharing company WeWork is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in federal court. "WeWork has suffered one of the most spectacular corporate collapses in recent U.S. history over the past few years," per CNBC. "Valued in 2019 at $47 billion in a round led by Masayoshi Son’s SoftBank, the company tried and failed to go public five years ago. The Covid pandemic caused further pain as many companies abruptly ended their leases, and the economic slump that followed led even more clients to close their doors."

Green Grocer Erewhon Inspires Huge Fans

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:35:57 -0500

What began as a hippie grocery store in the 1960s is now one of the hippest grocery stores in the greater Los Angeles area and has inspired a near-cult following. "Whole Foods 'is copying us now,' an employee says. Something has been worked out here, some mystery solved, in the 57 years since Erewhon came into being," per The Cut. "Someone has seen past what we say we want to whatever it is we will actually buy."

Amazon Steps Away From Apparel Stores

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:27:31 -0500

Amazon is shuttering its two Amazon Style clothing stores in Columbus, Ohio, and Glendale, California after only 18 months. Instead, the company will focus on its online shopping experience. "Last March, the online giant closed several retail chains, including its line of Amazon Books, 4-star and Pop Up stores, as part of a broader move to cut costs and rein in its physical footprint," per Supermarket News."Amazon also relinquished some warehouse space and laid off about 27,000 employees."