Dunkin’ readies celeb-heavy ‘intern’ class for summer of culture plays

The chain released an EP on Spotify that features a song by *NSYNC's Joey Fatone and Backstreet Boys member A.J. McLean.

Updated July 12, 2024

Urban Outfitters blends physical, digital with back-to-school campaign

The retailer’s “Shift Happens” campaign brings influencer-created Pinterest boards to life at a two-day activation in New York.

Marketing in 2024: H1 by the numbers

CMO budgets continue to fall as pressure to automate mounts and fears of signal loss reach a fever pitch.

Coke’s Summer Olympics campaign celebrates unifying power of hugs

“It’s Magic When the World Comes Together” encourages people to embrace, even in rivalry, and was developed over 18 months with WPP Open X.

Taco Bell opens ‘early retirement’ community in latest experiential play

Available exclusively for rewards members, The Cantinas offers senior-inspired recreation and recalls the brand’s groundbreaking pop-up hotel.

Vans refreshes Roblox activation with ‘phygital’ maneuver

To drive traffic to the space, which reached 100 million visits last year, the brand is dropping a virtual version of a new shoe prior to its in-store release.

Why Morgan Stanley teamed with Disney to sponsor a Serena Williams docuseries

CMO Alice Milligan explains how the move was a natural fit for a financial services marketer that has made amplifying women’s sports a priority.

Etsy addresses anxiety over AI, mass manufacturing with new brand mission

Real Etsy sellers are highlighted in ads that complement policy changes that aim to more strongly enforce a human touch on product listings.

Kind brings lighter touch to healthy snack marketing in brand refresh

New CMO Osher Hoberman said a prior purpose-led marketing strategy was too fragmented to align with the commercial opportunity.

Updated July 11, 2024

Häagen-Dazs taps indie Nice&Frank as creative AOR, plots Super Bowl debut

The ice cream brand positioned the big-game buy as the next step of a “That’s Dazs” campaign that is a key part of its outreach to young consumers.

BIC gears up for Olympics, back-to-school with celeb-focused efforts

The brand reteams with Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart and enlists Charlie Puth for efforts timed to major periods for ads and sales.

Tito’s research-backed campaign showcases the joys of staycations

While other spirit brands focus on tropical getaways, Tito’s is embracing the many positives of being at home.

McDonald’s links with anime series for app-exclusive sauce

The chain’s collaboration with “Jujutsu Kaisen” to launch its Special Grade Garlic Sauce also includes a tie-up with anime streaming service Crunchyroll. 

Dove CMO who built brand’s purpose marketing bona fides departs

Alessandro Manfredi is leaving Unilever after over two decades as the type of purpose-driven marketing he helped define is increasingly challenged.

Hasbro’s early adoption of Prime Video ads helps reel in new buyers

Successful campaigns for Peppa Pig and Play-Doh lend credence to Amazon’s bigger pitch around its upper-funnel advertising capabilities.

818 Tequila mixes cocktail of sustainability, social media and celebrity

Founded by Kendall Jenner, the brand reaches Gen Z through cultural hooks and understanding the cohort’s priorities, said CMO Kathleen Braine.

Philadelphia cream cheese spreads original song across streaming, TikTok

The Kraft Heinz brand prepares for the Fourth of July with a radio-ready jingle, “Land of the Cream Cheese,” by rising country star Travis Yee.

Joann launches Gen Z-focused brand campaign

A key element of the craft retailer’s first major post-bankruptcy initiatives will involve leveraging influencer relationships.

Hoka’s latest avian-themed ads look to shore up favor among runners

New ads from Anomaly spotlight runners of all levels of intensity in the French Alps, where the disruptor brand was founded.

E.l.f. tests real-world commerce on Roblox via Walmart tech

Users can now purchase physical products within an experience developed with esports agency eGen and metaverse games publisher Supersocial.

GroupM taps McDonald’s CX maven to lead Wavemaker US

Described as a “change agent,” Alycia Mason joins Wavemaker as its parent pushes to realize a data-driven transformation.

Motorola walks the runway with entirely AI-generated campaign

To promote new folding smartphones powered by artificial intelligence, the firm used different tools to create phone-inspired fashions for virtual models.

P&G brings top TikToker Khaby Lame’s humor stateside with Tubi series

Made with Group Black, “Khaby Is Coming To America” integrates CPG brands like Tide and Bevel and is part of P&G’s multicultural marketing efforts.

Burt’s Bees teams with Amazon Ads for ‘Screencare’ product sets

The brand developed custom skincare sets inspired by Prime Video’s top genres for a campaign that has led to a 53% uptick in sales.

Calvin Klein’s Jeremy Allen White ads turned heads, but the biggest impact may be to the brand’s image

“The Bear” star’s images generated $74 million in media impact value amid a years-long effort by holding company PVH to make the line more desirable.