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In the News
Hasbro created quite a stir when it announced that it would be dropping the âMrâ from Mr. Potato Head, to break away from traditional gender norms. It will continue to sell individual Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head toys, but the brand name will be gender-neutral. Overcorrection or doing the right thing? You tell me.
Clubhouse, an invite-only social networking app that lets people gather in audio chat rooms, exploded this month, with high-profile guests crashing the platform. With 10 million+ users and counting, this iOS app lets you discuss various topics through live, participatory audio experiences. How should marketers think about this channel? I see brands entering Clubhouse in a few ways - Sponsored rooms, sponsored content, through its employees, or by building its unique audio personality.
Long-standing brands are revamping their identities to reflect modern sensibilities:
McDonaldâs redesigned its packaging to incorporate illustrations of the restaurant's classic menu items. Iâm sensing a theme here...
Swarovski, the worldâs largest crystal manufacturer, reveals a new identity that includes the reimagining of the Swarovski Swan
To attract younger workers who might be skeptical of its mission, the CIA launched a splashy new website in January whose content includes an advice column and dog-training tips, plus a bold new black-and-white logo.
Peugeot has a new logo and is launching its first major brand campaign in 10 years
Often, Makeup brands promoting âinclusivityâ in their ads donât practice it in their products. Ads â Actions.
Rabbit Hole Reads
Marketing BS: Selection Effects: Whenever you are comparing two groups â and you see a difference, your first thought should NEVER be: âsomething we are doing must be driving that difference.â Instead, try to understand how members of the two groups might be different. We should keep selection effects at the top of our minds when reviewing any observational data.
Love this read by Rex Woodbury on The Business of Fame which explores the intersection of technology, media, and celebrity through the lens of four superstars through the ages - Greta Garbo, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and Charli DâAmelio.
Ads that caught my eye
Google partnered with Joshua Kissi to release âBusiness as usualâ - a short film celebrating a Black-owned business that keeps the skateboarding culture and the community of Leimert Park strong. I love that they kept the focus on the business, with the brand playing a silent yet strong supporting role.
In a similar vein, Facebook released âGood ideas deserved to be foundâ intended to showcase how small businesses can benefit from posting personalized ads. However, the ad seems to be targeting consumers, telling them how they can benefit from receiving personalized ads. One word: Confusing.
Resources
Until next week,
Shrikala