The Golden Arches Theory of Conflict Prevention appeared to crumble two weeks ago. But then, just like that, the idea sprang back to life, potentially with new meaning about brands’ power in a time of crisis. On March 8, McDonald’s temporarily shuttered its more than 800 Russian franchises. The fast food chain’s decision came amid…
As pressure mounted, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Starbucks all announced today that they are pausing their business in Russia, joining a sprawling list of brands that are suspending any presence in the country during its invasion of Ukraine. The announcements from the three companies came within two hours of each other and followed closely behind that…
McDonald’s is temporarily closing all of its restaurants in Russia amid calls for brands to cease operations and business with the country over its invasion of Ukraine. McDonald’s had 847 locations in Russia at the close of last year, according to an investor document. 84% of the restaurants are company-operated with the rest operated independently….
Sports trading cards are no longer just a cute hobby for kids. The global sports trading card market was valued at $13.8 billion in 2019, according to Research and Markets, and is projected to reach $98.7 billion by 2027. While interest in sports trading cards has existed for decades, there’s little knowledge about how similar…
“It was our logo that was designed for another purpose,” explains Rafael Fern?ndez de Alarc?n Az?n, global director of brand at Telef?nica, discussing the work that has gone into one of the world’s largest telecommunications providers’ latest master rebrand, its first since 1998. Unveiled last April, the new branding signals to shareholders Telef?nica’s plans for…
Multiple companies, from Apple to WPP, have ceased operations in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. And that sits well with the American public. In total, 82% of U.S. adults feel brands should stop doing business in Russia, according to data analytics firm YouGov, which polled 2,000 people on March 3. Only 10% of…
Apple turned heads earlier this week when it announced that it would be pulling out of Russia in the wake of that country’s invasion of Ukraine. In a statement, Apple expressed its “deep concern” over the conflict and pledged to “stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence.”…
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, many gaming and esports brands have taken a public stance, whether through condemnations or donations. Events have been postponed and partnerships with Russian and Belarusian companies broken off. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has used Twitter to call on all game developers and esports platforms to…
Following Visa’s November 2021 news that Lynne Biggar was preparing to step down as global CMO after six years, the financial services brand is handing the marketing reins to Frank Cooper III. Cooper will start the job in May, but Visa is already working on the transition. He joins Visa after five years as managing…
“There’s something missing here.” That’s ever the observation at the heart of invention. In the world of wine and spirits, three female-founded brands regarded the void specific to category. One asked, “Why are the only vodka brands within easy recall the same ones that have been dominating shelves for decades?” Another wondered if a wine…
Apple’s move to “pause” doing business in Russia in reaction to its invasion of Ukraine may be viewed as merely political, considering the enormity of Western government sanctions against the former Soviet state. But as brands know, symbols carry their own particular potency. The Cupertino tech giant joined Nike and Google as the two other…
From a cooler to a full-blown lifestyle brand that outdoor enthusiasts can’t seem to get enough of, Yeti seems to have a product for everything these days from drinkware and bags to hats, shirts and stickers. And there are no plans to slow down as the company continues to reach new heights by experimenting with…
Shell Oil is abandoning its energy deal with Russia’s primary energy company as Western leaders take a united stance against the country’s military attack on Ukraine. The Houston-based energy company said it would exit its joint ventures with Russian energy conglomerate Gazprom and its subsidiaries on Monday. Shell’s announcement came a day after BP said…
A commitment to exclusivity is an essential quality of any lasting relationship. As the three-year anniversary of American Express’s acquisition of restaurant reservations platform Resy approaches this spring, the promise of exclusive access to merchants and dining patrons is at the heart of both brands’ symbiotic marketing strategy. In July 2021, Resy and Amex became…
Many video game commercials follow the same formula. A family sits at home in their living room playing a video game with minimal dialogue. It serves the purpose of showcasing gameplay but can be stale. For its new release of Pok?mon Legends: Arceus on the Nintendo Switch, the EMEA marketing team in the London office…
International audio production company DaHouse has engineered soundscapes for tentpole brands like Ford, Hellmann’s and Volkswagen. You’ve likely heard the team’s work: Last year, the studio provided the delicate soundtrack for Doritos Mexico’s viral Dia de Muertos ad, which landed on Adweek’s list of the 25 Best Ads of 2021. Now, DaHouse is expanding into…
There is no middle of the road when it comes to brands and high-profile executives navigating hot button issues. That’s a lesson marketers and professionals have been learning over the past few years. Consumers demand brand identities that speak to their political and cultural concerns, particularly on environmental issues, gender and sexuality, and matters of…
In a bid to promote the elements that go into creating the magical experience of cinema-going, Europe’s largest cinema chain Odeon has revealed its new creative platform. Building on the “We Make Movies Better” positioning, which was extended from parent company AMC in the U.S., Odeon’s pan-European creative agency Elvis has developed internal and external…
The Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman-owned Boardroom is continuing to expand the sports network’s areas of fan-focused content by entering into an exclusive multi-year partnership with sports betting site FanDuel. As part of the arrangement, FanDuel is now the exclusive sports betting, fantasy, horse racing, gaming, casino and poker partner of Boardroom. FanDuel Sportsbook will…
The families of five children and four adults killed in the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School have reached a $73 million settlement with Remington, the manufacturer of the AR-15 rifle used in the massacre. The settlement comes more than seven years after families filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Remington in 2014…
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