This article is part of a series celebrating our being 40 Years Bold, highlighting four decades–and counting–of Adweek, whose editors look back at notable news, trends and people, and at what could be in store for the next 40 years. “I swear my phone is listening to me,” said everyone with a smartphone. And they’re…
U.S. airlines had a healthy third quarter, with a 21.5% increase over last year’s earnings from the same time period according to third-quarter airline financial data released today by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. More significantly, it’s the 26th consecutive quarter that airlines have posted an after-tax profit and the 34th consecutive quarter of pre-tax…
If you don’t think condiments get their proper due, Sir Kensington’s has a magazine for you with Sandwich, a quarterly publication that aims to explore modern society through a fun, food-based lens. The New York-based condiment maker, part of the Unilever family, released the first issue last month, dedicated to the BLT. It features an…
Sales and marketing agency Acosta, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware on Dec. 1 in a deal with creditors that will convert $3 billion of debt into equity. The Jacksonville-based company, which has worked with major brands like Campbell’s, Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, Kraft Heinz and other leading consumer goods brands, argued that several factors–both…
It’s 2019 and the Gen Zers are Ok Boomer-ing en masse online and reportedly on the streets. Meanwhile, media has deemed Gen X a “so-so” mess and claims the millenials are doomed. Needless to say, it’s been tough for generations to make peace with each other this year, considering we’ve spent most of it pointing…
Pantone believes a familiar color will take the spotlight in the first year of the new decade: Classic Blue. The color standards and forecasting company announced the hue, officially named Pantone 19-4052, as the Color of the Year for 2020 on Wednesday. The reveal marks a bold switch from 2019’s Living Coral and other brighter…
Imagine the kind of legacy one would have to build in order for even its mere silhouette–ostensibly, the vaguest of likeness–to be instantly identifiable. For example, Alfred Hitchcock and the original Charlie’s Angels lineup have two of the most famous profiles in pop culture. It’s not just about being distinctive, but possessing the longevity that…
Fraudulent ads are an ongoing problem for social media platforms, but crackdowns can be difficult. However, Facebook announced it’s escalated one of those battles to a lawsuit. On Thursday, the social network announced legal action against China-based ILikeAd Media International Company, as well as a marketer and developer working for the firm, over malware created…
Macy’s announced today that Hal Lawton, president of the 161-year-old retailer, is resigning, effective Friday. After two years with Macy’s, Lawton will be taking over as CEO of Tennessee-based Tractor Supply Company. “Hal has made significant contributions to the business over the past two years, including improving the Macy’s operational cadence. Hal also helped us…
After two years with mattress industry disruptor Casper, chief marketing officer Jeff Brooks is leaving to join insurance startup Lemonade. He’ll be taking charge of Lemonade’s in-house creative agency, which was announced over the summer. “Lemonade doesn’t look, sound or act like a traditional insurance brand, and that’s the recipe for building something special and…
Gamers know the experience when they are deep into a session and really want a snack but can’t bear to take their hands away from the controller for even a second. To satisfy even the most focused of gamers, Pringles created the Hunger Hammer, the perfect gag gift for the holidays. The brand and agency…
MDC Partners is combining seven of its agencies into a new network led by Detroit-based Doner, marking the latest shake-up under chairman and CEO Mark Penn’s leadership. Called Doner Partners Network, the North American entity includes its namesake agency plus six of the holding company’s specialist shops: brand strategy agency KWT Global (formerly Kwittken); PR,…
With billions of GIFs floating through platforms like Twitter, Slack and Facebook every day, it’s hard to figure out which ones were the most popular in 2019. Giphy, the online database for over 10 billion GIFs and stickers sent each day, revealed the 25 most viewed GIFs this year that include famous faces like Lizzo,…
The visual world is about to take a bold turn toward “maximalism and saturated hues,” according to Shutterstock’s 2020 Color Report. Contrasting with the bright neon tones of the stock image provider’s last two reports, 2020’s color palette will feature three deeper hues: lush lava, aqua menthe and phantom blue. “It’s a huge difference, and…
Serta is giving consumers a chance to experience the feeling of a mattress on the soles of their feet. The mattress and bedding company has partnered with hip-hop artist and producer DJ Clark Kent to release a limited-edition sneaker called the iC1. The cool blue and white sneaker, which has a foam insole, was created…
The bravest people in our world are often the smallest. Too many people know a child who was forced to confront an inhumane disease. These children are the closest figures humanity has to superheroes, and bringing their stories alive, comic-book style, is the new campaign for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. “McNificents” is a series…
Hostess Brands announced Monday morning that the Twinkies maker will be acquiring Voortman Cookies, a Canadian cookie and wafer company, from Swander Pace Capital for about $320 million. Hostess expects to close the transaction early next month. “Voortman is a leading brand with a well-defined consumer position that complements and extends the growing Hostess portfolio…
After a photo of an Oklahoma police officer’s venti hot chocolate–labeled “PIG”–went viral on Thanksgiving, a Starbucks barista was fired and a local police station is working with the coffee chain to organize a “coffee with a cop” event. “It happened at the worst possible time for them,” said David Johnson, CEO of Strategic Vision…
Two decades ago, toy inventor Ron Dubren heard giggles coming from a playground. It was a bunch of kids tickling one other. Inspired, Dubren created Tickles the Chimp. Tickles didn’t make it very far, but after Tyco Preschool combined Dubren’s invention with a Sesame Street licensing deal, the toy became Tickle Me Elmo–so popular that…
Chances are you’ve come across this scenario in a commercial: A woman, weary from the demands of modern life, finds a quiet place to recharge by indulging in a pint of ice cream or bag of chips. The moment she’s alone and able to pop off the lid or tear open the packaging, the exhaustion…
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