How Applebee’s sharper marketing turned around sales ahead of NFL season

The casual dining chain recently achieved positive same-store sales growth for the first time in two years, Dine Brands CEO John Peyton explains.

Reese’s responds to Taylor Swift album news with advertising agility

The creative was assembled in record time for the Hershey-owned brand, which worked with The Martin Agency and MiltonOne on the effort.

Campaign Trail: Nike shows the life of the mind with skater Nyjah Huston

Independent agency Thesis brought authentic skateboarding energy to a spot featuring one of the sport’s brightest — and most polarizing — stars.

How Garage Beer is building its brand with no-holds-barred marketing

The independent brand has become America’s fastest-growing beer by tapping into martial arts movies, pro wrestling and other micro niches.

Hi-Chew amplifies Fortnite appearance with creators, ‘unlockable site’

Consumers who visit a microsite can complete in-game and social media challenges in exchange for points that can be redeemed for entries into a raffle.

Instacart cracks into live experiences to cap off ‘90s nostalgia blitz

Frosted Flakes and Venmo are supporting a Third Eye Blind concert that will feature Frosted Tips stations and throwback food and drinks.

TreSemmé says ‘Get TF Out of Bed’ for party tour, social media series

The Unilever hair care brand is spotlighting its A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray through a tie-up with Eventbrite to host events in five major cities.

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bear plots art heist in mascot’s first animated film

Developed internally, the James Bond-inspired short underscores how Ralph Lauren is looking to further stretch the equity of one of its signature assets.

Why Voodoo Ranger engages board game fans to build awareness

The brand has built up a presence on the convention circuit to bring together a passion for craft beer and board games.

How to win back-to-school marketing as American Eagle’s big bet blows up

Though spending forecasts are bleak, value-focused messaging and smart social media plays could help brands transcend the turbulence. 

Patrón takes a shot on dance music culture with Boiler Room partnership

The cultural play allows the Bacardi brand to connect with underground music fans around the world as it looks to boost its premium bottling.

Dove seeks underarm ambassador as part of US Open sponsorship

The brand is holding an open casting call for a content creator who isn’t afraid to show off their pits as Unilever ramps up its work around influencers. 

Sociable: Google expands its use of AI to detect invalid ad traffic

Enhanced abilities around analyzing ad placements could reduce ad costs and help advertisers reach more of their target audience.

E.l.f. argues against overpriced cosmetics with legal-themed campaign

“E.l.f.ino & schmarnes” features comedian Matt Rife and drag icon Heidi N Closet as a satirical legal duo and will include a New York City pop-up event.

How Mondelēz is modernizing Ritz as it turns to snacks to drive growth

The cracker brand’s partnership with Bad Bunny demonstrates how the CPG marketer is looking to connect with consumers around culture.

IPG partners with Aaru for AI-powered consumer simulations

The deal will grow Acxiom’s identity resolution and audience management capabilities and bolster IPG’s Interact platform with more data-driven tools.

Dick’s Sporting Goods grows bets on sports content with in-house studio

Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios follows the retailer’s Emmy-winning documentary work and arrives as others invest in original programming.

DEI pushback affects LGBTQ+ marketing: Here’s what the numbers say

Inclusive ads impact the purchasing behavior of 77% of LGBTQ+ consumers, according to data from Disqo and Do the Werq.

McDonald’s brings back McDonaldland to unlock consumers’ ‘core memories’

Publicis, Wieden+Kennedy, TMS, ProdCo, We Are Social, IMG and IMS collaborated on different elements of the nostalgic campaign.

Updated Aug. 11, 2025

Bud Light kicks off NFL season with at-home tailgates, Peyton Manning

The spot from Anomaly follows the brand’s well-received Super Bowl spot and a recent tie-up with Netflix and Manning’s Omaha Productions.

Olipop appeals to young men with SpongeBob flavor, Roblox experience

Players within the existing SpongeBob Tower Defense game in Roblox can collect cans of the new Pineapple Paradise flavor as an in-game reward.

Loyalty programs with active communities appeal to Gen Z, study finds

Approximately one-third of Gen Z and millennials surveyed by Gale said they stopped using a loyalty program because it felt impersonal.

Weber Ranch Vodka debuts AI-powered mobile mixologist

The tool relies on OpenAI technology to connect consumers with a virtual bartender via SMS for cocktail recommendations and personalized guidance.

What Disney’s NFL, WWE deals mean for the future of streaming ads

With streaming now representing more than 40% of its total upfront volume, the entertainment giant is looking to gird itself as linear TV declines.

How Yum Brands predicts the ‘it’ beverage of the future

Yum Brands CMO Ken Muench explains how the company knows, years ahead of time, which flavors it will pursue for beverage innovation.