1-800-Flowers cashes in on conversational commerce, AR for Valentine's Day

Mobile pay, voice ordering and a product recommendation engine highlight how brands are using mobile tech to lure shoppers around holidays.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 30, 2019

Brands hit brakes on pre-game Super Bowl marketing in 2019, analysis finds

Compared with previous years, fewer brands had released teasers or campaigns by the week before the big game while TV spending totaled $2.9 million, down from $38.8 million in 2018.  

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 30, 2019

Comic Dive: Gillette Hits Gender Politics Turbulence

The Procter & Gamble razor brand tried to tackle toxic masculinity with a #MeToo-inspired spot but sparked social media outcry.

By John Hazard and Lisa Burdige • Jan. 29, 2019

Kraft Heinz's Devour places ad on porn site for edgy Super Bowl campaign

The frozen meals maker confirmed that the Pornhub media placement was intentional, continuing a "food porn" theme for its big game debut.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 29, 2019

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold uncaps ASMR for Super Bowl debut

Actress Zoe Kravitz urges viewers to reconnect with nature and enjoy "beer in its organic form."

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 29, 2019

New Balance taps all-female creative team for new empowerment campaign

Authenticity is a big focus in an effort that also features female runners and a music video for an up-and-coming band.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 29, 2019

Reuters: Snapchat could make some snaps permanent

The image-sharing app is also considering whether to reveal the identities of users who make public posts.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 29, 2019

Stella Artois brings back Carrie Bradshaw, The Dude for cause-focused Super Bowl spot

In "Change Up The Usual," the iconic characters choose a Stella over their usual drinks to raise awareness about the brand's Water.org partnership.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 29, 2019

The hype cools on 5G — but the revolution is still coming

Presentations on the wireless upgrade underwhelmed many at CES, but it remains an essential consideration when developing strategies around the next generation of consumer technology.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 29, 2019

Virtual reality for retail, marketing could hit $1.8B in 2022

VR remains in early phases, but related revenue could explode over the next few years, according to a Pymnts.com study.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 28, 2019

Brands ramp up ad spend on Facebook Stories by 124%, study finds

Nanigans' Q4 2018 data suggest that the format is making gains, even if it is dwarfed by the social network's more established News Feed.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 28, 2019

'Resident Evil 2' YouTube ad lets viewers choose their adventure

One-third of viewers chose to continue the ad's interactive experience, with 85% of that group following the narrative to its end.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 28, 2019

Marc Jacobs Beauty taps makeup guru as first 'global artistry advisor'

Nikkie de Jager will become part of the product development process, highlighting how influencer relationships with brands are evolving.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 28, 2019

Study: Super Bowl ad reveals fail to gain traction on social media

While ad reveals aren't driving much chatter, a new report shows Pizza Hut's expansion of beer delivery has spurred more than 125,000 shares.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 28, 2019

American Eagle hands creative control to Gen Zers for spring campaign

Cast members were discovered on social media and then photographed themselves in a series of self-portraits using iPhones and disposable cameras.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 28, 2019

Tostitos dips into unofficial world record with 53-hour Super Bowl livestream

Current and former NFL players will show off their "chipping and dipping" skills during the livestream to celebrate the Super Bowl's 53rd year.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 28, 2019

Honda teams with Twitch and esports pros Team Liquid

The partnership features a customized fleet of cars, jersey placements, a video series, charity tournaments, Reddit AMAs and more.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 25, 2019

87% plan to upgrade to a 5G-enabled phone, survey finds

Consumers are willing to pay more for the next-gen technology if it delivers on its promise. 

By Robert Williams • Jan. 25, 2019

Walmart gamifies in-store training with Spark City app

The mobile platform, which already has more than 104,000 downloads, simulates customer interactions to help associates perform better on the floor.

By Dan O'Shea • Jan. 25, 2019

75% of search shopping impressions occur on mobile, Kenshoo finds

Growth in advertising on Amazon spurred a fivefold jump in e-commerce ad spending.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 25, 2019

Taco Bell cooks up faux movie trailer for Nacho Fries' comeback

The campaign includes running the spot in theaters, printing movie posters and creating special "For Your Consideration" media kits.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 25, 2019

Coca-Cola's big game spot will celebrate diversity immediately before national anthem

Fans can share selfies on social media honoring what makes them different, some of which will be added into an Instagram mural during the Super Bowl.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 25, 2019

Expensify drops scannable 2 Chainz music video in Super Bowl lead-up

Viewers can scan the receipts featured in the commercial to win prizes around the big game.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 25, 2019

Amazon's IMDbPro app connects entertainment professionals at Sundance Film Festival

Director Kevin Smith will interview actors, writers and directors for the IMDb TV and movie database.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 24, 2019

Blippar returns after finding a buyer of key assets

After filing for bankruptcy last month, the tech startup will focus on AR software development.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 24, 2019