Ad market avoids falling off a cliff thanks to media innovation, Magna says

The effects of economic uncertainty will be mitigated by the rise of retail media, the growth of ad-supported streaming and the automotive industry's recovery.

By Chris Kelly • March 27, 2023

Levi’s to test AI models to expand the brand’s online diversity

The company says the hyper-realistic models will create a more “inclusive customer experience,” but it stressed they won’t replace human models.

By Natalie Schwartz • March 27, 2023

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Retail Marketing

Top stories that underscore the leading influences on retail marketing, including Gen Z, pop culture and generative AI.

By Marketing Dive staff

Heinz, Absolut cook up limited-edition vodka pasta sauce

The supporting campaign invokes the vodka brand’s ‘80s aesthetic while expanding the condiment maker’s ongoing efforts to tap into foodie culture.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 24, 2023

Mike’s Hard revives fan-favorite flavor with ‘comeback’ hotline

Timed around March Madness, the brand has tapped former basketball star Mike Miller to launch the Mike’s Hard Comeback Hotlime.

By Chris Kelly • March 24, 2023

Sam’s Club bridges online and in-store data gap

Through the retailer’s new feature, advertisers can now gather real-time, first-party insights on members’ in-store purchases. 

By Peyton Bigora • March 23, 2023

75% of marketers expect to spend more on TikTok even as ban looms

As the battle over the future of TikTok intensifies, 56% of marketers believe it is highly or somewhat unlikely that the federal government will ban the platform.

By Chris Kelly • March 23, 2023

Gap pumps brakes on retail media unit

The pause shows not all retail media networks are a surefire bet, even as overall ad sales by retailers are expected to sustain meteoric growth.

By Peter Adams • March 23, 2023

Why PepsiCo’s women’s soccer sponsorship is about more than signage

Mark Kirkham, senior vice president and CMO of international beverages, discussed why sponsors should invest in ways that elevate the sport.

By Aaron Baar • March 23, 2023

CMOs struggle to balance first-party data needs with value creation

New Gartner research challenges some conventional wisdom, including the belief that managing fewer channels leads to more effective data acquisition.

By Peter Adams • March 22, 2023

Ford shifts toward purpose with ‘Euphoria’ star Sydney Sweeney

The actor will host an Auto 101 TikTok series and will debut her female-focused workwear collection made in collaboration with Dickies. 

By Jessica Deyo • March 22, 2023

Coke asks consumers to generate art with new AI platform

The first fruit of the marketer's collaboration with Bain & Company and OpenAI combines the buzzy GPT-4 and DALL-E solutions.

By Chris Kelly • March 21, 2023

Stella Artois crashes into dining trends, shifts brand positioning

The AB InBev brand is putting a bigger focus on casual dining in an attempt to court consumers as dinner habits evolve. 

By Sara Karlovitch • March 20, 2023

NBA scores by personalizing emails with blend of timely content

Conversion and click-through rates got a boost when fan interests were reflected in dynamic content like animations, countdown timers and GIFs.

By Aaron Baar • March 20, 2023

Tide inserts Kumail Nanjiani into messy viral videos for bigger pods push

The actor pops up in viral posts, like one where a baby is covered in peanut butter, to promote overhauled Tide Power Pods with more detergent.

By Peter Adams • March 17, 2023

Bushmills unleashes sheep on NY bar for St. Patrick’s Day campaign

In a humorous new ad, the Irish whiskey brand urges bar goers to avoid herd mentality and ditch its competitors.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 17, 2023

Campaign Trail: Smartwater elevates hydration with athletes — and Pete Davidson

The Coca-Cola brand teamed with VMLY&R to show how its latest innovation helps consumers elevate their lives in a variety of ways.

By Chris Kelly • March 17, 2023

Northwestern Mutual, Pinterest team to give free financial advice to Gen Z

“From Pinning to Planning” includes an online quiz that users can take to reveal their Pinterest Persona and receive custom financial advice. 

By Aaron Baar • March 16, 2023

Meta’s ‘year of efficiency’ brings lofty AI ambitions — and more mass layoffs

The company detailed a restructuring plan that will see 10,000 more layoffs and a focus on AI, speaking to the impacts the tech could have on social media.

By Jessica Deyo • March 16, 2023

Heinz highlights soil degradation with Fortnite island

The ketchup maker is looking to raise awareness about sustainable farming, tasking Fortnite players with keeping a shrinking farm up and running.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 16, 2023

Twisted Tea drops vasectomy underwear for March Madness

The hard iced tea brand's novelty merch is timed to an increase in vasectomies that occur during the NCAA basketball tournament.

By Chris Kelly • March 16, 2023

Coors Light helps calm anxious basketball fans with beer-flavored ice pops

The brewer is taking its “Made to Chill” tagline a step further with limited-edition frozen treats timed to March Madness.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 15, 2023

Denny’s serves up AR experience with new menu overhaul

Guests can take a virtual tour of Denny’s new menu and get exclusive deals, as part of a brand update that includes new kitchen equipment and food offerings. 

By Julie Littman • March 15, 2023

General Motors CMO Deborah Wahl to retire

Along with helping GM navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Wahl has helped lead the automaker’s move toward an all-electric future.

By Chris Kelly • March 15, 2023

Axe enlists Lil Baby to redefine premium through national push

“The Fine Fragrance G.O.A.T.” markets the brand’s affordable line of premium products and looks to appeal to Gen Z with themes like gaming.

By Sara Karlovitch • March 14, 2023

Inside Nestlé‘s long road to improve the sustainability of its packaging footprint

From Nespresso pods made of paper to Stouffer’s trays made with 30% recycled plastic, the CPG giant is finding novel ways to improve some of the millions of pounds of packaging material it uses annually.

By Christopher Doering • March 14, 2023