KFC's scented firelog, Busch's sound button continue quirky holiday merchandise trend

Busch is hosting a contest to give away a button that emits a sound like a can of beer being opened, while KFC's fried chicken-scented firelog is for sale online.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 13, 2018

Vitaminwater urges consumers to quit their smartphones in new sweepstakes

Interestingly, the method for entering the contest is built around smartphone participation with a focus on two mobile-first social platforms: Instagram and Twitter.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 13, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Marketing Dive

From the continued rise of artificial intelligence to the emergence of new digital channels, here's a look at key trends driving marketing in 2026.

By Marketing Dive staff

Jaguar, HGTV star unveil a mobile holiday window in NYC

The carmaker also partnered with Pinterest to let users digitally unwrap special Pins and explore 360-degree views of the decorated truck.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 12, 2018

P&G buys Walker & Company, a disruptor marketer catering to consumers of color

The startup, which owns grooming brands Bevel and Form, looks to tap into the CPG giant's resources, talent and global scale, while P&G can expand its multicultural offerings.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 12, 2018

60% of marketers plan to expand creative teams in H1 2019, hiring survey finds

Recruiting will center on web and mobile development and web production, which the research shows are the hardest roles to fill. 

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 12, 2018

WPP plots return to growth through 'simpler offer,' refreshes brand identity

Copping to becoming unwieldy, the holding group plans to focus squarely on four business areas going forward — and CEO Read said more agency mergers aren't in the cards for now.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 11, 2018

Papa John's debuts 'crusto-currency' reward program

The embattled pizza chain riffs on the cryptocurrency craze with its improved Papa Rewards program.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 11, 2018

Calvin Klein adopts digital-first approach, leaving print ads behind

The brand plans to post more frequently on its social media platforms, work with more micro-influencers and host local activations.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 11, 2018

Comic Dive: Stroke of Midnight at the Influencers Ball

Payless fooled influencers with the fake luxury of its Palessi stunt, but not all the buzz was positive.​

By John Hazard and Lisa Burdige • Dec. 11, 2018

Report: Citibank expands content marketing strategy with related offers

For the first time, the company is running digital display ads for related offers alongside sponsored content as part of its partnerships with publishers.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 11, 2018

Dove Men+Care urges dads to spend time with their kids at #HolidayShear events

The brand partnered with Bishops Cuts/Color to offer free washes and haircuts, along with activities and games to encourage bonding.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 10, 2018

Kimpton's Room 301 influencer campaign boosts Instagram engagement 4x

A room in Los Angeles was transformed into an "Instagrammable space" that fueled influencer content, per a case study by Gartner L2.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) , Robert Williams • Dec. 10, 2018

Move over brands, consumer experiences are the story

Brands must master empathy, strategy and creativity — and understand the technology required to get them there, writes DEG's Tony Toubia.

By Tony Toubia • Dec. 10, 2018

Gillette Venus links with YouTube influencer on razor exclusive to new subscription service

Venus x Remi will be sold through Venus Direct, a DTC offering that lets users choose from products personalized to skin type and shaving routines.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 10, 2018

Spotify, 'Ellen' ink long-term, cross-promotional content partnership

Spotify is creating a content hub curated by DeGeneres — a first for the company — while its brand will get regular on-air TV integrations. 

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 10, 2018

Campaign Trail: Budweiser rallies competitors; Chipotle cooks up holiday displays; Maker's Mark toasts tradition

The AB InBev brand celebrated Repeal Day with a DOOH campaign, burrito ingredients were transformed into window displays and Scarlett Johansson​ hawks whiskey.

By Peter Adams , Natalie Black (Koltun) , Chris Kelly • Dec. 7, 2018

Zippo celebrates lighter's iconic click with Buzzfeed ASMR video

The brand has also announced a sound trademark for the iconic "click" of its windproof lighter.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 7, 2018

Vaseline to deliver free winter skincare kits nationwide

Fans can tweet #SaveMySkin with a snowflake emoji to sign up to receive a package, which includes two products, a mug and games like Jenga.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 7, 2018

Pillsbury's ugly Christmas sweaters sell out within 2 hours

The marketer is now holding a contest to give away additional sweaters, which are stitched with its Doughboy brand mascot and holiday motifs.  

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 7, 2018

Unilever CMO Keith Weed to retire next year

Weed has helped the CPG giant to grow brand purpose while also delivering on performance during his 35 years at the company, earning high industry praise for his leadership along the way. 

By Peter Adams • Dec. 6, 2018

63% of consumers prefer to purchase from purpose-driven brands, study finds

The concept continues to resonate with marketers as well, with trade body the ANA this week naming "Brand Purpose" as its marketing word of the year.

By Peter Adams , Erica Sweeney • Dec. 6, 2018

Accenture among 3 finalists bidding to acquire MDC Partners, Adweek reports

The struggling agency network owns more than 50 shops globally, including 72andSunny and Crispin Porter + Bogusky.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 5, 2018

Sony lets fans create personalized music using biometrics at new pop-up

Visitors to the "Lost in Music" installation can record a unique, downloadable track using their own movements, heartbeat, vocals and other elements.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 5, 2018

Foot Locker, Nike kick it with hometown rappers, athletes to honor sneaker culture

The "Home & Away" collection touts Houston, Atlanta and Miami via exclusive digital content on social media.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 5, 2018

Burger King trolls McDonald's with geolocation stunt

Customers near a McDonald's location can order a Whopper for a penny by downloading Burger King's revamped app.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 5, 2018