Merrell’s first global brand platform looks to redefine the outdoors

The footwear brand is pitching nature as a refuge for consumers who are overwhelmed by the pace and digital demands of modern life.

By Chris Kelly • March 2, 2026

Inside Mercedes-Benz’s custom Amazon Prime Video ads push around the NBA

CMO Melody Lee explains how short-form content helped the automaker integrate customer benefits without interrupting their viewing experience.

By Chris Kelly • March 2, 2026

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

Campaign Trail: Bosch builds cute robots to push windshield wiper innovation

Created with agency Bailey Lauerman, “Impressive Innovation” demonstrates how the company brings precision and performance to wipers and beyond.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 27, 2026

How Progressive balances AI use with authenticity as scrutiny persists

The insurance provider’s “Drive Like an Animal” campaign leveraged AI to reduce production time while still considering consumer sentiment.

By Sara Karlovitch • Feb. 27, 2026

Will Gap’s new loyalty program meet the moment?

Special perks are not enough anymore, especially for a brand attempting to regain a place in the cultural conversation.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 26, 2026

How Coach cocreated a campaign with Gen Z communities around the world

CMO Joon Silverstein explained how “Explore Your Story” demonstrates the luxury brand’s embrace of social-first marketing during a Marketing Dive event.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 26, 2026

Kayak pokes fun at millennial travel anxiety in new brand platform

The travel search engine is shifting the focus from the destination to the anxiety of planning a trip.

By Sara Karlovitch • Feb. 26, 2026

How The Children’s Place embraces modern parenting with new brand platform

The retailer’s “It’s a Yes Day” platform began rolling out this month across digital, social and e-commerce channels and includes creator partnerships.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 26, 2026

IHOP promotes pancakes with low-tech aesthetics, experiential play

In a tie-up with musician Mr. Fantasy, the chain is plastering high-traffic areas with old-school flyers reminiscent of the early internet aesthetic. 

By Sara Karlovitch • Feb. 25, 2026

Philadelphia’s new brand platform positions cream cheese as kitchen staple

Developed by Johannes Leonardo, the Kraft Heinz brand’s “Really Philly Good” includes 19 spots featuring new brand character Phillyboy.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 25, 2026

Olaplex links with ‘SNL’ star to blend science, style and humor in new ads

Chloe Fineman serves as Chief Hair Officer for “Science Never Looked So Good,” a campaign created with agency Mother.

By Jessica Hammers • Feb. 24, 2026

What BodyArmor’s NCAA deal means for Coca-Cola’s hydration portfolio

CMO Tom Gargiulo explains how the sport drink’s refreshed “Choose Better” campaign will be activated around the March Madness tournament.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 24, 2026

Waterloo Sparkling Water names Dentsu Creative social AOR as brand expands

The nearly 10-year-old beverage marketer is looking to social as a national awareness driver and prioritizing quality interaction over content volume.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 23, 2026

Axe addresses fragrance overuse with new campaign, spray tech

“The History of Overdoing It” uses humor — and a stuffy academic narrator — to implore young men to take a subtler approach to fragrance. 

By Peter Adams • Feb. 23, 2026

Gartner: CMOs want AI transformation, but few are upgrading their skills

By 2027, lack of AI literacy could be a top-three reason CMOs are replaced, yet a fifth of marketers don’t feel a need to meaningfully update their skills.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 23, 2026

Zillow links with World of Warcraft to showcase in-game homes

Zillow for Warcraft includes a custom microsite featuring a number of player-favorite housing creations and will be supported by a co-branded campaign.

By Aaron Baar • Feb. 19, 2026

PepsiCo’s first creator-led product launch reimagines chips for Gen Z

The CPG giant teamed with Madison Beer, iShowSpeed and Dude Perfect on products meant to shrink the distance between creators, culture and checkout.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 18, 2026

Frosted Flakes remixes ‘90s jingle to reintroduce Tony the Tiger

The cereal brand partnered with rap artist JID for a fresh take on its “Hey Tony” jingle as it looks to grow loyalty with a new generation.

By Aaron Baar • Feb. 18, 2026

How Hefty is unifying its brand portfolio marketing with John Cena

Created with McCann, the “Strong Choice” campaign builds on a 10-year relationship with the actor and retired wrestler.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 18, 2026

How QSRs are building on value marketing with pop culture, nostalgia

Fast food marketers including McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s will have to move beyond price-point value to drive sales and traffic.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 18, 2026

Folgers mixes iconic jingle with ‘wake up’ songs from across years, genres

The J.M. Smucker coffee brand is trying to reach new generations of consumers as it looks to change perceptions.

By Sara Karlovitch • Feb. 17, 2026

PepsiCo’s CMO on how its Super Bowl strategy informs 2026 growth plans

Chief Consumer and Marketing Officer Jane Wakely explains how efforts by Lay’s, Pepsi Zero Sugar and Poppi extend beyond the big game.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 17, 2026

Campaign Trail: Squarespace turns domain names into a noir nightmare

The brand enlisted Hollywood duo Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos to break out of the “sea of sameness” in Super Bowl ads.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 13, 2026

Major League Soccer extends reach in substantial marketing push

“MLS Is Back” puts the league in the spotlight ahead of the World Cup, which is coming to the U.S. this year.

By Sara Karlovitch • Feb. 12, 2026

Sweetgreen names Wpromote paid media AOR as brand looks to reignite growth

Wpromote is tasked with balancing a cohesive national strategy with more market-specific opportunities as Sweetgreen combats a sales slump. 

By Peter Adams • Feb. 12, 2026