Kraft Macaroni and Cheese shifts focus to brand and destigmatizing 'comfort'

In its first campaign messaging around emotion, the CPG marketer leverages TikTok so fans can illustrate how they feel about mac and cheese.

By Asa Hiken • Nov. 16, 2021

Wendy's revs up 'Rick and Morty' vehicle focused on speedy fry delivery

Iterating on a past car concept, the restaurant is promoting new Hot & Crispy Fries around this weekend's Adult Swim Festival and via its mobile app.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 12, 2021

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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

How holiday marketers can blend in-store and app experiences

With most consumers planning to shop online this holiday season, marketers can reach folks through a robust mobile presence, an Airship study suggests.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 11, 2021

Hasbro touts holiday toys in first livestream shopping event

Offering parents a glimpse into this year's popular toys across Hasbro brands, the event merges the convenience of mobile shopping with entertainment.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Nov. 11, 2021

Sports Illustrated launches Snap Original series in push for Gen Z

America's Best Sports Videos showcases the kind of user-generated content that resonates with younger viewers on TikTok and other social video platforms.

By Asa Hiken • Nov. 11, 2021

NBCUniversal teams with messaging platform Holler, deepening social monetization offerings

As part of the deal, the two created shareable stickers on Venmo that analyze context to serve up a relevant flair for users making payments. 

By Peter Adams • Nov. 11, 2021

McDonald's duets with Mariah Carey to celebrate the holidays

In advance of The Mariah Menu launch on Dec. 13, the chain debuted a 30-second TV spot during primetime and added free merchandise to the offering.

By Chris Kelly • Updated Dec. 6, 2021

Coke partners with Cameo to gift personalized videos from Santa

The first holiday ad under the brand's new "Real Magic" platform was developed by agency dentsuMB UK.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 9, 2021

Reese's Puffs puts Kaws art at center of new packaging, AR game

As part of the collaboration, the General Mills brand is selling $50 boxes of its cereal, marking the first time its packaging has come in blue.

By Peter Adams • Nov. 8, 2021

Study: Mobile gamers level up commitment to QSR digital ordering

The growing number of mobile gamers ordering takeout via apps and websites could be pertinent to brands in the QSR space, per AdColony.

By Asa Hiken • Nov. 4, 2021

State Farm kicks off first NFT with virtual football treasure hunt

The AR experience, which stars quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes, debuts ahead of the Packers-Chiefs game on Nov. 7.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Nov. 4, 2021

How Dr. Squatch reaches Gen Z men with offbeat humor on TikTok

Putting $3.6 million toward TikTok ads in the first eight months of 2021, the digitally native brand has worked to create a distinct identity on apps where young men spend time.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 4, 2021

Crypto.com becomes first global marketing partner for Twitch Rivals

The partnership comes on the heels of the cryptocurrency platform's launch of a $100 million global ad campaign that stars Matt Damon.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 4, 2021

Nike and Dick's tie loyalty programs together

The combined offering demonstrates how Nike is trying to deepen its relationships with key wholesale partners.

By Cara Salpini • Nov. 3, 2021

Lifewtr transports Doja Cat fans to 'Planet Her' with mobile, experiential tactics

Access to VIP concert tickets and autographed items are among the potential prizes in the effort that includes an AR-activated mural hidden in LA.

By Peter Adams • Updated Nov. 3, 2021

Pinterest debuts livestream shopping through Pinterest TV

The social media platform will air weekly episodes from the likes of Christian Siriano and Olympian Tom Daley, and run exclusive product drops.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 2, 2021

Walmart to use AR, shoppable content to connect brands with consumers

For the first time this holiday, the retailer is offering new omnichannel touchpoints, tools and partnerships.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 2, 2021

Burger King doles out crypto on Robinhood to boost loyalty program

Royal Perks members could win Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin in a stunt that builds on the QSR's previous brand-building efforts.

By Chris Kelly • Nov. 1, 2021

Lexus takes personalization to new level with 'emotionally intelligent' ad

Using facial recognition, the ad adjusts to the viewer in a reflection of how the ES Self-Charging Hybrid recognizes cues and responds to the driver.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Oct. 28, 2021

Mobile addressability evolves in new paradigm of device IDs, privacy focus

With cookies on their way out and Apple's tracking changes top of mind, panelists at Advertising Week discussed how traditional audience targeting must be reimagined for a privacy-first future.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 28, 2021

Twitter mostly avoids impact from Apple's tracking changes

Citing a relatively effective experience with Apple's SKAN alternative, the platform was able to show ads to 30% more iOS users.

By Asa Hiken • Oct. 28, 2021

McDonald's cooks up first NFT play by flipping rare McRib into digital art

Celebrating the cult favorite's 40th anniversary, the chain enshrined the sandwich as a permanent asset that fans can own via a Twitter sweepstakes.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 28, 2021

Google eyes 'long-term opportunity' in commerce as retail drives blowout ad revenue

As rivals like Facebook contend with headwinds from Apple, Google has kept up momentum through strengths in its shopping business and YouTube.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 27, 2021

Chipotle hosts virtual restaurant on Roblox for Halloween experience

An extended digital play sees the chain tying its annual 'Boorito' promotion to interest in the metaverse while dishing out $1 million in free food.

By Asa Hiken • Oct. 27, 2021

Facebook boosts IP protection on Instagram to combat sales of counterfeit goods

Fresh updates ahead of the holiday shopping season aim to instill trust from brands as the social media giant grapples with a slew of controversies.

By Asa Hiken • Oct. 22, 2021