During the month of January, there were news stories that reflected ad strategy, brand ambassadors, brand celebrations, brand extensions, brand identity, brand experiences, brand packaging, brand positioning, brand storytelling, brand strategy, crisis communications, customer experience marketing strategies, food marketing, leadership, personal branding, product launches, product pricing, strategic partnerships, and more.
AUTISTIC BARBIE
Mattel unveiled its first Barbie on the Autism spectrum on January 12th. According to CNN, "The new doll is part of Mattel's Fashionistas collection, which includes dolls with a diverse range of skin tones, hair textures, body types, and health conditions, including type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, and blindness. To design this doll, Mattel worked with the nonprofit Autistic Self Advocacy Network, which aims to represent the roughly 1 in 31 children who are diagnosed with autism by age 8 in the United States."
According to Colin Killick, executive director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, "It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and that’s exactly what this doll is. Partnering with Barbie allowed us to share insights and guidance throughout the design process to ensure that the doll fully represents and celebrates the autistic community, including the tools that help us be independent."
Eileen Lamb of Austin, Texas, was not diagnosed until she was a mother in her 20's, "Toys matter. Representation matters, and it’s really good for children to see themselves in a toy. It sends a message that being different is nothing to be ashamed of."
Here are the product details from Mattel's website:
*Barbie wears a lavender and white pinstriped dress with a relaxed, comfortable fit. The ruffle hem adds an extra pop of personality to her look!
*As autism can impact fine motor skills, she wears her hair in a loose style accented by noise-canceling headphones. More than just an accessory, they help relax her when she’s sensitive to stimuli!
*She comes with a fidget spinner that really works. From hanging with friends to having a picnic in the park or going to the movies, she loves having the spinner handy when she’s out and about!
*Flexible joints at the elbows and wrists allow her hands to move freely so kids can play out stimming movements with the doll. She also wears flat, purple shoes for extra stability and style!
*This Autistic Barbie doll comes with an Augmentative and Alternative Communication tablet -- a tool that helps her express herself in ways other than talking!
According to Harper's Bazaar, "For children, toys are often the first mirrors of identity. This is where Barbie’s impact extends beyond the shelf. With over 175 looks in the Fashionistas collection, the brand is encouraging children to engage with stories that may be different from their own, nurturing empathy from an early age without imposition...As part of the India launch, Mattel will contribute a portion of proceeds from the doll’s sales to the India Autism Centre, supporting initiatives focused on awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. While the doll might be small, it carries a powerful message: that difference is not something to hide, but something to be seen, understood, and celebrated."
SHARE THIS: Difference is not something to hide, but something to be seen, understood, and celebrated. ~Sagarika Choudhary #AutisticBarbie #Inclusion #Diversity #DebbieLaskeysBlog
VACATION ON THE MOON
According to Space.com, "Wealthy adventure seekers can now book a vacation on the moon through a California-based start-up, which plans to open a hotel on Earth's celestial companion by 2032. The aspiring space tourists have to put down a hefty deposit of $1,000,000 to be among the first to visit what the company claims will be "the first-ever permanent off-Earth structure." Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU), founded by Berkeley graduate Skyler Chan, launched the booking website on January 12th, unveiling details of the hotel's architecture. Pending regulatory approval, construction is expected to begin in 2029. The hotel's early clientele are expected to be participants of previous commercial space flights and rich, adventurous, newlyweds looking for an out-of-this-world honeymoon experience."
According to the company's online white paper, "Our thesis is simple: space tourism will be the fastest economic wedge to spin up the lunar economy. By building the first hotel on the Moon, we introduce immediate, tangible value for customers on Earth, while proving the same core capabilities required for permanent surface infrastructure. We position ourselves as the primary architect of humanity’s future on the Moon, Mars, and beyond."
According to KTLA 5 News, "Applicants must first pay a non-refundable $1,000 application fee. If selected, they can then choose to make a $250,000 to $1 million refundable deposit to reserve a spot at the future lunar hotel. Final pricing has not yet been set, but GRU Space says it is expected to exceed $10 million per stay once the hotel is ready to accept guests. The company says participants may be required to provide medical, financial, and personal documentation to prove they are capable of safely making the journey and maintaining their reservation.
GRU Space has laid out a multi-year timeline for the project:
*2026: Applications reviewed.
*2027: Private auction for specific mission roles and lunar stays.
*2029: First construction payload lands on the moon.
*2031: Lunar habitat and construction systems deployed.
*Early 2030s: First guests arrive.
The company says its first version of the hotel would be manufactured on Earth, sent to the Moon, and inflated into a pressurized habitat before later versions are expanded with structures built from lunar soil."
PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2026 — UPDATE
Since 1975, ORLY nail polish products have been made at their headquarters in Los Angeles, California. And since early January 2026, the brand has promoted three colors to celebrate Pantone's color of the year for 2026: "Cloud Nine" (white) - plus "On a Break" (similar white) and "Sea Spray" (translucent).
LOUVRE PRICING FOR NON-EU VISITORS
The Louvre Museum announced a new pricing strategy effective January 14th. According to Google, "The Louvre increased its ticket prices by 45 percent for most non-European visitors to $37-$38 to help fund renovations and cover rising costs. The price remains $25 for EU citizens as well as those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The reasoning was to help finance major updates and security enhancements after incidents like the 2025 Crown Jewels heist as well as part of a broader French initiative for "differentiated pricing" at state cultural sites. This increase is expected to generate $17- 23 million annually. However, unions and some visitors call the increase discriminatory and harmful to the museum's universal mission."
According to Le Monde, "A 2024 report published by the Louvre showed it received 8.7 million visitors that year, of which 69 percent were foreigners. Americans were the most numerous, British were in second place, and Chinese visitors were in third place."
According to Forbes, "It is believed the new museum update will house the Mona Lisa in its own gallery, with a dedicated entrance on the museum's eastern side near the Seine River, accessible with a separate ticket. The price is yet to be determined, but the gallery is expected to be complete by 2031. The Louvre covers about 73,000 square meters and exhibits 35,000 works of art, the oldest of which date back more than 9,000 years. It has been estimated that spending 30 seconds on each piece of artwork could take you 100 days—yet most visitors spend between 2 and 4 hours in the museum."
YALE UNIVERSITY'S TUITION ANNOUNCEMENT
On January 27th, Yale University announced significant enhancements to its financial aid program for undergraduates that will lower costs for future students and their families. "The changes, which will go into effect for new Yale College students entering in the 2026-2027 academic year, eliminate all expected costs for families with typical assets and annual incomes below $100,000 while also ensuring that families with typical assets and annual incomes below $200,000 receive need-based scholarships that meet or exceed the cost of tuition.
Since 2010, Yale has offered financial aid awards known as “zero parent share” awards. They provide eligible families scholarship grants that cover the full cost of all billed expenses — tuition, housing, and the meal plan — as well as estimated travel costs, hospitalization insurance coverage, and a $2,000 start-up grant. In 2020, Yale raised the income threshold for zero parent share awards from $65,000 to $75,000, making eligible over 15 million American families with school-aged children. By raising the threshold again, to $100,000, nearly half of all American households with children ages 6-17 would now qualify for a financial aid package that does not require parents to contribute anything towards a student’s education. And under the new policy for families with incomes under $200,000, more than 80 percent of American households would be eligible for a Yale scholarship covering at least the cost of tuition."
Jeremiah Quinlan, Yale's Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid, said, "With this announcement, we reiterate and reinforce Yale’s commitment to ensuring that cost will never be a barrier between promising students and a Yale College education."
TANQUERAY'S NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR
The Spirits Business reported, "Actress Sarah Jessica Parker has partnered with Tanqueray as the gin brand's global ambassador. Tanqueray said the partnership with Parker is the first in a new series of voices and tastemakers that celebrate the brand’s place within contemporary culture, and will be marked with a host of curated experiences and moments around the world this year, including the US, Italy, UK, China, India, and Brazil, where it will appear at Rio de Janeiro carnival in February.
In her new role, Parker will front a global campaign for the brand that launched in January entitled 'There’s an N and an O in every icon.' Parker explained, "The no's you give and take are what make life spectacular. I'm thrilled to be joining forces with Tanqueray, celebrating all the many no's we meet in the pursuit of excellence. The no's I've collected throughout my life and career have shaped me, pushed me, and, more often than not, carried me to the most unexpected and spectacular places. They've become part of the adventure, and I'm grateful for every single one."
TIMBERLAND PRIORITIZES NEW TARGET MARKET
According to Board Retailers, "Timberland, an outdoors brand, has to reignite energy around the brand, according to Nina Flood, global brand president. While Timberland was first known for a construction boot fit for New England weather, it started showing up more on the feet of everyday consumers in New York, Milan, and Tokyo. Timberland was able to “transcend what it was made for,” particularly in terms of lifestyle and culture. As a result, Timberland created what Flood calls an “always-on icon” strategy. The brand paired up with Spike Lee, Naomi Campbell, and Teddy Swims on marketing campaigns, and it collaborated with fashion properties including Louis Vuitton and Telfar. Timberland also developed custom footwear for Timothee Chalamet, Doja Cat, and Lewis Hamilton. And it made its stores more interactive by hosting customization workshops for NBA draft picks and offering laser-etching and embroidery services for customers."
Will this outreach to young shoppers work? Time will tell.
WAHLBURGERS AND MOBILE FOODSERVICE
While you may not recognize the name, you definitely know the actor-singer brothers Mark and Donnie Wahlberg behind their restaurant brand. Restaurant Business reported, "About a year ago, Wahlburgers broke off a partnership with the Hy-Vee grocery chain, which had planned to grow the celebrity-owned burger concept at its retail locations. Now, the 52-unit burger chain is shifting its growth strategies to take advantage of the brand's flexible formats. Wahlburgers has partnered with licensee Adaptiv Provisions to open three food trailers outside Home Depot stores in Florida. Mobile foodservice isn't new for the brand. Wahlburgers has trailers the company operates in Boston, and another licensee brings the brand to events, county fairs, and race tracks around the country. But Home Depot has more than 2,500 stores across the country, so that presents a significant opportunity, should Home Depot decide to expand on the idea. More Wahlburgers trailers are expected to open this year."
According to CEO Randy Sharpe, "The brand does really well in captive market, and it’s another opportunity to grow our footprint. It's about knowing who you are as a brand and what works. You have to pick the right real estate. You want the right traffic patterns. And you want to make sure you pick the right markets where it resonates well."
FOOD TRENDS OF 2026
One of the food trends that Michelin Guide Inspectors noticed for 2026 was that, "Service Is a Culture. Diners can expect service to become a clearer expression of identity. In Hangzhou at La Villa and at Mémoire in Penang, Malaysia, the trolley service is making a comeback, creating a richer and more interactive dining experience. You’ll see the same in France, where the service au guéridon — meat or fish brought on a trolley, chosen at the table, then carved or finished in the dining room — is a way of putting the front-of-house back at the center."
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AT STARBUCKS — PART 1
Modern Retail reported, "Starbucks is partnering more with other brands as the company seeks a turnaround. On the food side, Starbucks is striking more deals with better-for-you brands to fill gaps in its offerings and meet increased demand for healthier options and trending items like high-protein concoctions. It’s also turning to entertainment partnerships to bring more people in stores.
At the same time, the company is aiming to reclaim its spot as a lifestyle leader through fashion and beauty collaborations. For example, last September, Starbucks partnered with designer Zac Posen during New York Fashion Week. Starbucks has also been making headway on the merch front. In 2025, the company rolled out several fashion and lifestyle collaborations, including limited-edition collections with apparel brands Farm Rio and Roller Rabbit. And, last fall, Starbucks unveiled a merchandise collection with Hello Kitty.
The strategy — offering a continuous series of product collaborations and brand partnerships that offer customers newness — is part of the company’s "Back to Starbucks" plan under CEO Brian Niccol. Now, industry analysts are waiting to see how these integrated co-branded experiences will drive loyalty and repeat purchases at Starbucks."
STARBUCKS' COFFEEHOUSE COACHES — PART 2
Nation's Restaurant News (NRN) reported, "Starbucks' pilot program of adding an assistant store manager has concluded following the deployment of 62 employees taking on the role in select coffeehouses throughout the United States. Now the company is pushing the gas on the initiative, with a goal of having at least one assistant store manager employed at most domestic locations by the end of 2026. However, the ASSISTANT STORE MANAGERS will be known as COFFEEHOUSE COACHES."
Starbucks' chief partner (employee) officer Sara Kelly wrote in a blog post, "This better reflects what the role is designed to do — be more focused on people and the coffeehouse experience. Those in the newly-created position helped with hiring, onboarding, training, and leadership coverage. Employees in pilot locations (Chicago, Rio Grande Valley (Texas), and Empire (California)) felt more supported, while shifts ran smoother. Further, partners (employees) felt more confident about career growth opportunities. Coffeehouse coaches are dedicated, full-time leaders who will work with their coffeehouse leader to keep things running smoothly, supporting customers, and helping partners (employees) grow. They’re the go-to resource during busy shifts, ready to jump in, answer questions, and provide real-time coaching."
CHIPOTLE AND THE PGA
The PGA TOUR and Chipotle Mexican Grill announced a new marketing partnership that designates Chipotle as the "Official Mexican Restaurant," as well as the "Official Burrito, Bowl, Tacos and Quesadilla" of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions. Chipotle’s partnership with the PGA TOUR is part of the brand’s Real Food for Real Athletes platform that focuses on supporting athletes across all levels by providing proper nutrition through real food and fresh ingredients.
Dan Glod, PGA TOUR executive vice president, corporate partnerships, said, "Chipotle has a dedicated following among PGA TOUR players and fans alike, and we’re pleased to begin integrating their brand across our platforms with this new marketing partnership."
Chris Brandt, president, chief brand officer at Chipotle, said, "Partnering with the PGA TOUR is a natural fit for us because our real food is already a mainstay in many top players’ routines, both at home and on the road. Our goal is to tap into this existing passion among the golf community and deliver creative executions to elevate fan experiences throughout the TOUR season."
CHILI'S AND SPIRE MOTORSPORTS
MediaPost reported, "A year after initially coming together on the track, Chili’s is continuing to bring its trademark red pepper to NASCAR with a multiyear extension of its partnership with Spire Motorsports. Over the past year Chili’s and Spire Motorsports have encouraged fans to "Ride the 'Dente," a nod to the brand's Presidente Margarita, through driver's custom fire suits, a country music video, and a mechanical margarita shaker ride onsite at races. Announced on January 20th, Chili's kicks off its 2026 sponsorship in Texas at the March 1st NASCAR race weekend at Circuit of the Americas. The race is the first of many that feature the Chili’s branded No. 77 Chevrolet ZL1 driven by NASCAR Cup Series star Carson Hocevar."
Tim Forman, Chili's Director of Media, said in a press release, "We are eager to embrace opportunities to have fun and show up in unexpected ways together. Last season, Carson took it to a new level, giving fans an authentic reason to connect with Ride the 'Dente, and we can't wait to continue that push this year."
WEGMANS AND FACE SCANNING
Wegmans shared its statement on facial recognition technology, "At Wegmans, the safety of our customers and employees is a top priority. Like many retailers, we use cameras to help identify individuals who pose a risk to our people, customers, or operation. In a small fraction of our stores located in communities that exhibit an elevated risk, we have deployed cameras equipped with facial recognition technology. In New York City, we comply with local requirements by posting the mandated signage to notify customers about the technology. This technology is solely used for keeping our stores secure and safe. The system collects facial recognition data and only uses it to identify individuals who have been previously flagged for misconduct. We do not collect other biometric data such as retinal scans or voice prints. Images and video are retained only as long as necessary for security purposes and then disposed of. For security reasons, we do not disclose the exact retention period, but it aligns with industry standards...We understand concerns about fairness and bias in facial recognition systems. We employ a multitude of training and safety measures to help keep people safe. Facial recognition technology serves as one investigative lead for us. We never base our decisions on a single lead alone. Our goal is simple - to keep our stores safe and secure."
JERSEY MIKE'S LOOKS TOWARD THE FUTURE
QSR reported, "Charlie Morrison has worked in the restaurant industry for about 35 years, including time as CEO of Pizza Inn, Wingstop, and Salad and Go. However, since April 2025, he's been CEO of Jersey Mike's. Morrison is part of a new era for the decades-old concept. In the fall of 2024, Jersey Mike’s first announced that founder Peter Cancro agreed to sell majority ownership to private equity firm Blackstone. The deal was later finalized in early 2025. Before the transaction—and likely afterward as well—Jersey Mike’s stood as the fastest-growing sandwich chain in America, and it's not particularly close. The brand eclipsed 1,000 restaurants in 2015, 2,000 in 2021, and 3,000 in 2024. Last year alone, the company debuted a net of 254 units. Jersey Mike’s believes it has room for 8,000 restaurants in the U.S.
Morrison said, "It's an amazing brand. You just don't find anything like this out there—a skilled company, highly franchised concept that's right down the middle for what I love. And a product that's incredibly craveable, a fan base that's second to none, and their customers tell us that and they tell the world that. And a growth story that's unmatched...It encapsulates everything that a lot of people know about this brand and our customers love. It’s about the care that we put into the product every day. We bake our bread fresh twice a day. We hand-slice all of our vegetables that are toppings for our subs every day. And then, every time you walk into a Jersey Mike's, your sub is made fresh. We hand-slice the meats, the cheese, assemble the sandwich right in front of you. We do it Mike's way, which means we put the lettuce, the tomato, the onion, the oil and vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano on that every single time. And that authenticity—just like that traditional deli experience—in a chain is unheard of."
According to CFO Michelle Allen, "The most loyal guest skews more male and affluent, but for the most part, the customer base is large and diverse. Going forward, Jersey Mike’s plans to expand its reach through digital marketing, first-party data, and personalized engagement. The brand is big on delivery and tapping into that opportunity in a more significant way. It's also leaning into menu innovation."
SHACK SHACK'S NEW CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER
Nation's Restaurant News reported, "Shake Shack has named Jim Taylor to the newly created position of chief commercial officer, effective immediately. In his role, Taylor will oversee the fast-casual chain’s marketing and culinary teams as well as the brand's end-to-end revenue and growth strategy, and will report to CEO Rob Lynch."
What exactly does a chief commercial officer do? Sounds like a Chief Operations Officer, a Chief Customer Experience Officer, or even a Chief Brand Experience Officer. According to Wikipedia, "The chief commercial officer (CCO) (sometimes referred to as the chief business officer) is an executive-level role, with the holder being responsible for the commercial management and the development of an organization. It typically involves activities relating to marketing, sales, logistics, product development, and customer service to drive business growth and market share. As a corporate officer position, the CCO generally reports directly to the chief executive officer (CEO) and is primarily concerned with ensuring the integrated commercial success of an organization. The role typically must combine technical knowledge of the relevant field with strong marketing and business development skills. A CCO takes ownership of the customer and the customer interface with the product or service offering, making sure that all functions of the organization are aligned to meet its strategic commercial objectives. This means that they are closely linked to the organization's strategic management function, in drafting, implementing and evaluating cross-functional decisions that will enable an organization to achieve its long-term objectives."
PEET'S COFFEE NEWS
Nation's Restaurant News reported, "California-based Peet’s Coffee is planning to shutter more than two dozen locations in the San Francisco market by the end of January, according to local reports. An additional location is also closing in Evanston, Ill. This marks a major retrenchment for Peet’s domestic system, which ended 2024 with 255 units, according to Technomic, or 1.2 percent fewer locations than at the end of 2023. There were nearly 400 locations at the end of 2019. According to a company statement, "Peet's has made the difficult decision to close a number of our locations by the end of January 2026. These closures reflect a broader effort to align our business with long-term growth priorities and current market conditions. We are deeply grateful to our incredible employees and loyal customers for their continued commitment to the brand. We remain dedicated to the quality, craftsmanship, and heritage that have defined Peet's for the past 60 years, while embracing new opportunities to innovate and grow. The decision comes on the heels of Keurig Dr Pepper's $18 billion plan to acquire JDE Peets in an all-cash transaction, first announced in August 2025. Last week, Keurig Dr Pepper officially launched its takeover bid for JDE Peet's. The deal, expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 according to Reuters, includes plans to split the coffee and other beverage businesses into two publicly-traded companies."
JENNA BUSH HAGER'S NEW BFF
After a year of guest hosts on the fourth hour of the TODAY show entitled "JENNA & FRIENDS," the new permanent co-host, Sheinelle Jones, started on January 12th. Previous co-hosts Heda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford surprised Hager and Jones in their first show together.
According to NBC New York, "Sheinelle was one of 60 co-hosts and guests who joined in the fun of the fourth hour following the debut of "JENNA & FRIENDS" in January 2025. In their statement to staff, TODAY executive vice president Libby Leist and Jenna & Friends executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones said they "applaud the unflappable Jenna Bush Hager and the entire Jenna & Friends staff, who have kept the show vibrant and engaging with 60 different co-hosts. The show didn't skip a beat, as Jenna went on 'first dates' in front of millions of people."
AMERICA'S FIRST LADY RINGS OPENING BELL AT NYSE
On January 28th, First Lady Melania Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange ahead of her upcoming documentary release entitled, "Melania," which documents her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump's second inauguration. According to USA Today, "The ringing of the NYSE opening bell, which starts the day's trading, has long been used as a platform for companies and public figures to promote themselves during an often highly publicized event."
FIRST WOMAN TO LEAD CHURCH OF ENGLAND
The Associated Press reported, "Sarah Mullally walked into St. Paul’s Cathedral on the morning of January 28th as the bishop of London. When she walked out in the afternoon as bells rang out, she was the spiritual leader of millions of Anglicans around the world. Mullally, 63, became the archbishop of Canterbury, making her the first woman to lead the Church of England. The worldwide Anglican Communion, which includes the Episcopal Church in the U.S., has no formal head, but the archbishop traditionally has been seen as its spiritual leader. The so-called Confirmation of Election service marks a major milestone for the Church of England, which ordained its first female priests in 1994 and its first female bishop in 2015. The church traces its roots to the 16th century when the English church broke away from the Roman Catholic Church during the reign of King Henry VIII.
George Gross, an expert on theology and the monarchy at King’s College London, highlighted the church’s continuing divergence from the Catholic Church, which forbids women from being ordained as priests, much less as serving as the religion’s global spiritual leader. But Mullally’s appointment may deepen rifts within the Anglican Communion, whose 100 million members in 165 countries are deeply divided over issues such as the role of women and the treatment of LGBTQ people.
Gafcon, a global organization of conservative Anglicans, says Mullally’s appointment is divisive because a majority of the Anglican Communion still believes only men should be bishops. Rwandan Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, chairman of the Gafcon council of senior bishops, also criticized Mullally’s support for the blessing of same-sex marriages, "Since the newly appointed archbishop of Canterbury has failed to guard the faith and is complicit in introducing practices and beliefs that violate both the ‘plain and canonical sense’ of Scripture and `the Church’s historic and consensual’ interpretation of it, she cannot provide leadership to the Anglican Communion."
However, Mullally was nominated by a 17-member commission composed of clerics and lay people, and her appointment was confirmed by King Charles III, who is the supreme governor of the church. But there is still one more step in the long process of appointing the new archbishop. On March 25th at Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally will be formally installed as bishop of the diocese of Canterbury in a ceremony marking the beginning of her new role. After that, her public-facing ministry begins."
NFL AND MLK, JR. LEGACY
During the weekend football games preceding January 19th, the National Football League (NFL) honored the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by displaying the phrase "Choose Love" in the end zones and on helmet decals, reflecting the values that Dr. King championed: dignity, empathy, and a commitment to our shared humanity. This recognition and messaging continued through the remainder of the playoffs as well as at the Super Bowl on February 8th.
PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES — ROYAL WARRANTS
According to Cosmopolitan, "King Charles has strayed from tradition in order to grant Prince William and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, new powers. It's a move that quietly signifies just how highly the monarch thinks of his eldest son and daughter-in-law, both of whom are consistently voted as the most popular members of the family (according to YouGov). Starting in the spring, William and Kate will be given permission to issue a royal warrant of approval to the individuals and brands they love, once they've been formalised as Grantors of Royal Warrants – an honour that is typically only reserved for the reigning monarch and their partner (or members of kin that the monarch has singled out). So far, Charles has chosen to keep royal warrant grants between himself and Camilla. This change will see Kate become the first Princess of Wales to issue a royal warrant in 116 years.
The royal warrant is bestowed upon brands that are deemed to be of high-quality and personally approved by a member of the family. As per the Royal Warrants Holder Association, the business or individual must have supplied the royal household "with goods or services for at least five years out of the past seven years, and have an ongoing trading relationship," so you know recipients are legit loved by the royals. They are then able to display the royal warrant crest on their products and website."
PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES — CRISIS MANAGEMENT PUBLICIST HIRED
In preparation for Prince William's eventual succession, there is evidence that the "Firm" is looking for closer alignment between Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace. According to Tatler, "Liza Ravenscroft is a crisis management expert who works ‘arm in arm with big names facing their toughest times’ – so why has she been hired by Prince William? The Prince of Wales has recruited Ravenscroft, described by a former boss as ‘bulletproof sunshine,’ from communications firm Edelman, and commentators have wondered whether this new addition to Kensington Palace has something to do with the ongoing dramas afflicting the Firm. Top of the list is the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose titles were stripped by King Charles as a result of his friendship with the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein (though Andrew denies all allegations made against him). Described by ITV as ‘arguably the biggest royal scandal since the abdication crisis,’ the downfall of the former Prince Andrew will doubtless have rocked the royal family to its core, and could be the reason that Prince William has turned to an expert in helping the world’s biggest brands deal with public scandals.
But that’s not the only drama to have hit the Firm over the past few years. The Prince of Wales famously described 2024 as the hardest year of his life, as he balanced royal duties with the King and the Princess of Wales’s cancer battles. The relationship between the Windsors and Prince Harry remains fraught, despite rumours that the Duke of Sussex is planning to bring Meghan Markle to Birmingham for the launch of the Invictus Games."
HASBRO'S LEADERSHIP TRAINING IS A GAME
Entrepreneur magazine reported, "Hasbro, the toy and entertainment company behind brands like Monopoly, Dungeons and Dragons, Play-Doh, and Scrabble, is turning its creativity inward. Instead of sending rising managers to business school or corporate leadership programs, Hasbro is training its high-potential employees through a new strategy board game called Toy Tycoon. Hasbro’s potential leaders undergo a program that begins with a two-day intensive led by top executives, including CEO Chris Cocks. Participants learn core business foundations, such as strategy, capital allocation and the mechanics of the toy industry through real-world case studies.
The true challenge arrives on the third day, when leadership training participants sit down to play Toy Tycoon, Hasbro’s proprietary leadership simulation game that is only available for workers to access. Cocks called the game "Monopoly meets a crash course MBA meets startup hustle, Hasbro-style." In Toy Tycoon, teams take on the role of co-CEOs managing Hasbro brands and competing in an evolving marketplace. Players are tasked with building a brand by carefully managing the company’s cash, time and resources. Each round of the game represents a year in the company’s life, forcing players to make tough decisions about hiring, product launches, and manufacturing. As in the real world, every choice has ripple effects. For example, over-investing in a low-margin product results in declining profits. Neglecting supply chains leads to stalled operations. Hasbro uses the game to mirror the challenges of executive decision-making. Hasbro is a $12 billion company with offerings that center on play — and a CEO who believes in the power of games. Cocks first encountered leadership simulations while working at Microsoft, where similar exercises tested top managers’ ability to react to uncertainty. Inspired by that experience, he adapted the idea for Hasbro’s culture of play. Toy Tycoon was the result."
WORLD'S BEST PASSPORTS
As of early 2026, Arton Capital and Henley & Partners reported that Singapore holds the top spot as the world's most powerful passport, offering access to 192 destinations visa-free, followed by Japan and South Korea in second place (188 destinations). European nations Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland share third place (186 destinations), while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly climbed into the top ranks (179 destinations). The USA passport has seen fluctuations and currently sits at spot number 10 in the ranking.
CHICAGO'S O'HARE AIRPORT
Travel Pulse reported, "Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) began 2026 with the impressive title of "BUSIEST AIRPORT IN THE UNITED STATES," according to newly-released data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that reveals 857,392 aircraft landed or took off from ORD during 2025. That figure is higher than any other airport in the country, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's (ATL) 807,625 takeoffs and landings. ATL had previously held the title of busiest U.S. airfield since the COVID-19 pandemic at the start of the decade."
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement, "From the runways of O’Hare to the neighborhoods across our city, Chicago is building, growing, and leading. We are open for business, open to the world, and once again setting the pace for the nation."
POPE LEO'S COMMENTS ABOUT WAR
Pope Leo XIV, the first United States-born pope, gave his debut “state of the world” address to ambassadors from across the globe gathered in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on January 9th: "War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading. The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined."
CNN reported, "Pope Leo was speaking less than a week after the US captured Venezuela’s leader, Nicholas Maduro, in a military raid and as Russia continues to show little desire to end its war with Ukraine. In his address, the American pope emphasized the importance of international law. His words made a striking contrast with those of US President Donald Trump."
DOS EQUIS ADVERTISING
According to CNN, "Dos Equis is reviving its "The Most Interesting Man" advertising campaign after a decade in an effort to turn around the beleaguered brand. Sales of the Heineken-owned Mexican lager dropped last year, mirroring a broader industry decline as drinkers consumer less beer. Executives hope the once-popular campaign will reignite interest in the neraly 130-year-old brand."
HEINZ KEGCHUP IN TIME FOR SUPER BOWL
According to Delish, "America has officially taken its love for condiments to new heights. Heinz just dropped a new product called the KegChup—yes, a literal keg filled with ketchup—and somehow this is not a joke. Unveiled just in time for the Super Bowl, the Heinz KegChup is exactly what it sounds like: a beer-style keg packed with 114 ounces of classic Heinz ketchup, complete with a spigot so you can tap your sauce like you’re pouring a pint. The brand’s pitch is simple: if beer gets a keg for watch parties, why shouldn’t ketchup? According to Heinz, the Super Bowl is the second-largest food holiday of the year. 84 percent of fans report making snacks at home—that means a lot of fries, sliders, wings, and anything else you can pair with ketchup. Standing nearly 20 inches tall, the KegChup holds enough sauce to last “all four quarters” (assuming your guests don’t start free-pouring ketchup like it’s a novelty cocktail).
If this feels like part of a growing trend of brands leaning into absurd gimmicks, you’re not wrong. Between syrup-filled footwear, soup-flavored cough drops, and now a full-on ketchup keg, food brands have clearly learned that going a little unhinged gets people talking."
INDIGESTION AND POST-SEASON FOOTBALL
Competing antacid brands Pepcid and Tums have been targeting NFL fans who may be affected adversely by overeating during playoff games.
Kenvue’s Pepcid Complete ran to the rescue during January by “Delivering Fast Relief” with the help of Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, "I’ve teamed up with @pepcid to ensure your legendary game day foods don’t lead to heartburn," according to one of his Instagram posts.
Haleon’s Tums, a calcium carbonate product, has been running its own NFL Playoffs-related promotion, selling a $30 limited-edition football-shaped “Burn Ball” online, which, when opened, yields up a bottom of Tums Chewy Bites. The brand has also just concluded its own sweepstakes, titled "Pass the Tums." Tums is clearly looking ahead to Super Bowl Sunday, Citing research from a 2024 study it commissioned from Talker Research, the brand says ”one in four Big Game watchers experience occasional heartburn from their favorite foods — and 75 percent of those fans are unprepared, without relief on hand.
The U.S. antacid market, propelled by “changing dietary habits” was estimated at $3.0 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $32.73 billion, per Grand View Research. Other factors driving growth include rising cases of digestive issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and other stomach problems, and lifestyle factors like stress, smoking, alcohol use, and obesity."
CICIS PIZZA AND MAC & CHEESE
MediaPost reported, "Pizza and online gaming collide in a new name for a popular pizza at Cicis. The chain has partnered with Twitch streamer CaseOh, whose humorous online gaming streams have garnered millions of followers on multiple platforms. On CaseOh’s January 19th Twitch livestream, he unveiled its Mac & CaseOh Pizza, which is Cicis’ Mac & Cheese Pizza now renamed in his honor. The Mac & CaseOh Pizza will be available at Cicis locations nationwide throughout 2026."
END OF AMAZON GO AND FRESH STORES
MediaPost reported, "Amazon — still determined to conquer grocery retail — is making a major pivot, shuttering all of its Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores. Instead, the company says it will “double down” on online grocery delivery and the expansion of Whole Foods Market. The move comes as Amazon, despite ranking among the top three grocers in the U.S. with more than $150 billion in gross sales and over 150 million customers, has yet to fully deliver on its long-standing ambition to dominate the category. The company explained in a statement, "While we’ve seen encouraging signals in our Amazon-branded physical grocery stores, we haven’t yet created a truly distinctive customer experience with the right economic model needed for large-scale expansion.""
VERIZON-FRONTIER MERGER
LAist reported, "Verizon's $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications is a done deal after the agreement closed on January 20th, kicking in a slew of digital equity requirements and infrastructure investments for California. The California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) recent approval included a slew of digital equity requirements, such as expanding affordable internet and new fiber optic projects. CPUC Commissioner John Reynolds said requirements from the deal will benefit Californians and align with the state's mission to expand affordable connectivity. The closed merger means Verizon must expand affordable voice and broadband plans. That includes providing free broadband service to qualifying low-income families for at least 10 years. And for at least the next five years, Verizon can’t raise rates on its affordable plans. The state also reported that Verizon must invest in 75,000 new fiber locations and build 25 new wireless towers that will reach rural areas."
According to Lindsey Skolnik, manager at the California Alliance for Digital Equity, "Much of California’s broadband prices are driven by the Big 5 providers that include Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Cox, and Verizon-Frontier. They service around 97% of the state's 10.7 million broadband subscribers."
VENUE CHANGE FOR THE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
NPR reported, "The Sundance Film Festival began this month for the last time in Park City, Utah before heading to Boulder, Colorado, next year. It's a bittersweet finale for the country's premier independent film festival, founded by Robert Redford in 1978."
And according to CBS News, "As both Utah and Colorado prepare for that transition, Park City Mayor Ryan Dickey has some advice: "Boulder, get ready. We have tens of thousands of people who come here for Sundance, and they're coming for you next. So you have big traffic impacts. You have a lot of local restaurants and hot spots that locals love to go to that will completely change over for corporate sponsor buyouts for different events. It really transforms Park City into a different place, in a way, and it's a lot of fun, but you've got to get ready for the impacts." And while Sundance is contracted to be in Boulder for the next 10 years, longtime local volunteers hope the festival returns."
KENNEDY CENTER FALLOUT CONTINUES
The Washington National Opera announced that it's leaving the JFK Center for the Performing Arts, its home since 1971. An interesting side note, in addition to a continued presence on the Kennedy Center website, the opera company launched its new independent website within a few hours of its announcement.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY NEWS
NPR reported, "The wall text next to a new portrait of President Trump on display in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., no longer mentions his two impeachments. A spokesperson for the Smithsonian said in a statement to NPR that the National Portrait Gallery had begun a planned update of its "America's Presidents" gallery, which will include new labels and wall text. The previous portrait label, which is still available on the Smithsonian's website, mentioned Trump's Supreme Court nominations, the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, and that he was impeached twice "on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection" before being acquitted by the Senate in both cases. Text accompanying the new portrait identifies Trump's birth year, that he is the 45th and 47th president, the dates of his presidency, and information about the photographer and photograph."
END OF PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
The owners of Pittsburgh's largest newspaper reported that it would print its final edition and shut down operations on May 3rd. The newspaper's owners, the Block family, said in a statement, "The Block family is proud of the service the Post-Gazette has provided to Pittsburgh for nearly a century." The shutdown follows a three-year strike by workers of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh over unfair labor practices.
DEATH OF EVA SCHLOSS
ABC7 News reported, "Auschwitz survivor Eva Schloss, stepsister of teenage diarist Anne Frank and a tireless educator about the horrors of the Holocaust, died at age 96 on January 3rd in London. Britain's King Charles III said he was "privileged and proud" to have known Schloss, who co-founded The Anne Frank Trust UK to help young people challenge prejudice...Schloss and her mother survived Auschwitz until it was liberated in 1945 - her father and brother died there. After the war, she moved to Britain, married German Jewish refugee Zvi Schloss. In 1953, her mother married Otto Frank, Anne Frank's father, the only member of his immediate family to survive...Beginning in 1986, Eva Schloss made it her mission to educate younger generations about the Nazi genocide. Over the following decades, she spoke in schools and prisons, at international conferences, and told her story in books including "Eva's Story: A Survivor's Tale by the Stepsister of Anne Frank.""
DEATH OF LEONARD JACOBY
The Los Angeles Times reported, "Leonard Jacoby, half of a law firm duo that pioneered advertising for lawyers and revolutionized their industry, died at age 83 on January 12th in New York. Jacoby & Meyers, the firm he co-founded, is now a mainstay on billboards across the nation. They were among the first to offer legal services to the middle class, soliciting clients through a then-novel advertising blitz that would become the blueprint for thousands of law firms. Today, it’s hard to turn on the TV or drive a few blocks in Southern California without seeing an attorney ad. In 1972, when Jacoby and fellow UCLA law school grad Stephen Meyers kicked off their practice, such advertisements didn’t exist. Lawyers couldn’t even talk about their firms with the press.
Nevertheless, the duo decided to hold a news conference to herald the opening of their "legal clinic" in Van Nuys, considered to be the center of the middle class they hoped to make their target market. Rich people could afford lawyers, they figured, while poor people could get free legal aid. It was the Californians stuck in the middle who had no one. They wanted to change the game with low-cost, high-volume legal services. They accepted credit cards, offered flat fee rates, stayed open late, and put offices in department stores. Reporters at the time called it the legal equivalent of a Big Mac — "quick, simple, convenient service at low cost."
The State Bar hated the news conference, disciplining the duo for what they considered an act of unethical and distasteful advertising. The discipline set off what would be a years-long feud with the State Bar over a lawyer's right to advertise. They fought the case to the state Supreme Court, which found lawyers' right to tell the media about their services was protected under the 1st Amendment. Soon after, the U.S. Supreme Court opened the floodgates for lawyers to spread their names and faces far and wide. Within a week of the 1977 ruling, the firm ran its first ad in The Los Angeles Times. Their first TV commercial aired that year introducing Californians to two guys named Jacoby and Meyers. Their business exploded, first locally and soon across the nation. In January 1979, they opened 11 offices in New York in one week."
POLITICAL NEWS IN LOS ANGELES & CALIFORNIA
Businessman and developer Rick Caruso who ran for Los Angeles Mayor in 2022 and lost to current Mayor Karen Bass announced on January 16th that he would not run for either Los Angeles Mayor nor California Governor. He said, "I have decided not to pursue elected office at this time...Though my name will not be on a ballot, my work continues." With former Vice President Kamala Harris also off the ballot for California Governor, time will tell as to who will be the front runner when current Governor Gavin Newsom leaves office later this year.
CELEBRATIONS DURING 2026
Have you seen these news stories? Disney's "101 Dalmatians" celebrates its 65th anniversary this year. And TV's "The Bionic Woman" celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. And TV's "The Six Million Dollar Man" celebrates its 52nd anniversary this year. And Chick-Fil-A celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. And, the United Nations is also celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
And entertainer Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday in January. Nashville's Grand Ole Opry celebrated the Opry member's birthday with its fourth annual "Opry Goes Dolly" show the weekend of January 17-18. The show highlighted songs from Parton’s 1980s era and other classics. Parton has had an accomplished career with 11 Grammy Award wins, earning 25 Number 1 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and 21 of her songs went gold or platinum. Yahoo Entertainment reported, "A source revealed that the country music icon planned to create a bucket list amid her recent health woes that led to her pressing pause on her upcoming residency in Las Vegas. She wants to spend time in London and finally have tea with Princess Kate at the palace and she also wants to go to Australia and see the reef and go on safari in Africa."
MCCORMICK'S FLAVOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
Since 2000, the McCormick Flavor Forecast has identified the global trends shaping the future of flavor. According to the brand's website on December 9th, "For 2026, we’re celebrating Black Currant as the Flavor of the Year. Black Currant berries are native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia. They combine tart-and-tangy with a sweet, fruity flavor that's earthy, slightly floral, and herbal. The dark purple fruit has been popular for centuries in specific regions as an ingredient in jams, syrups, candies, desserts, drinks, and liqueurs. It's quickly gaining popularity and is forecast to show up on global menus soon."
Tabata Gomez, Chief Marketing Officer of McCormick, said, "Black Currant is the next 'it' berry on the scene. For 26 years, McCormick and Flavor Forecast have been ahead of the intersection of food and culture. This year we're doing more than predicting a flavor; we're having a year-long celebration of Black Currant, a bold, sophisticated flavor that combines sweet with savory and elevates the experience of any dish."
2028 SUMMER OLYMPICS
During January, the registration link was launched for the LA 2028 Summer Olympics. However, this blogger attempted several times to register and continued to get an "ERROR" message. Where's the tech department when you need it?
2026 WINTER OLYMPICS
Let's not forget that the 2026 Winter Olympics will begin on February 6th in what will be the most geographically widespread area in Olympics history. According to NPR, "The venues span an area covering some 8,495 square miles. The two host cities, Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, are about 250 miles apart by road. Getting between the multiple towns where the action will happen could take more than a few hours by car - especially on remote, wintery roads." Also, two interesting facts about this particular event: the 2026 Olympics will be the first to bear the names of two host cities; and only one venue will be a NEW permanent structure (the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena).
And let's not forget that the Super Bowl is just eight days away with its incredibly expensive (and hopefully) memorable ads! Oh, and the teams have been decided: the Seattle Seahawks will play the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8th. Seattle is favored to win while this will be the Patriots' 12th visit to the Super Bowl.
Lastly, apparently, X wants to return to its Twitter roots and be the main social platform where the Super Bowl ads are talked about and ranked. According to MediaPost, "What brands will win the game? The first AI-powered, real-time ranking of Super Bowl ads. Grok tracks the most talked-about ads across four categories live throughout Super Bowl Sunday. Winners announced Monday, February 9th. (Here's the link: https://x-brandranx.qwvr.co/)
What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!
Image Credits: Today with Jenna and Sheinelle/NBC, GRU, ORLY, and Mattel/Barbie.
Read how Starbucks plans to reignite its brand:
https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/10-changes-brian-niccol-is-making-to-bring-back-starbucks-success
Check out the international passport index:
https://www.passportindex.org/byRank.php
Check out the new site for Today with Jenna and Sheinelle:
https://www.today.com/jenna-and-sheinelle
Check out the new site for the Washington National Opera:
https://www.washnatopera.org
