Sunday, January 19, 2025

Marketing News of the Week: Advertising, Branding, Community Support, and More


During the last week, there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand identity, community stewardship, employee experience, personal branding, and more.

INSENSITIVE ADVERTISING

According to EuroNews, "Pakistan's national airline has said that an ad campaign showing a plane heading toward the Eiffel Tower was never intended to evoke the memories of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. The illustration shows a plane superimposed over the French flag and tilted toward the Paris landmark, with the words "Paris, we're coming today." The ad was posted on X by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on 10 January, the day the company resumed flights to European Union countries after a four-year ban by the bloc's aviation safety agency. On January 14th, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described the ad as an act of "stupidity." PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez said, "We want to make it clear that we had no intention to hurt the feelings of anyone. The Eifel Tower was shown in the ad because it's one of the best places in the world."

LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES

Due to the catastrophic wildfires that have been raging in the Los Angeles area since January 7th and the destruction they have caused, many organizations have stepped up to provide food and clothing to the people most affected. In addition, many brands have shown their dedication to being thoughtful corporate citizens. 

Living Spaces, the furniture company, stated on its website, "We Support LA. Free mattress set for fire victims. As of January 16th, the company has donated 192 mattresses for LA fire relief. According to the website, "We want to extend our heartfelt support to the communities and families impacted by the recent wildfires. Los Angeles is our home, and we stand with you in recovering and rebuilding from the devastation. To help ease the burden, we are offering a Revive Hawaii mattress and foundation in any size to anyone who has lost their home. Just show us your FEMA or insurance paperwork, and we will make sure you have what you need to get a good night’s sleep. From our family to yours, we are here for you."

According to MLB.com, "As devastating wildfires ravage the Los Angeles area, the sports world is hoping to provide whatever help it can for those who have been impacted by the disaster. MLB, other major professional sports leagues and 15 Los Angeles sports organizations are partnering with Fanatics to produce an "LA Strong" merchandise collection, beginning with t-shirts and expanding to other products. Fanatics and the participating leagues and teams will not profit from the sale of items in this collection, with donations going directly to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. The American Red Cross provides assistance to those affected by the fires and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides much needed support and equipment to first responders."

The Walt Disney Company committed $15 million to help with response and rebuilding efforts. The money will help services on the ground, such as the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and more. CEO Bob Iger said, "As this tragedy continues to unfold, The Walt Disney Company is committed to supporting our community and our employees as we all work together to recover and rebuild from this unbelievable devastation. Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world."

ROYAL WARRANTS AND PRINCESS OF WALES

In what could easily be called the biggest brand ambassador news from England, according to Tatler, "As reigning monarch, King Charles decides which members of the royal family are permitted to hand out royal warrants, signifying their own personal use of a specific brand. Kate Middleton is set to break from decades of tradition and bestow her first set of royal warrants for the first time ever, it has been confirmed. When the Princess of Wales announces her decisions, it will mark the first time in over 70 years that a royal bearing the title Princess of Wales has had the opportunity to grant the honour – an opportunity that was not bestowed upon Princess Diana.

It's one of the highest honours a British brand can receive: a seal of approval from the Princess of Wales herself, who has said she wishes to recognize British skills and industry. Catherine's impact on the world of British business is monumental. The so-called 'Kate Effect,' referring to the stratospheric uptick in sales of a garment worn by the mother-of-three, has reportedly added one billion pounds to the fashion industry as of 2021. For any brand, be it a style favourite or a technological go-to, receiving an official nod as one of Catherine's personal staples will surely see sales skyrocket.

Over the years, the Princess of Wales has built up a portfolio of preferred brands, especially when it comes to fashion. Many will expect Alexander McQueen, considered Catherine's go-to fashion house, to soon bear her coat of arms. From her Victorian-inspired lace wedding gown designed by creative director Sarah Burton, to the red double-breasted coat that she wore for her milestone return to the Together At Christmas carol concert last December, the Princess of Wales turns to the legendary designer for her most personal of engagements.

As for Catherine, no timeline has been specified for the awards, but brands throughout the country will be waiting with bated breath to see if they might benefit from the 'Kate Effect.' From Mulberry to Manolo Blahnik, Boden to L.K Bennett – for a royal as synonymous with style as the Princess of Wales, the list is both extensive and exclusive."

According to the Independent, "Companies holding a royal warrant are recognised for providing goods or services to the monarchy and are allowed to use the coat of arms of the royal they are associated with on packaging, as part of advertising or on stationery. Companies are also required to demonstrate that they have an appropriate environmental and sustainability policy and action plan – a requirement brought in by Charles as the Prince of Wales. A royal warrant is usually granted for up to five years and reviewed in the year before it is due to expire so that a decision can be made as to whether it should be renewed for another period of up to five years. Last year more than 500 companies were granted royal warrants, a list which was largely drawn from companies that previously held a royal warrant of appointment from Queen Elizabeth II or from King Charles when he was Prince of Wales."

STARBUCKS POLICY

Starbucks announced that it was reversing a 2018 policy that invited everyone into its stores, and now, if you want to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks, you will have to buy something. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers, "We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone."

STARBUCKS MISSION

Starbucks announced its new mission statement, "To be the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world, inspiring and nurturing the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time."

According to the brand's website, "Our mission statement defines what sets Starbucks apart – our identity and our responsibility in the world. Our name, Starbucks Coffee Company, also captures our role. Coffee reflects our commitment to source, roast and serve the highest-quality coffee, and Company captures our role in bringing people together to inspire and nurture the human spirit. According to Brian Niccol, Chairman and CEO, "When the barista hands the customer their cup of coffee, it is this moment of connection that doesn't happen in any other moment in the day, for a lot of people. The humanity of that moment is really powerful. When you stop and think about it, what are we all about? We provide the best coffee in the world, and we do it with the purpose of having these moments of connection with each other. If we keep it very straightforward – coffee, people and humanity – we're going to be in really good shape." 

BAN OF RED DYE

According to Good Housekeeping, "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked the use of Red Dye No. 3 in food and ingested drugs as of January 15th. Over 20 consumer advocacy groups had argued for the removal of Red Dye No. 3 from food and dietary supplements citing studies that high doses of the color additive had been linked to cancer in rats. The move follows California's 2023 ban, which prohibits the sale of foods containing Red Dye No. 3 in the state starting in 2027, and aligns the U.S. with much of the world, including the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, where the dye is already restricted.

Not everything containing Red Dye No. 3 falls into the food categories below. The dye is also used in drugs and dietary supplements. If you're unsure, check the product's ingredient label before purchasing, and keep in mind that Red Dye No. 3 may also be listed as "Red No. 3," "Red 3," or "Red #3." 

Common food products that can contain Red Dye No. 3 include:

*Sprinkles

*Icing

*Baking mixes

*Cereals

*Berry- and cherry-flavored candy

*Strawberry milk

*Peppermint candies

*Soda

*Fruit cocktail

*Cookies

*Maraschino cherries

*Smoked sausages, bacon and other types of processed meats

*Ice cream and frozen yogurt treats

*Chewing gum and mints

*Biscuits

*Fruit and vegetable juices

*Seasoning mixes and marinades

MORE MACY'S CLOSURES

Macy's is expected to close 65 locations by the end of 2025, an increase from the 50 locations the company said it would initially close this year. The retailer announced back in February 2024 plans to shut down 150 "underproductive" Macy's store locations by 2026. The plan "is designed to return the company to sustainable, profitable sales growth. According to Tony Spring, Macy's Chairman and CEO, "Closing any store is never easy, but as part of our Bold New Chapter strategy, we are closing under-productive Macy's stores to allow us to focus our resources and prioritize investments in our go–forward stores, where customers are already responding positively to better product offerings and elevated service."

CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF DEI

Axios reported that Meta (parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads) is eliminating its DEI efforts, effective immediately, including ones that focused on hiring a diverse workforce, training, and sourcing supplies from diverse-owned companies. Its DEI department will also be eliminated. In a memo leaked to the outlet, Meta said it was making these changes because the "legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing."

DEATH OF BOB UECKER

According to AP, "Bob Uecker, who parlayed a forgettable playing career into a punch line for movie and TV appearances as Mr. Baseball and a Hall of Fame broadcasting tenure, has died at age 90. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, "Bob was the genuine item: always the funniest person in any room he was in, and always an outstanding ambassador for our national pastime." Uecker was best known as a colorful comedian and broadcaster whose sense of humor and self-deprecating style earned him fame and affection beyond his .200 batting average...Uecker often joked, "Career highlights? I had two. I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets."...He got his big break off the field after opening for Don Rickles at Al Hirt's nightclub in Atlanta in 1969. That performance caught Hirt's attention, and the musician set him up to appear on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He became one of Carson’s favorite guests, making more than 100 appearances - and it was Carson who dubbed Uecker 'Mr. Baseball.' And the name stuck."

SUPER BOWL 59

The biggest football game of the year takes place three weeks from today - on February 9th! Which brand's ads are you looking forward to watching?

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: Fanatics and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

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