During the last week, okay, the last couple of weeks, there were news stories that reflected brand experiences, brand identity, brand storytelling, "of the year" news, personal branding, philanthrophy, special event marketing, and more.
GREEN FOR GOOD
Did you see WICKED: FOR GOOD when it arrived in movie theaters on November 21st? If not, it will be in theaters for awhile and most certainly in the news when Academy Award nominees are announced. In the meantime, consider this statement from the movie: GREEN FOR GOOD. THINK OF WHAT WE CAN DO...TOGETHER.
According to the movie's website, "The themes in Wicked: For Good remind us that we can all have the courage to stand up for what we believe in and to do real good in the world. Being Green for Good means carrying Elphaba’s spirit into our own lives – taking everyday steps to support nature and our communities. Our collective actions – big and small – truly matter. Our choices add up, and when we all work together, we achieve the extraordinary. Because like Elphaba and Glinda, together we’re unlimited. Elphaba’s journey illuminates a new kind of magic: the power of doing good, for people and the planet. From everyday actions to shared moments of stewardship, these can all contribute toward a better future for everyone. Gather your friends and join us in taking meaningful actions. For Good! From beautifying a local park to creating art that envisions a greener future, there are limitless ways to join the challenge. Post how you’re showing up for the environment on social media using #GreenForGood and your city (e.g. #GreenForGood #LosAngeles). Tag @wickedmovie and challenge a friend to keep it going! For every #GreenForGood hashtag, we will plant a native tree to protect wildlife habitats."
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE FIGHTS CANCER
During November, the National Hockey League showed its support to fight cancer - similar to when, during Major League Baseball's World Series, all fans were invited to #StandUptoCancer. According to the NHL website, "Hockey Fights Cancer was founded in 1998 as a joint initiative between the NHL and NHLPA. This remarkable initiative has raised over $44 million since its inception and been at the forefront of raising awareness and supporting those affected by cancer, touching the lives of millions. For the past 27 years the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association have united players, teams, coaches, broadcasters, caregivers, doctors, nurses, patients, survivors, and fans behind the powerful Hockey Fights Cancer initiative at the national level through the NHL and NHLPA, and hyper- local level across the 32 NHL teams. Each season, every team hosts their own Hockey Fights Cancer night, and celebrates their hockey/cancer community locally, typically in November, which is Hockey Fights Cancer month."
Hockey Fights Cancer uses purple because it represents all cancers under the umbrella of the "Hockey Fights Cancer" initiative. Lavender is the universal ribbon color for all cancers, symbolizing unity and hope in the fight against the disease. Fans are encouraged to wear lavender to show their support, and players wear purple gear like helmets and jerseys during games to highlight the cause.
NEW SPOKESPERSON FOR AMERICAN EAGLE
People magazine reported, "Martha Stewart, the 84-year-old lifestyle guru has built an empire on her eye for design and exquisite taste, especially when it comes to all things festive. So, it just made sense when American Eagle asked her to be the face of its GIVE GREAT JEANS holiday campaign, spotlighting denim as a universal gift that never goes out of style."
Stewart explained, "I have spent decades helping people create beautiful holidays — from setting the perfect table to trimming the tree to finding that last-minute gift that saves the day. So when American Eagle approached me about being part of their holiday gifting campaign, I was immediately intrigued. Denim is a universal gift that works for everyone on your list. Jeans have always been a staple in my wardrobe, and giving a great pair of AE jeans is always a nice gift to give. I’m constantly moving between decorating, cooking and, most importantly, wrapping gifts, and I need to make sure I have an outfit that is comfortable and stylish. The beauty of AE jeans is their versatility and ability to move with you throughout the day. They are flattering, sleek, and soft enough to make wrapping gifts or hosting a dinner in them effortless."
According to Marketing Dive, "Martha Stewart Does the Holidays in American Eagle sees the apparel brand embrace a multi-generational audience of both gift givers and recipients. That goal is achieved through the presence of Stewart, who is easily recognized by older and younger generations alike, explained CMO Craig Brommers. The campaign was informed by an E-Poll study which found that Stewart’s name and image awareness among Gen Z grew by 33 percent between 2020 to 2024 and is now on par with millennials. Stewart has become something of a marketing mainstay in recent years, working with brands ranging from Pure Leaf to Miracle-Gro and Tito’s vodka."
UNVEILING OF NEW COAT OF ARMS BY PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES
According to Marie Claire, "The couple received their Conjugal Coat of Arms, which represents them in heraldic terms as a married couple, in 2013, two years after they tied the knot. The new version of the royal symbol has been updated to incorporate imagery representative of their status as Prince and Princess of Wales. The couple's original Conjugal Coat of Arms featured William's badge on the left and Kate's badge on the right, flanked by the Supporters of the Royal Lion and Unicorn, respectively."
In the event brochure for a late-November Royal Variety Performance at Royal Albert Hall in London, the couple quietly unveiled an updated version of their Coat of Arms. "The updated version incorporates elements associated with the Prince of Wales, specifically, the Prince of Wales' feathers, which have been associated with the title since the 14th century, as well as a coronet of the Prince and Peers and the Prince of Wales' official motto "Ich DIen," which is German for "I Serve." The ornamental emblem in the design is topped with a lion in both versions, but in the updated Coat of Arms, the lion wears a coronet and the emblem is surrounded by a plume of feathers."
MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
While there are many brands that stand out on Thanksgiving, one overshadows them all. The parade is held from 8:30am to 12noon Eastern time on Thanksgiving Day and has been televised nationally on NBC since 1952. According to New York Dearest website, more than 45 million people tune in to watch the parade on TV. According to The Wrap, "As of 2024, NBC pays Macy's $20 million per year for the license to be the parade's official broadcaster; the parade earns a substantial profit for the network, with ad buys averaging $900,000 per 30-second commercial in 2023 — a fee comparable to NBC Sunday Night Football — bringing in a gross revenue of $52 million." A unique aspect of working at Macy’s is that Macy’s employees have the option of marching in the parade. And in 2026, the parade will mark its 100th anniversary.
FABERGE EGG
The AP reported, "A rare crystal and diamond Fabergé egg crafted for Russia’s ruling family before it was toppled by revolution is going up for auction, valued at more than 20 million pounds ($26.4 million). Christie’s auction house says the Winter Egg is just one of seven of the opulent ovoids remaining in private hands. It will be offered for sale at Christie’s London headquarters on December 2nd. The 4-inch (10-centimeter) tall egg is made from finely carved rock crystal, covered in a delicate snowflake motif wrought in platinum and 4,500 tiny diamonds. It opens to reveal a removable tiny basket of bejewelled quartz flowers symbolizing spring. One of just two created by female designer Alma Pihl, the egg was commissioned by Czar Nicholas II for his mother Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna as an Easter present in 1913. Pihl’s other egg is owned by Britain’s royal family. There are 43 surviving imperial Fabergé eggs, most in museums."
Margo Oganesian, the head of Christie’s Russian art department, said "The egg is THE MONA LISA for decorative arts."
SKECHERS PIVOTS
According to Retail Dive, "For Skechers, long known for its slip-on shoes, 2022 was a turning point. That was the year the brand became the official footwear sponsor of the U.S. Open for pickleball. What followed was three years of expansion in the performance footwear market, from soccer cleat and basketball shoe launches to signing numerous professional athletes. It’s a pivot for a brand that grew its reputation on selling comfortable shoes for kids and retirees, but it’s not without reason. One of the brand’s first forays into performance was in golf, a sport where athletes spend a lot of time walking and standing. That’s a natural bridge for a brand like Skechers."
One of Skechers’ greatest challenges in catering to the performance market may be branding. Competitors like Adidas and Nike have decades of experience serving athletes and decades of name recognition among buyers. But two recent brand ambassadorship deals demonstrated the company’s ambitions: actress and fashionista Sofia Vergara and the 7-foot-tall NBA center Isaiah Hartenstein. And of course, one way Skechers is differentiating itself is by focusing on comfort, one of the brand’s defining characteristics. Its performance shoes prioritize comfort features and some even integrate its slip-on technology.
STARBUCKS BETS ON GEN Z AND RED CUP DAY
According to Nation's Restaurant News (NRN), "Starbucks is betting on Gen Z to help bring back coffeehouse culture. A recently published Starbucks-commissioned survey of 2,201 U.S. adults from Morning Consult found that 70 percent of Gen Z consumers plan to visit a coffee shop this Thanksgiving week, in comparison to about one-third of the same demographic who plan to visit a bar or pub. Perhaps even more telling, Starbucks said, is that nearly half of Gen Z plans to sit down and “savor the moment” with family or friends during their Thanksgiving week coffee shop visit, more than any other generation surveyed except for millennials."
In other Starbucks news, NRN reported that, "Red Cup Day was a huge win for Starbucks this year. The coffee giant reportedly saw a nearly 45 percent surge in traffic on November 13th, the day of the reusable holiday cup giveaway, according to Placer.ai data. It was the biggest sales day in company history for the North America market, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said. The giveaway day caused hour-long wait times for holiday drinks."
US PENTAGON AND SCOUTING AMERICA
NPR reported, "The century-old partnership between the U.S. military and Scouting America could be coming to an end. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning for the military to sever all ties with Scouting America, saying the group once known as the Boy Scouts is no longer a meritocracy and has become an organization designed to "attack boy-friendly spaces." In a draft memo to Congress, which sources shared with NPR but which has not yet been sent, Hegseth criticizes Scouting for being "genderless" and for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. The military has provided support to the Scouts for more than 100 years, assistance that was formalized in 1937. But in one memo, Hegseth says, "The organization once endorsed by President Theodore Roosevelt no longer supports the future of American boys."
Scouting America released a statement in response, "Scouting is and has always been a nonpartisan organization. Over more than a century, we've worked constructively with every U.S. presidential administration — Democratic and Republican — focusing on our common goal of building future leaders grounded in integrity, responsibility, and community service."
BBC'S APOLOGY TO PRESIDENT TRUMP
According to CBS News, "The BBC has issued an apology to President Trump over the editing of a speech he gave on January 6th, 2021, that aired in its documentary "Trump: A Second Chance." Trump had threatened to sue the British broadcaster for $1 billion over the program about the Capitol riot, and the BBC noted in a statement Thursday that it "strongly disagree[s]" that there's a basis for a defamation claim. BBC lawyers wrote to Trump's legal team in response to a letter they received, the BBC Press Office said. In that letter, lawyers working for Trump alleged that the October 28th, 2024, episode of the network's "Panorama" documentary program, which was produced by an external production company, sought to mislead viewers by editing together three separate sections of the speech made by Trump."
According to the BBC's press office, "While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim."
"The BBC's response to Trump's legal team laid out five main arguments why the organization believes there is no legitimate case against it, BBC News reported. CBS News has not seen the letter sent by the BBC in reply to Trump's legal team. According to BBC News' report, those arguments include that the episode in question did not air in the U.S.; that it did not cause Trump harm, as he won the election a week later; and that the edits made were intended to shorten a long speech rather than to mislead. It also said that the clip was not meant to be taken in isolation, and that matters of public concern and political speech are protected under U.S. law."
PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
Pantone Color Institute announced its 2026 Color of the Year on December 4th. Recognized as the global color authority, Pantone chose CLOUD DANCER, Pantone 11-4201, the first time a shade of white has been chosen since it began naming a color of the year back in 1999. According to TIME Magazine, "This year’s pick is meant to represent serenity and tranquility, which Pantone says is ever in need in a frenetic society. Cloud dancer calls back to the need for human connection."
BENJAMIN MOORE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
The following news was announced back in October but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced SILHOUETTE AF-655 as its color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a distinctive color that weaves luxurious burnt umber with delicate notes of charcoal."
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
For the first time, Sherwin-Williams and its sister brand HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams teamed up to reveal a joint 2026 color of the year. The news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The two brands announced UNIVERSAL KHAKI SW 6150 as their color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a tailored and timeless neutral with the endless possibility of a fresh canvas."
AKZONOBEL'S COLORS OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
The following news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. First though, did you know that this brand has been around since 1792? According to the paint color brand's website, "It’s time to dance to the Rhythm of Blues™ and celebrate AkzoNobel’s Colors of the Year 2026 – an upbeat and versatile color family that’s calming, connecting and creative. There’s a trio of shades for next year – the light blue Mellow Flow, the dark blue Slow Swing, and the vibrant Free Groove – so everyone can find a style that works for them. The harmonious collection of signature indigos is just what we need in our homes, according to the results of the company’s extensive annual trend research."
LITTLE GREENE'S COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
The following news was announced back in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. First though, did you know that this brand is a 300-year-old family-run business in Northern Wales? The brand chose ADVENTURER, a regal plum aubergine very similar to burgundy, as its color of the year for 2026 and explained that "it combines sophistication with comfort and works well as an accent wall in bedrooms, bold powder rooms, or dining areas, and pairs beautifully with neutrals or pale pinks."
According to Ruth Mothershead, creative director at Little Greene, "The movement toward burgundy represents customers' growing confidence with color in their homes. Adventurer provides that perfect balance of regal sophistication and intimate comfort."
GRAHAM & BROWN'S COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
The following news was announced in September but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The leading British interiors brand announced DIVINE DAMSON as its own color of the year for 2026 and explained, "The deep, plum shade is designed to work on its own or be paired with a more subtle, complementary color like gray. The dark, moody red is a mix of oxblood, cherry, and mocha brown (a color trend that also defined 2025), with a touch of deep aubergine (a color that's growing in popularity). The color was inspired by the lush tones of ripe damson and figs."
VALSPAR COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
The following news was announced in August but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint brand announced WARM EUCALYPTUS 8004-28F as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "Sometimes a color gives you a warm feeling inside. And out. This year, that color is our 2026 Color of the Year — naturally restorative and serene Warm Eucalyptus."
GLIDDEN COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
The following news was announced in August but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint brand announced WARM MAHOGANY as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "Warm Mahogany is a rich, grounded red that’s bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement. Any style, any space, any mood."
According to Ashley McCollum, color marketing manager at Glidden, "The color can be both intimate and dramatic and is a timeless color that aligns with Glidden’s 150-year heritage."
BEHR PAINT COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
The following news was announced back in July but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced HIDDEN GEM N430-6A as its color of the year for 2026 and described it as "a smoky jade that embodies an air of mystery and sophistication."
DUTCH BOY PAINTS' COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
The following news was announced back in April but is included due to all the other OF THE YEAR announcements. The paint color brand announced MELODIUS IVORY 313-2DB as its color of the year for 2026 and explained, "This creamy beige pairs effortlessly with various materials, including wood, cozy textiles, and handmade crafts, which support the rise of slow living and nostalgia-inspired aesthetics."
TORANI'S FLAVOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026
According to FoodDive, "Specialty syrup manufacturer Torani declared its flavor of the year for 2026: FOREST PINE. Every year since 2022, Torani produces a flavor meant to predict the next big taste trend among consumers. The choice of forest pine for 2026 reflects growing demand for botanical flavors and nature-inspired, sensory-rich experiences. Forest pine blends flavors of pine, ginger and sage with the goal of capturing "the essence of the outdoors." The flavor will be added to Torani’s Puremade syrup lineup, which uses cane sugar and colors from natural sources. Although pine is typically associated with the winter season, Torani said its flavor is meant to be enjoyed all year long. The company said it would dedicate 100 percent of profits from the forest pine syrup to seven nonprofit organizations offering work readiness opportunities, many of them connected to the outdoors."
GREEN WEDNESDAY
While we all know about Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday, have you heard about Green Wednesday for the day before Thanksgiving? According to CNN, "Adding to late November’s ever-growing list of festivities and shopping promotions, cannabis brands are now marketing “Green Wednesday” the day before Thanksgiving, when childhood friends reunite and presumably light up. And consumers are heeding the call: Green Wednesday is the second-largest holiday for cannabis behind April 20, said Joyce Cenali, co-founder of the Cannabis Media Council, a trade group that seeks to improve the public perception of weed."
What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!
Image Credits: Kensington Palace and Instagram.
Visit Green for Good's website:
https://www.wickedmovie.com/en/green-for-good
Learn more about how Hockey Fights Cancer:
https://www.cancer.org/about-us/our-partners/sports-alliances/hockey-fights-cancer.html
Read One Girl's Journey to Become An Eagle Scout:
Did you know that one brand announced a Mural of the Year for 2026? Check it out:
https://www.grahambrown.com/us/product/eternal-citybespoke-mural/142786-master/
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