American diners have been giving frozen food the cold shoulder lately. Aging boomers are put off by high sodium and calorie counts in many frozen dishes, while many young adults would rather stop by Subway, Chipotle or Domino’s …
Marketing
Social Media Manipulation? When “Indie” Bloggers and Businesses Get Cozy
Brands have sought to partner with influential bloggers for nearly as long as there have been blogs, with ads, sponsored posts, and more. Lately, however, a new relationship between brands and popular social media practioners is …
Budweiser’s New Pitch: Less Beer, Pay More
How’s this for a sales pitch: With Budweiser’s new can design, you’ll get less beer, and you’ll get to pay more per ounce. You’ll also get to support the aluminum industry.
Does Kmart’s Hilarious New Ad Acknowledge That Kmart Stores Are Hopeless?
In just over a week, Kmart’s 30-second “Ship My Pants” spot — go ahead, say it quickly — has received close to 13 million views online. The viral hit should give the struggling retailer some much-needed buzz. It might also call …
Tax Day Freebies 2013: April 15 Is for Filing Taxes and Snagging Handouts
A new Pew survey has it that one-third of Americans actually like doing their taxes. Perhaps more surprisingly, the prospect of free cinnabons and free curly fries on Tax Day has nothing to do with it.
Latest Unavoidable Fast-Food Buzzwords: The Rise of Crazy, Premium, Snacks
You’re not crazy. The words premium and snack really are popping up on chain-restaurant menus everywhere. Crazy is making some appearances too.
We’re #1! Toyota and Ford Bicker About Who Has the World’s Best-Selling Car
It’s a battle for bragging rights, with two automakers saying they each had the world’s best-selling car model last year. Can they both be right?
In New Ad, McDonald’s Compares Loving Big Macs with Mental Illness
How’s this for an “edgy” new ad: In a poster displayed on a subway, a woman is shown bowing her head and holding a hand over her face in shame. Next to her are the words “You’re Not Alone. Millions of people love the Big Mac.”
Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day Is Today, April 9 – And More Freebies Coming
Everybody loves ice cream. And everybody loves freebies. And free ice cream? That’s almost too good to be true.
Southwest Airlines: We’re Not Really About Cheap Flights Anymore
The U.S.’s biggest “low fare” airline appears to be experiencing an identity crisis. In Southwest’s new ad campaign, there’s no silly humor and no mention of “bags fly free” or cheap flight prices. The message is that this is a …
Stealth Celebrity Endorsement: No Money Changing Hands, Just Free Burritos
There’s no mystery as to why companies give away swag during the Oscars to people in the movie business. The possibility that a celebrity will Tweet about the product or perhaps be photographed with it more than offsets the cost …
Madness for Sale: Businesses Go for a Piece of NCAA ‘March Madness’ Basketball Tournament
There’s just no stopping the madness. From Hooters restaurants to businesses selling books for homeschooled children to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, everyone seems to be pursuing a marketing tie-in to March Madness, a.k.a. the NCAA basketball tournament.