Between the election and looming holiday season, marketers have had a lot of material to work with. Check out the most notable stories you need to know in our Weekly Must Reads.

Americans Stress-Eat & Drink Their Way Through Election Night

Despite the political divide, Americans could all agree on one thing on Tuesday: food and booze were 100 percent necessary. According to delivery services in cities across the country, orders for snacks, alcohol and even weed were all notably higher than average. Alcohol delivery service Drizzly saw sales rise 133 percent in Washington, D.C., while searches for “fries near me” and “liquor store near me” hit all-time highs, according to Google.

Many local restaurants also benefited from stress-eating citizens. One pizza place in Los Angeles ran out of half their menu and broke its one-day takeout record. At least there were some quick winners on Election Day, right? Check out the full story here: https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/story/2020-11-04/real-election-winners-sellers-of-pizza-booze-weed

Gap’s Unity Hoodie Misstep

On social media, Americans were not as united, as Gap unfortunately discovered. The retailer posted an image of a branded hoodie on Twitter that was half navy and half red, along with a message of “moving forward together.” The response from users was quick and harsh, most noting that it was tone-deaf and ill-timed. Gap removed the post within hours and noted “it was just too soon for this message.”

It may be quite a while before this kind of unity message resonates with most Americans. According to Science Magazine, political polarization has only grown stronger throughout the last ten years. See the now-deleted tweet and find out more here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gaps-appeal-for-post-election-unity-draws-unified-scorn-on-twitter/

Festive is a Tap Away at Starbucks

In the lead-up to this pandemic holiday season, Starbucks has launched a new holiday campaign featuring its new seasonal drinks and mobile ordering. The campaign kicked off with commercials for TV and digital, and will also include messages on social media, digital display banners and six different magazine ads. The focus on mobile ordering is especially appropriate as the US continues to shatter records of daily coronavirus cases.

The ad campaign launch aligns with the arrival of Starbucks’ annual holiday cups, as well. Customers who ordered holiday beverages on Friday also received a special reusable cup, which is designed to reinforce usage of the mobile app. Starbucks already has one of the most successful apps on the market, and has been the most popular payment app in the US in recent years. Learn more at the campaign here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/starbucks-brews-buzz-for-mobile-ordering-in-new-holiday-campaign/588443/

Happy Holidays from Hudson’s Bay & “Schitt’s Creek”

Canadian department store Hudson’s Bay has teamed up with our favorite actresses from the hottest show of 2020. Annie Murphy and Catherine O’Hara of “Schitt’s Creek” star in the brand’s new holiday ad campaign, as well as their “Holiday Hub” digital experience to provide shopping inspiration. The campaign hopes to lighten the mood and provide some humor in the midst of an unusual holiday shopping season.

According to Hudson’s Bay’s chief marketing officer, the brand has focused more than ever on understanding their customers’ needs and priorities. To further connect with their customers online, Hudson’s Bay will also offer curated shopping list for different personalities, including the “merry modernista” and “holiday hibernator.” Watch the first ads and find out more about the overall campaign here: https://www.retaildive.com/news/hudsons-bay-shops-with-schitts-creek-stars-in-holiday-campaign/588461/