The marketing and advertising world is constantly changing and innovating, which can make it hard to keep up. Catch up on all the latest stories and news you need to know in our Weekly Must Reads.

How Supply Chain Issues Affect Customer Behavior

Supply chain issues and product delays have plagued retail brands since the beginning of the pandemic, and consumers are finally reaching their breaking point. A recent survey from Oracle revealed that 80 percent of consumers plan to cut ties with brands if their products are delayed or out of stock. Instead, more online shoppers are turning to resale sites, such as eBay, Poshmark and Carvana. This year, eBay saw revenue rise 14 percent in Q2. Meanwhile, Poshmark rolled out new features to improve user experience and attract customers as they search for products they need.

Unfortunately for traditional retail brands, supply chain troubles are expected to continue through the holiday season and into 2022. Many of these businesses are pushing holiday promotions now, hoping to earn sales before their products run out of stock in the weeks to come. Check out the full story on how businesses are responding to their supply chain struggles here: https://adage.com/article/marketing-news-strategy/supply-chain-crisis-causes-demand-surge-resale-sites-and-marketplaces/2372826

The New Hot Girl Popeyes Merch

Last week, fast food brand Popeyes launched a new collaboration with hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion. The partnership includes “Hottie Sauce,” a sweet-and-spicy sauce included with the brand’s chicken nuggets and sandwich products, and a line of new branded merchandise. Popeyes rewards members can access the collection beginning today and will earn 100 bonus points with their purchase of any Hottie Sauce merch. To promote their collaboration, Popeyes and Megan Thee Stallion created a short film, which shows the artist on a Wild West adventure after stealing the Hottie Sauce.

Many of the biggest fast food brands have partnered with celebrities this year, often resulting in increased sales and social engagement. McDonald’s has promoted favorite meals of artists like Saweetie and BTS, while Burger King launched “Keep It Real Meals,” which feature celebrities’ preferred menu items under their real name, rather than their stage name. Find out more about the newest partnership here: https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/popeyes-heats-up-megan-thee-stallion-collab-with-merch-drops-new-chicken-s/608234/

But Have You Read the Book?

Who had “Netflix Book Club” on their 2021 marketing bingo card? If you did, props to you. The streaming service recently partnered with Starbucks to create a new video series that discusses the books that were turned into Netflix shows or films. Actress Uzo Aduba will host the series, which will be filmed at Starbucks stores throughout the US and air monthly on Netflix’s social platforms.

The series is smart partnerships for both brands. It allows Netflix to showcase their most popular content, including “Bridgerton” and “The Queen’s Gambit,” while Starbucks can remind audiences that their stores are meant for community and conversation. Book clubs also saw heightened interest during the pandemic, giving readers an opportunity to (virtually) connect while at home. Learn more about the newest branded book club here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/starbucks-netflix-partner-on-book-club-inspired-content-series/608132/

How an Intern for a Dating App Found Viral Success

It can be a tough life for interns. Anya Jackson, a college student interning for the recently rebranded dating app Thursday, decided to get the most out of her $35 allotted budget using only her own body and a chalkboard sign she used to write clever messages. For example, one afternoon, Jackson handcuffed herself to a light post next to her sign, which read, “World’s Most Embarrassing Internship. Single? Download Thursday #CuffingSeason.” She also positioned herself outside music festivals and subway stations with signs that poked fun at herself for being single or an intern. Following each of these stunts, Jackson would post photos to her social media accounts, earning thousands of likes and millions of total impressions.

Jackson’s creativity has paid off immensely for Thursday. Each stunt doubled the average weekly downloads for the app and significantly increased Thursday’s brand recognition. Here’s hoping Jackson lands her dream job after she graduates – she’s certainly earned it! https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/how-an-intern-doubled-dating-app-thursdays-weekly-downloads-with-a-35-budget/