Weekly Must Reads

Written by Kelsey

August 3, 2020

Staying updated on the latest advertising and marketing news doesn’t have to be hard. Check out our Weekly Must Reads for the new stories and campaigns you need to see this week.

Nike Celebrates the Return of Sports

Nike’s latest commercial is a fitting celebration for the long-awaited return to sports. The ad, narrated by Women’s National Team star Megan Rapinoe, shows the unity between athletes, featuring side-by-side videos of men and women playing different sports and yet making very similar movements. A tennis hit blends into a baseball swing; a swimmer diving off the block transforms into a runner starting a race. The ad comes days after many professional sports leagues, including the MLB, NBA and WNBA, finally got back in the game after being shut down in March due to the coronavirus.

Nike also takes the message of unity a step further, sharing videos of players in various leagues kneeling in protest of racial inequality and police brutality. As Rapinoe concludes, “nothing can stop what we can do together.” Watch the new inspirational ad here: https://people.com/sports/megan-rapinoe-narrates-nike-ad-sports-return/

Heineken Takes Us Safely Back to Bars

In some countries around the world, communities are starting to recover from the coronavirus pandemic and bars are beginning to reopen. Beer brand Heineken is using their latest ad to showcase the unique experience of going to a bar in a pandemic – the universal masks, avoiding others in hallways and cheers-ing from a distance. According to Heineken’s senior director of global brand, “we were inspired by real life experiences that everyone can relate to…we wanted to celebrate bars’ return and remind people that respecting the new rules is important.”

At the end, Heineken reminds viewers that the only thing better than a night out is another night out – so we all need to “socialize responsibly to keep bars open.” In addition to airing in TV markets like the Netherlands and Brazil, this “Back to Bars” campaign will also include interactive activities in bars. Find out more details here:

https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/as-the-worlds-bars-reopen-heinekens-ad-about-social-distancing-is-100-relatable/

Burger King Rings In Christmas in July

During this difficult year, it feels like we could all use some cheering up. To lift their audience’s spirits, Burger King launched a Christmas in July campaign. In their first ad, the brand interviewed face-masked customers who shared their wish that they could fast-forward to a happier time – like the Christmas season. In addition to Christmas-themed videos and social media posts, Burger King also decked out one Florida store in full Christmas lights and decorations.

This new campaign comes after Burger King and other fast food restaurants faced closed restaurants and decreasing sales during the height of the pandemic. As locations slowly reopen and increase their traffic, they hope the spirit of Christmas will send messages of both hope and safety to their audience. Read on about the campaign here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/burger-king-celebrates-christmas-in-july-in-new-campaign/582240/

Bumble & Babe Wine Cover Pandemic Breakups

The pandemic has wreaked havoc in many areas of our lives – and for some people, that includes their relationships. Dating app Bumble and AB InBev brand Babe Wine want to support their newly single Instagram followers and help them move on – literally. The brands announced a new social media contest to give away free moving costs to five users who are “turning their breakup into a glow-up.” To enter the contest, users simply need to tag themselves in a “moving on” photo posted to Babe Wine’s Instagram account.

Both brands are hoping to capitalize on recent success and grow their presence during the pandemic. Bumble reached 100 million worldwide users last month, and Babe Wine recently became the NHL’s first official wine sponsor. Do you think this campaign will resonate with the younger audience they’re targeting? Learn more and make your own opinion here: https://www.mobilemarketer.com/news/bumble-matches-with-babe-wine-to-cover-moving-costs-for-pandemic-breakups/582570/

Related Articles

Marketing Must Reads: Brand Icon Edition

Marketing Must Reads: Brand Icon Edition

Several recent campaigns from some of the world’s biggest brands seek to double down on their values and most iconic brand signifiers. Find out how these major companies are strengthening their brand image in our new Marketing Must Reads. Rare...

Marketing Must Reads: Halloween Edition

Marketing Must Reads: Halloween Edition

It’s officially crunch time for brands hoping to boost Halloween sales. Read up on the latest spooky marketing and advertising news in our Weekly Must Reads. M&Ms Trick-or-Treat with Ring In a pre-Halloween push, Mars Wrigley has partnered with...

Marketing Must Reads: AI Edition

Marketing Must Reads: AI Edition

Despite concerns from some in the industry, AI in marketing isn’t going anywhere. As discussed during last week’s Advertising Week in New York, brands are becoming increasingly AI-savvy, utilizing the technology to optimize campaign metrics and...

0 Comments

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *