Taco Bell’s sales grow, thanks to Mexican Pizza and Pete Davidson

Mexican Pizza was an apparent winner for Taco Bell last year. So was Pete Davidson. Click here to read the story at restaurantbusinessonline.com. Discussion Questions:

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years02/10/2023 ago

Competition

KFC is launching wraps to attract younger consumers

During McDonald’s Q4 earnings call earlier this week, executives noted that the chain is gaining market share in chicken. KFC may have an answer for that, today announcing the launch of its Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps. They’ll be available nationwide beginning Feb. 6. Click here to read the story at Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years02/05/2023 ago

Consumer Behavior

Consumers Plan to Increase Valentine’s Day Spending to Nearly $26 Billion

Consumers are expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, up from $23.9 billion in 2022 and one of the highest spending years on record, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Click here to read the story Read more…

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years02/05/2023 ago

Demographics

With TikTok’s growing list of issues, should marketers think twice about the platform?

For all the hype around TikTok among marketers, there are still some lingering issues on the platform that should give them pause — at least that’s what one would think. Click here to read the story at digiday.com. Discussion Questions:

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years02/05/2023 ago

Experiential Marketing

Sour Patch Kids Embraces Anti-Valentine’s Day With New Candy

Not feeling particularly romantic for Valentine’s Day this year? Celebrate the anti-holiday with the perfect tasty treat: the new Black Raspberry Sour Patch Kids Sour Hearts candy. Click here to read the story at parade.com. Discussion Questions:

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years02/05/2023 ago

Brands

Why Travel Brands Should Ditch the Pre-Pandemic Playbook in 2023

It’s been three years since COVID-19 arrived in the United States, which means it’s also been three years since the travel industry began looking forward to a “return to normal.” Click here to read the story at morningconsult.com. Discussion Questions:

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years02/05/2023 ago

Brand Loyalty

Why your last text message is probably from a brand

First it was mailboxes, then inboxes…Now, marketers are blowing up phones. Click here to read the story at marketingbrew.com. Discussion Questions:

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years01/29/2023 ago

Advertising

Burger King’s Menu Adds a New Kind of Hit (Blame the Whopper)

A good, catchy jingle can cement a product in the public’s mind spanning across generations. Click here to read the story at the street.com. Discussion Questions:

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years01/29/2023 ago

Branding

5 Reasons Why You Need to Make Emojis Part of Your Marketing Strategy

So many messages get lost in translation when typed or written down. How can you convey your tone of voice or feelings in just 280 characters or less? Click here to read the story at entrepreneur.com. Discussion Questions:

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years01/29/2023 ago

Digital Marketing

Oreo and Martha Stewart take a dip into the ‘Oreoverse’ with new limited-edition launch

Milk’s favorite cookie is dunking into a new dimension. Oreo has announced its latest limited-edition launch of The Most Oreo Oreo in tandem with the new Oreoverse… Click here to read the story at goodmorningamerica.com. Discussion Questions:

By Chris Lindauer, 2 years01/29/2023 ago

Marketing Currents