Spotify extends annual Wrapped campaign to entire decade, podcast content

The feature is for the first time accessible through the platform's mobile app, and outdoor ads spotlight newer bets like the acquisition of Gimlet Media.  

By Robert Williams • Dec. 6, 2019

Rent the Runway partners with W Hotels

The clothing rental company will supply a travel wardrobe to guests upon their arrival at the luxury hotels. 

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 5, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Retail Marketing

Top stories that underscore the leading influences on retail marketing, including the creator economy, '90s nostalgia and Gen Z. 

By Marketing Dive staff

NYT: Facebook incubates apps for travel, podcasts, enterprise services

The company's secretive New Product Experimentation Team is reportedly working on the future of the social platform.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 5, 2019

KFC brings back its fried chicken-scented Firelogs

The logs, made from recycled materials via a partnership with Enviro-Log, will be available exclusively on Walmart's website.

By Barry Levine • Dec. 5, 2019

Sprinklr acquires Nanigans' social ad business amid ad tech consolidation

The combined businesses will manage more than $1.5 billion of yearly ad spend among social channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 4, 2019

Kool-Aid crashes onto TikTok with holiday video challenge

The Kraft Heinz brand's mascot and rapper Lil Jon encourage people to post social videos for a chance to win $10,000.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 4, 2019

Teleflora blooms on social media with combination CGI/live action ads

A toy elf comes to life and offers advice to a mom stressed out by her holiday to-do list in the 15- and 30-second humorous digital spots. 

By Robert Williams • Dec. 3, 2019

Retailers reap rewards from major bet on social ads during Cyber Weekend

From Thanksgiving through Dec. 1, retailers funneled 45% of their online media budgets into paid social ads and generated 33% of total holiday weekend revenue.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 3, 2019

WeChat tops 5-year growth in brand value with 1,540% surge

Fueling growth was the integration of complementary services into a single platform that would typically require dozens of individual apps.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 3, 2019

Secret opens Instagram directory, shoppable videos bolstering women-run businesses

The P&G brand wants to help women business leaders score a fair share of the $730 billion forecast to be spent around the holidays. 

By Peter Adams • Dec. 2, 2019

Dunkin' turns menu items into limited-edition holiday candles

The QSR is tapping into the sense of smell as it continues to ramp up its lifestyle positioning. 

By Dianna Christe • Dec. 2, 2019

Chick-fil-A encourages giving the gift of time with multichannel campaign

Across TV, online and a pop-up shop, the QSR looks to deliver for the 73% of consumers that want more time with people they love this holiday season.

By Dianna Christe • Dec. 2, 2019

PayPal: Consumers plan to ramp up social shopping this holiday season

Users in Canada spend an average of 6.4 hours a day on social media — 46% of whom said they're more likely to shop on the platforms this holiday season than last year.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 2, 2019

HBO brings 'His Dark Materials' creatures to life with Snapchat

The effort includes a location-based Landmarker AR Lens that activates a virtual polar bear at Hollywood's TCL Chinese Theater.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 27, 2019

Pringles debuts chip-dispensing gaming headset on Twitch

Part of a "Gears 5" tie-up, the headphones have a swivel arm that automatically feeds the brand's stackable potato chips into the wearer's mouth.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 27, 2019

Fiverr's new store connects influencers with support services

The online hub for freelance services could link social media personalities to people assisting with video editing to graphic design.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 26, 2019

CBD seltzer brand pays Venmo users for their Instagram promotions

Recess is trying an unconventional campaign that sidesteps marketing regulations on Facebook-owned platforms.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 26, 2019

KFC hides 11 holiday gifts in limited-edition bucket illustrations

Customers can snap pictures of the drawings by Nicholas John Frith and post them to Instagram for a chance to win their real-world counterparts.

By Barry Levine , Peter Adams • Nov. 26, 2019

How mobile ads are powering a social commerce surge this holiday season

"The gap between promotion and purchase is closing and making the experience more seamless," Elastic Path's Darin Archer​ said about how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are blending ads and shopping.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 25, 2019

Pinterest's new curated marketplace gives smaller merchants a holiday boost

@PinterestShop gathers hundreds of shoppable posts from 17 hand-picked businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 25, 2019

Red Lobster knits ugly holiday sweaters for online pop-up shop

Available via an e-commerce site, the sweater features a built-in insulated pocket to keep the chain's Cheddar Bay Biscuits warm.

By Dianna Christe • Nov. 25, 2019

Grey Goose cooks up prepared meal service for holidays

The Bacardi-owned brand partnered with Cocktail Courier and Cooked to launch a prepared meal kit with food and cocktail pairings.

By Dianna Christe • Nov. 25, 2019

Wingstop lets Twitch users order food while watching livestreams

Viewers interact directly with a streamer who provides menu suggestions and then can place an order for DoorDash delivery.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 22, 2019

Gen Z prefers entertainment, social media in early dayparts

Generational differences in mobile usage, social media and news consumption suggest brands should target content at certain times of the day.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 22, 2019

Verizon will preload Snapchat on 5G phones to widen reach

The companies will develop AR technology and exclusive rewards offers for Snapchat users to draw buzz around the high-speed mobile service.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 22, 2019