Microsoft shutters Mixer, partners with Facebook Gaming

Popular streamers such as Tyler "Ninja" Blevins have been released from their contracts, allowing them to sign deals with other livestreaming platforms.

By Robert Williams • June 23, 2020

Starbucks' stumble on Black Lives Matter shows rising stakes for brands in addressing race

Initially banning employees from wearing Black Lives Matter apparel, the chain quickly reversed its position — but the damage may already have been done.

By Peter Adams • June 22, 2020

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

P&G's new video 'The Pause' addresses LGBTQ bias

Released during Pride Month, the clip urges viewers to consider how they can make a positive difference in the lives of people in the LGBTQ community.

By Dianna Christie • June 22, 2020

Unilever, Honda, Verizon join growing Facebook ad boycott

A campaign to pressure the social network into being much more aggressive about removing hate speech from its platform is quickly gaining steam. 

By Robert Williams • Updated June 26, 2020

Girl Scouts debuts media brand for women

Verizon and Shutterstock are launch partners for the new CircleAround platform of content grounded in the organization's values of service, honesty, courage and respect.

By Robert Williams • June 22, 2020

Nintendo's 'Animal Crossing' to host virtual Global Pride parade

Twitch creators on June 27 will livestream "Animal Crossing" sessions and host Pride activities in the hit social simulation game.

By Robert Williams • June 19, 2020

Burger King debuts 1st 'dance ordering' on TikTok

With the influencer-powered #WhopperDance challenge, the chain is offering $1 burgers to users who create music videos that include special moves.

By Robert Williams • June 19, 2020

Samuel Adams celebrates Pride with GLAAD partnership, video series

The platform aims to show the Boston Beer Co. brand's support for Pride Month at a time when most celebrations are canceled due to the pandemic.

By Dianna Christie • June 19, 2020

Study: #Ad tag usage by Instagram influencers falls 30%

While COVID-19 contributed to the decline, lower usage of the hashtag likely began before the pandemic, Socialbakers estimates.

By Robert Williams • June 18, 2020

Uncle Ben, Cream of Wheat chef and Mrs. Butterworth all under review for racist imagery

Less than 24 hours after PepsiCo announced it was discontinuing its Aunt Jemima branding, Mars, B&G Foods and Conagra Brands are taking another look at the Black faces on their products.

By Megan Poinski • June 18, 2020

Crisis management: How two DTC brands found success in the midst of a pandemic

As much of retail struggles to survive, intimates brand Knix and bridal business Azazie have seen sales spikes amid an outbreak that has pushed more shoppers online.

By Cara Salpini • June 17, 2020

Buffalo Wild Wings CMO who led creative revival departs after less than 2 years

Seth Freeman spearheaded innovative creative concepts, including rebranding Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, that supported a turnaround for the brand.

By Peter Adams • June 17, 2020

Jack Daniel's celebrates Pride with drag brunch video series

The "Drag Queen Mukbang" series combines the real-world trend of drag brunches with the online fad of "mukbang" food-eating videos.

By Dianna Christie • June 17, 2020

Busch gives fans 'golden ticket' to outdoors with puzzle contest

Tapping into the jigsaw puzzle trend, the beer brand is offering a chance for a socially distant, outdoor adventure.

By Dianna Christie • June 17, 2020

Pandemic's hit to ad spending could be less severe than Great Recession, GroupM says

The company projects a smaller slide this year compared to 2009, reflecting a digital resiliency that small businesses have played a potentially significant role in supporting.

By Peter Adams • June 16, 2020

How Kraft Heinz converts renewed interest into new brand experiences

Through licensing deals, the foodmaker's iconic brands are extending to merchandise and new food experiences, a company vice president told a virtual conference.

By Megan Poinski • June 16, 2020

WhatsApp adds mobile payments in Brazil

Shoppers in the country can now use the Facebook-owned app to browse merchants' product catalogs and make direct payments.

By Robert Williams • June 16, 2020

Snapchat aims to educate marketers with 'Snap Focus' classes

A new education portal includes six classes for a free Snapchat Ads Manager certification to help professionals hone their campaigns on the app.

By Robert Williams • June 16, 2020

Stihl Timbersports drives YouTube views among sports-hungry fans

The push behind a year-old extreme lumberjack competition series spurred 1.9 million social media impressions and 95,000 clicks on YouTube.

By Robert Williams • June 15, 2020

Stella Artois taps Andy Cohen for social audio series

"Daydreaming in The Life Artois" appears on the AB InBev brand's YouTube channel every Friday through July 10.

By Robert Williams • June 15, 2020

Facebook's purchase of Giphy faces antitrust review

The social media giant will cooperate with the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority, and developer access to Giphy won't change in the meantime.

By Robert Williams • June 15, 2020

Bounty targets gamers with Twitch influencer campaign

A spot by the Procter & Gamble brand dramatizes gamers' anguish when they knock over drinks on computer equipment during intense gaming sessions.

By Robert Williams • June 12, 2020

Bonnaroo producer to livestream TikTok concert benefiting minority-owned businesses

Superfly's "Small Business Live" event featuring T-Pain, Brandi Carlile and others comes as many companies face financial hardship during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • June 12, 2020

2020's tumultuous first half spurs new brand safety opportunities, challenges: GroupM

A new guide is designed to help advertisers manage the complexities of brand safety amid the pandemic, tech and privacy developments.

By Dianna Christie • June 12, 2020

Snapchat debuts AI-powered lenses, mini apps, real-time features

Nike, Mattel and Major League Baseball are among the brands using Snapchat's platforms for a broad range of new services.

By Robert Williams • June 12, 2020