Marketing News & Breaking Stories

CDC warns of listeria outbreak linked to peaches, nectarines, and plums, with 10 hospitalizations and 1 death in 7 states.

OpenAI board dynamics and leadership changes. CEO Sam Altman fired, Mira Murati appointed interim CEO. Greg Brockman steps down as chairman.

Abigail Spanberger, former CIA officer, announced her run for Virginia governor in 2025, sparking interest in her family and political career.

State Farm has been expanding its media strategy to engage young customers, using digital and mobile channels like TikTok and esports. The insurance company has also signed a name, image, and likeness deal with college basketball player Caitlin Clark and capitalized on fan excitement around Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce's relationship. State Farm's Head of Marketing, Alyson Griffin, discusses the company's marketing approach and plans for Q4.

Rite Aid has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to declining sales and opioid-related lawsuits. The closure of stores will inconvenience Western New York shoppers.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was seen on crutches after injuring his ankle in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

McDonald's is bringing back the McRib sandwich, using scarcity marketing to create consumer urgency and drive sales. The success of the McRib has even sparked competition in the fast-food industry. McDonald's has a positive financial performance and is an attractive investment for income-focused investors.

Abercrombie & Fitch is investigating claims that its former CEO sexually exploited men at lavish parties worldwide.

Abercrombie & Fitch is investigating claims that its former CEO, Mike Jeffries, sexually exploited men at parties.

Cisco Systems acquires cybersecurity software company Splunk for $28 billion, causing Cisco's shares to fall and Splunk's shares to rise.

The SEC fined Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher's NFT-based web series, Stoner Cats, $1 million for unregistered securities.

Arm's oversubscribed IPO could have been priced at $52 per share, above the indicated range of $47 to $51.

Super Bowl advertisers achieved significant gains in engagement and effectiveness, according to research by EDO. Advertisers spent $3.7bn on ads during the NFL regular season, which had an engagement rate 20% higher than the broadcast primetime average. During the playoffs, advertisers spent $632m, achieving an engagement rate 19% higher than the primetime average. Super Bowl LVII saw advertisers spend $757m, with an engagement rate 221% higher than the primetime average. The NFL had five of the top ten programs for TV advertising effectiveness, with Thanksgiving Day and Thursday Night Football games proving particularly impactful.

LSU hires Anzilla Gilmore as associate vice president for facility and property oversight, bringing over 23 years of experience.

Former BMW Chief of Design, Chris Bangle, has launched a production business called Inanimatti Inc, which will debut its first project, Arky Arch Adventures, at Mipcom. The animated TV show, targeted at children aged 6-12, is set in a world where everyday objects come alive. Bangle hopes to encourage children to see the world in a new and imaginative way, while also teaching them the importance of accepting diversity and change.

Duke football's unexpected win against Clemson has turned them into the underdog that everyone loves, especially considering Dabo Swinney's controversial statements.

Australian radio host Kyle Sandilands claims that Kanye West's recent controversial antics with Bianca Censori are publicity stunts to promote West's rumored new album.

Fans rushed gates and hopped fences at New York's Electric Zoo music festival after being informed of venue capacity.

Chico's FAS, a women's retailer based in Fort Myers, reported a strong second quarter with profits rising to $59.3m.

'Gran Turismo' inches ahead of 'Barbie' in the box office lead, but 'Barbie' expected to have sold more tickets.

Verve, Africa's payment cards and digital token platform, has launched its annual 'Good Life' promo to appreciate and support customers. The promo includes cash prizes, free fuel, rent support, and school fees. Verve aims to improve cardholders' experience and reward loyalty.

The possibility of a mug shot for former President Donald Trump following his arraignment in Georgia could have significance for both his supporters and detractors. While some experts argue that the impact of a mug shot has diminished with Trump's multiple indictments, others believe it could still become an iconic symbol. Trump himself may try to capitalize on the image, as he has done with previous indictments, to rally his supporters for a potential 2024 presidential bid. The interest in a potential mug shot may depend on how it delivers in terms of its impact and whether it becomes an iconic image.

Actor Ryan Reynolds has made over $450 million from brand deals with companies like Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile, despite admitting he's "no wizard" at investing. Reynolds is known for his "valued-added investing" strategy, using his name and face to tell a startup's story and increase its return on investment. This tactic is becoming increasingly popular among venture capitalists and angel investors like Reynolds, as well as retail investors using equity crowdfunding platforms. Despite the risks, Reynolds has had a series of nine-figure exits and continues to invest in startups like Nuvei Corp.

Verve, Africa's payment cards and digital token platform, has launched its annual 'Good Life' promo to reward customers. The promo includes cash prizes, free fuel, rent support, and school fees. Verve aims to improve cardholders' experiences and improve their living conditions. To qualify for a win, customers must continue to transact with their Verve card.

Dave Portnoy regains full ownership of Barstool Sports after PENN Entertainment sells its stake amid a new deal with ESPN.

Penn Entertainment completes the acquisition of Barstool Sports for $551 million, but the companies are now going their separate ways.

French's and Skittles release mustard-flavored candies for National Mustard Day.

Hollywood bounces back as "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" drive box office success.

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder fined $60 million for misconduct.

Ford's F-150 Lightning faces competition from Tesla's Cybertruck, outcome uncertain.

Inflation drops to lowest level in over two years, benefiting economy and stock market.

Jonah Hill's ex-girlfriend, Sarah Brady, accused him of emotional abuse, while Hill sells merchandise promoting "complete unrelenting control" on his website.

A-list celebrities attended billionaire Michael Rubin's white party in the Hamptons.

McDonald's purple Grimace shakes have sparked a viral trend on TikTok, with users creating videos that resemble horror movies. The #GrimaceShake hashtag has garnered over 628 million views, as people film themselves pretending to pass out after drinking the shake. While the fast food chain may not have anticipated this reaction, it highlights the extent to which people enjoy engaging with brands, according to a marketing expert. The trend was triggered by McDonald's launch of the Grimace shake to celebrate the birthday of Grimace, the company's mascot.