OUTLOOK
This AdAge article (5/4; subscription) grades corporate performance during the pandemic; revealing which brands are “surging, sinking or just holding steady.” With a focus on first quarter, the reports “gave a glimpse into second-quarter trends.” Clorox, one of the “surging” brands was also mentioned in detail by MarketingDive (5/4). In an effort to hold onto the increased trial of Clorox products it is seeing during the coronavirus health crisis, their CEO plans to increase second half 2020 ad spending by $50MM.
Adweek’s article (5/1) on the restaurant category’s quarterly results showed that, where reported, most same store sales dropped between 25% to 35% for when stay-at-home orders began. However, the opposite was seen for Domino’s Pizza and Popeyes which grew a reported 7% and 26%, respectively.
WHITEPAPER
Nielsen published “Advertising in the Age of COVID-19”, a new guide for advertisers and agencies. Available for download, the six-page document reinforces recent research including evolving media habits and retail shopping behaviors, while assessing the impact of not advertising. Media insights include TV’s increase in both reach and time spent, increases in streaming, and a report that 83% of consumers “are listening to as much radio as they had before the pandemic.” E-commerce share and growth are shown across multiple categories indicate the unprecedented opportunity to capture new buyers due to unavailability. And finally, a marketing mix analysis shows how cutting advertising in 2020 can lead to a revenue decrease in 2021.
MESSAGING
Reuters (5/4) declared that “It’s okay to laugh again” in their article on ways that marketers are changing the tone of their communications to be lighter and less somber. As a point of reference, they site clichés identified in the compilation video “Every COVID-10 Commercial is Exactly the Same”. Brands helping spread the humor include Anheuser-Busch with their “Wassup” refresh from 4/23, Diagio asking people to Hangout from Home, as the US shifts to restart business. In a display of cross-platform creativity, Emily Crisps (right), a UK based snack brand, poked fun of themselves in their transit posters and social, while suggesting a TV ad instead.
Despite the return of some humor, a new VAB study, reported by B&C (4/30), shows that advertisers are still looking for positive messages and helping communities (even the “Wassup” ad mentioned above, closed with a heartfelt “stay safe” message). The VAB study tied intended sales as a metric, with 55% saying they were more likely to make a brand purchase for companies providing resources or helping the community. Coke’s video, in honor of International Workers’ Day is a recent example (The Drum, 5/4).
CROSS-PLATFORM
Researcher e-marketer updated their “US Time Spent with Media” report (requires sub.) with 2020 data and a forecast through 2022. In part a result of pre-pandemic trends as well as the effects of the coronavirus crisis, average time spent with media will increase more than an hour a day (to 13 hours, 35 minutes.) Other notable trends include more digital and non-digital video viewing,
MASK FASHION
One way designers are supporting the global supply chain for personal protective equipment is by making and distributing masks for civilian wear. This Fast Company article (5/5) features an MIT-founded Ministry of Supply mask (4 weeks to ship) which was originally designed for frontline workers, while affiliate-based articles on etonline (5/5) and GQ (5/1) list “fashionable” masks that are selling right now, as well as some who are donating proceeds or portions of sales to healthcare workers and others in need. Or, if you’re so inspired, this Instructables has been vetted by our staff to be easy-to-make if you own a sewing machine (a lot of work if you don’t.)