GLOBESPOTTING – FEBRUARY
PR CAMPAIGNS AND STUNTS
COOKING UP A STORMZY
WHAT?
British grime icon – Stormzy – became the first member of Greggs’ Concierge club
WHO AND WHEN?
The bakery made national fame when it launched its first-ever black card
entitling you to sausage rolls on tap – and gifted the first one
Stormzy who unboxed it and shared on his personal Twitter account
WHERE?
Along with Stormzy’s thousands of social media followers, the ‘breaking news’
was also shared on Daily Mirror, The Guardian, Daily Star and Metro to name a few…
WHY?
Celeb gifting isn’t a new phenomenon but selecting Stormzy
as its first VIP after his Brit award win made it the number one story on everyone’s lips
GOOD GOLLY, SNOG OLLY!
WHAT?
It was announced that Olly Murs’ wax figure is the most kissed at
Madame Tussauds Blackpool, so much so, his face needs to be cleaned every hour
WHO AND WHEN?
On Valentine’s Day, Brazen revealed that its client, Madame Tussauds Blackpool, had hired
a member of staff dedicated to wiping lipstick off Olly’s face
WHERE?
It wasn’t just the national headlines – The Sun,
Daily Express and Daily Star – BBC’s The One Show also shared the love
WHY?
Quick thinking, lip-smacking way to capture the media’s attention on a notoriously
noisy news day
ABOUT BLOODY TIME
WHAT?
Tesco has become the first UK supermarket to launch plasters in a range of different skin
tones after a member of staff noticed a tweet addressing the issue
WHO AND WHEN?
The retailer announced that the new own-brand fabric plasters – in light, medium and
dark shades –are now available to buy in Tesco stores nationwide and online
WHERE?
The story made headlines in the likes of theMail Online, BBC News, Guardian and Metro to
name a few, plus received viral praise across social platforms
WHY?
Diversity and inclusion is high on the consumer and media agenda and let’s face it, it’s
about bloody time!
WANNA PIZZA THIS?
WHAT?
KFC and Pizza Hut joined forces to make the ultimate meal to
celebrate National Pizza Day – a cheesy pizza topped with popcorn chicken
WHO AND WHEN?
The pizza sold 20,000 pizzas in just one day,
proving it was a brand partnership in cheesy chicken heaven
WHERE?
This was total tabloid and viral fodder, with coverage landing in the Mirror, Metro, Sun
and LadBible
WHY?
A clever brand collab of two much-loved food brands which was bound to split the nation
and get tongues wagging (and tasting)
TRENDS
AWARD SEASON
February marked the end of the glitzy awards season – a time many brands piggyback. Feeling
left out of the Oscars, despite its numerous film appearances, Heinz created an IMDB page
for an unlikely actor… Ketchup! The page listed the iconic star’s, I mean… condiment’s,
various film appearances and fans on social were asked to name its starring roles in
return for free Ketchup! A saucy way to hijack conversations.
VALENTINE’S / GALENTINE’S / PALENTINE’S
Call it what you like, but there was a LOT of love for this national calendar date across
the media. From Showcase Cinemas’ launching a couple’s half sweet, half salty ‘Swapcorn’ box,
to card retailer Moonpig and KFC creating a fried chicken scented card (mmm!), brands
continued the nation’s love affair with romantic NPD. Online comparison service, money.co.uk,
even launched an engagement calculator so that those planning to pop the question could work out
how much they could afford to put a ring on it.
#BEKIND
Following the tragic death of Caroline Flack, #BeKind became more than just a hashtag, but a
mental health campaign multiple brands supported. Pretty Little Thing announced 100% of profits from
Molly Mae’s most recent collection would go to Mind charity, and In The Style released Be Kind slogan tees
and raised £15,000 for Samaritans. Let’s hope the movement really does drive change and
something good can come from something so sad.
GOING T*TS UP
WHAT?
Victoria’s Secret hires racially diverse models to promote underwear in
different skin tones, but their bid to be more inclusive is branded ‘too little, too late’
WHO AND WHEN?
The lingerie company posted campaign photos on their social media that present a
more inclusive tone, however the brand faced backlash that it was too late –
following their show being cancelled in 2019 due to a lack of diversity
WHERE?
Daily Mail, PR Week, Refinery29 and The Huffington Post picked up on the brands blunder
WHY?
The fashion industry is one of the most scrutinized and on
this occasion, Victoria’s Secret became a fashion victim rather than trend setter
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