GLOBE SPOTTING – OCTOBER
PR CAMPAIGNS AND STUNTS
ONCE UPON A VINE
What?
SpareRoom has produced a bedtime story for its tenants to read to plants to encourage growth at night.
Who and When?
The rental site made its new bedtime story for plants free to download off its website
Where?
The story was picked up in national and regional titles across both print and online sparking debate about whether talking to plants really does help them grow
Why?
It’s brilliantly bonkers and the short stories have been written by famous children’s author Alice Hemming
OLD-PLAY
What?
Coldplay revealed the tracks of its new album by placing classified ads in newspapers around the world
Who and When?
The rock band took out an advert amongst local ads in newspapers. Starting with ones closer to home, in north Wales and Devon but spanning to Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald
Where?
Coverage of the announcement stunt was picked up globally from The Guardian, Daily Express, USA Today to music titles such as NME
Why?
In a social media savvy era where streaming music is king, Coldplay has reverted to an old school method, proving that good old local rags still have a place in PR as readers spotted the ad and word spread globally
THE HUNCHBACK OF DONCASTER
What?
A lifesize doll was created to show what future office workers will look like in 20 years (hope you aren’t reading this at your desk!) the doll had a permeant hunchback, protruding stomach and varicose veins
Who and When?
Office equipment supplier Fellowes commissioned a study entitled ‘The Work Colleague of The Future’ which revealed that 90% of UK office workers will suffer from health issues. The model named Emma was created to illustrate the study
Where?
The shocking survey and striking doll gained blanket national coverage, from the Independent, AOL, The Sun and The Times
Why?
The Doncaster based office supplier didn’t just commission a standard survey they brought the shocking results to life giving the media a new dimension to the story and asset to anchor the articles with
CHEAT-BALL SUB
What?
Subway launched a meat-free alternative to the ‘meatball marinara’ sub
Who and When?
Sandwich king, Subway, introduced a ‘meatless meatball marinara’ sub to its sandwich range. This was trialed in stores located in Birmingham and Manchester, before rolling out nationwide
Where?
The story was featured across nationals, online and regional titles with everyone going nuts for the NPD
Why?
First the Gregg’s Vegan Sausage Roll, then Subway’s Cheat-ball Sub – meat treats are très en vogue
TRENDS
HALLOWEEN
Halloween is now, arguably, the biggest seasonal event after Christmas and brands have jumped on it in a fang-tastic way this year!
Skittles brought out limited edition Zombie Skittles. Brazen client, Showcase Cinemas revealed that Brits are too scared to watch horror films which was debated on BBC’s Radio 2 in and Poundland sold ‘invisible cloaks’ for those with a sense of humour.
You’d have to have been dead not to have spotted some spooktacular PR stunts this year…
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
An exceptionally important cause that raises awareness nationwide – Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
A number of brands have continued to show their support, such as Mr Kipling, Clinique, Bobbie Brown, Jo Malone and Accessorise to name a few. These brands have created limited edition items that raise awareness for breast cancer and part of the cost is donated to charity. Also, a number of celebrities partnered up with Coppafeel and Fabulous magazine to trek across the Himalayas.
October may be Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it’s important to coppafeel all year round!
BREXIT
Brexit has been delayed yet again and now a General Election is looming – will this ever end?
October saw a dead in the ditch promise from the Prime Minister if he didn’t deliver Brexit by the 31st of October. Boris got further than Theresa but fell at the final hurdle.
It was a treat not a trick for the voters this Halloween as we will be heading back to the polls in December, where we’ll vote for who can try and get us out of the EU in 2020.
MAN CITY PULLS ‘OWN GOAL’ AD
What?
Manchester City football club ended its relationship with its media agency for placing an unauthorised influencer ad
Who and When?
The agency in question admitted posting an ad on influencer marketing app, Tribe, searching for influencers to ‘get across the great atmosphere’ of the Etihad during Champions League games
Where?
The media were quick to pick up the story, forcing Manchester City to distance themselves claiming the media agency acted without their permission, which was later confirmed by the agency
Why?
Tribe is a brilliant platform for Instagram influencers but use it without a client’s knowledge and you risk facing a penalty!
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