McDonald’s targets Gen Zers with limited-time Chicken Big Mac offering: The QSR is supporting the launch with a campaign that highlights dupe culture, livestreaming, and other generational touchstones.

Retailers adjust China strategies to coax cost-conscious shoppers to open their wallets: Ikea and Pizza Hut will open more small-format stores to reach new customers, while H&M set up shop on Pinduoduo and Douyin.

Mattel is banking on in-store retail to uplift holiday sales, while Kimberly-Clark is building its profile through storytelling-driven ads. McDonald’s drawing customers to its loyalty program thanks to gamified features in its mobile app. Here are three insights from each company’s most recent earnings and what marketers can learn.

“The restaurant industry is still reeling from the impact of the pandemic,” our content director Becky Schilling said on an episode of “Behind the Numbers: Reimagining Retail” podcast. On top of that, inflation and economic uncertainty has made for a tough four years. In face of these persisting challenges, restaurants are turning to AI and unified commerce solutions to improve the customer experience, build loyalty, and supercharge personalization.

Consumer spending rose in the first four months of 2024: Shoppers are becoming more deal-conscious as cost-of-living pressures weigh heavily.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what Fortnite developer Epic Games' win over Google means, whether McDonald's new restaurant brand will be a success, why women's sports worldwide are exploding right now, if video streaming bundles are inevitable, how AI rules can keep pace with AI development, who's planning to live underwater in a few years, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our analysts Ross Benes, Bill Fisher, and Carina Perkins.

Some 65% of TikTokers prefer content from brands that feature original sounds, according to 2021 MRC Data. TikTok sounds allow users to attach posts to songs and other audio which can then drive an association between the song and the brand. TikTok already has a Commercial Music Library of royalty-free tracks, but brands can push social campaigns a step further by creating their own viral songs.

Retailers struggle to find a balance between growth and sustainability: Efforts to reduce environmental footprints often run counter to the desire to grow sales.

It can be challenging to earn customer loyalty as consumers often favor the least expensive, most convenient options. Caleb Pearson, Vice President, Media and Digital for US Marketing, McDonald’s, shares how McDonald’s uses customer data to keep consumers coming back.

Here's how the iconic brand pivoted from transactional marketing to brand-building in the long term.

Burger King, McDonald’s, and Crispy Fantasy (yes, this is work-friendly) have all launched marketing campaigns that make what’s old new again.

Plant-based meat sales are declining: While rising prices are causing some consumers to trade down to cheaper proteins, there’s still plenty of interest in alternatives to animal products.

Investors want retailers to take decisive action on ESG initiatives: But companies like Amazon and McDonald’s are pushing back on shareholder demands.

Restaurants are experimenting with robots, but customers aren’t enthused: Labor crunches and high costs are pushing fast-food chains like Chipotle and Panera Bread to adopt automation front and back of house.

Restaurants scramble to roll out loyalty programs: Hardee’s, IHOP, and Carl’s Jr. are the latest chains to leverage loyalty to offer personalized experiences and deepen relationships with consumers.

McDonald’s, Apple led in spending among US out-of-home advertisers in 2020

Earlier this month, Mucinex unveiled Sickwear, a six-piece fashion collection that aims to help consumers get through the cold and flu season in style. While it may not be the typical route for a healthcare brand, its parent company RB has been leveraging different channels, including TikTok and now social commerce, to reach consumers—particularly those who may not be aware of its direct-to-consumer (D2C) business.

Speaking with authenticity is a trait that people don’t often associate with brands and marketers. They are, after all, always trying to sell—and the pandemic hasn’t stopped them.

Consumers are embracing mobile delivery as they get comfortable with mcommerce, and quick service restaurants are seizing the opportunity.