This week, brands are making bold, bizarre, and brilliant moves. Blue Diamond’s spokesnut is hitting the road (and posting thought leadership on LinkedIn), while KFC Netherlands leans into post-spicy-food regret for a hilarious campaign. Meanwhile, Lidl becomes the first supermarket to sell on TikTok Shop, Little Sleepies’ heartfelt ad reminds us why childhood is magical, and Ulta Beauty reveals the secrets behind its 44-million-member loyalty program.

Also: Meta’s undersea cable ambitions, a creator’s brutally honest take on the real costs of YouTube, marketing campaign challenges in 2025, Orkin turns termite damage into art, pizza-scented perfume, and why 27% of CMOs are still reluctant to embrace generative AI.

Let’s dive in!

This Week’s Marketing Stories

A curated mix of breaking news, insights, and trends, each with actionable takeaways to inspire your brand storytelling.

1. 27% of CMOs Still Reluctant to Adopt Generative AI – Why That’s a Risk

A new Gartner report reveals that 27% of CMOs have no or limited adoption of generative AI, despite its potential to revolutionize marketing. While high-performing brands are leading the charge, using AI for creative development (84%) and strategy optimization (52%), many marketers remain hesitant due to uncertainty over ROI, data security concerns, and implementation challenges. The report also found that 47% of AI adopters report significant benefits in areas like campaign analysis, content automation, and marketing efficiency, proving that when leveraged correctly, AI can be a game-changer.

Key Takeaway: Ignoring AI adoption could put brands at a competitive disadvantage. While AI won’t replace human creativity, marketers who integrate it thoughtfully can improve efficiency, optimize campaigns, and gain deeper insights. However, data security concerns remain a valid barrier. Companies must ensure that AI tools comply with privacy regulations and maintain consumer trust while scaling adoption. Read more

2. Blue Diamond’s Spokesnut Goes Mobile – and Corporate?

Blue Diamond is taking its snack marketing to the streets with the Nutty Cruiser, a custom-built almond-themed vehicle set to tour the U.S. The campaign is all about face-to-face engagement, with stops at fairs, breweries, and major cities offering free almond samples, a “Flavor Bar,” and interactive games like “Almond-hole” (yes, that’s cornhole, but with almonds).

But perhaps the strangest twist? The brand’s spokesnut is also making waves on LinkedIn, posting quirky thought leadership posts like “Every traffic jam is an impromptu marketing event” and “Being shaped like an almond isn’t a limitation—it’s my brand.”

Key Takeaway: In a world where digital marketing dominates, real-world activations still create magic. And when paired with unexpected digital extensions (like LinkedIn thought leadership from a nut), campaigns can extend their reach in unexpected ways. Read more

3. KFC Netherlands: Worth It, Also Tomorrow

We all love spicy food… well, until the morning after. KFC Netherlands isn’t afraid to lean into this relatable regret with a hilarious new ad for its extra-hot Lava Wings. The spot features a man enjoying his wings… and then immediately suffering the consequences the next day.

It’s an unconventional angle, but it works because it’s honest, self-aware, and incredibly funny.

Key Takeaway: Leaning into the full product experience – even the not-so-glamorous parts – can make a campaign feel more authentic and memorable. Humor (especially the kind that taps into a shared human experience) is a powerful tool for standing out. Read more

4. Lidl Becomes the First Supermarket to Sell on TikTok Shop

Lidl is making history by becoming the first supermarket to sell directly on TikTok Shop, launching 3,000 exclusive high-protein product bundles priced at just £5 instead of the usual £30, with all proceeds going to charity. The bundles include high-protein snacks and limited-edition Lidl-branded merchandise, tapping into social media trends around fitness, value shopping, and exclusive product drops.

Even cooler? Lidl sold through its inventory in 18 minutes!

With over a third of TikTok’s 1.69 billion users making purchases on the platform, Lidl’s move positions it as a leader in social commerce for grocery retail—a space that’s rapidly evolving.

Key Takeaway: The future of grocery shopping is social. Lidl’s success on TikTok Shop signals a major shift for retailers, proving that short-form video platforms can drive direct sales—and that brands should explore creative, social-first commerce strategies. Read more

5. Little Sleepies’ Ad Is a Love Letter to Being Little

Little Sleepies, the DTC baby and kids’ sleepwear brand, has launched its first-ever ad campaign, celebrating the joys of childhood through real, unscripted moments. Narrated by an 8-year-old, the ad highlights simple yet meaningful experiences, like learning to walk, playing freely, and finding comfort in a parent’s arms. With a cast of real families and even capturing a baby’s first steps on camera, the campaign leans into authenticity and emotional storytelling to resonate with parents.

Key Takeaway: Authenticity sells, but execution matters. Little Sleepies’ success lies in its ability to connect emotionally with parents by showcasing genuine, relatable moments. The brand strengthens customer loyalty by reinforcing its mission of comfort and togetherness, a strategy that can be especially powerful for family-oriented and lifestyle brands. Read more

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6. Marketing Campaign Issues Multiply – Here’s What the Data Says

A new Gartner report reveals that 87% of marketers have faced campaign performance issues in the past year, with 45% forced to terminate underperforming campaigns early. The biggest challenges? Channel fragmentation, AI adoption struggles, and increased budget scrutiny. With marketers running 31% more campaigns year-over-year, measuring success has become more difficult, as 70% report challenges proving ROI and 66% struggle to demonstrate impact to stakeholders. Additionally, 68% of marketers say they lack the budget to properly manage campaign resources, making execution even tougher.

Key Takeaway: High-performing marketing teams prioritize measurement, cross-department collaboration, and AI adoption to stay ahead. The study highlights that brands that align their campaign strategies with business objectives, embrace AI-driven insights, and refine performance measurement processes are more likely to drive engagement and meet their goals. If your campaigns are struggling, it might be time to rethink your data, reporting, and budget allocation strategies. Read more

7. Meta’s Massive Undersea Cable Project – What It Means for AI and the Future of the Internet

Meta is investing $10 billion in Project Waterworth, a 50,000-kilometer undersea cable network that will span five continents and become the longest subsea cable in history. The project aims to enhance global internet connectivity while supporting Meta’s expanding AI and cloud infrastructure. With undersea cables already handling 95% of intercontinental internet traffic, this initiative will provide the high-speed, high-capacity backbone needed to fuel AI-driven applications, cloud computing, and next-gen digital services. The system’s 24-fiber pair structure promises greater reliability and efficiency, ensuring that regions like India, Africa, and Latin America gain improved access to digital services.

Key Takeaway: Tech giants aren’t just shaping the digital world – they’re literally laying the foundation for it. Meta’s massive infrastructure investment signals a future where AI, data transfer speeds, and global connectivity become even more intertwined. For marketers, businesses, and policymakers, this raises critical questions about data control, digital sovereignty, and the long-term implications of Big Tech owning critical infrastructure. Read more

8. Orkin Turns Termite Damage Into “Art”

Orkin’s latest campaign, “Chewed Art,” takes an unexpected approach to pest control awareness by transforming real termite damage into visually striking artwork. Aimed at educating new homeowners, the campaign highlights the 600,000 homes affected by termites annually in the U.S. and the billions of dollars in damage they cause. Through intricate wood carvings created from termite-infested materials, Orkin reframes pest control as an essential yet often overlooked investment. To drive engagement, the company is offering limited-edition termite artwork prints to the first 500 customers who schedule a free inspection, turning home protection into a conversation piece.

Key Takeaway: Sometimes, the best way to tell a serious story is through unexpected creativity. By merging education with art, Orkin has turned a routine service into an engaging and shareable campaign. For marketers, this is a prime example of how visual storytelling can make even dry or technical subjects compelling and memorable. Read more

9. Papa John’s & Domino’s Want You to Smell Like Pizza (Literally)

Domino’s UK is taking brand immersion to a whole new level with Eau de Passion, a limited-edition pepperoni-scented perfume designed to evoke the warm, spicy aroma of its fan-favorite pizza. Meanwhile, Papa John’s US leaned into its cult-favorite garlic butter dipping sauce, launching a garlic butter bath bomb in an equally bizarre (and buzzworthy) move.

Both campaigns tap into stunt marketing – the kind of limited-run, sensory-driven activation designed to make waves on social media and grab headlines. But while food-inspired fragrances have been trendy in high fashion, the idea of actually smelling like a pizza might be a tougher sell.

Key Takeaway: Stunt marketing thrives on absurdity – but execution is everything. The best campaigns create intrigue without veering into cringe territory. Done right, these activations generate viral engagement and solidify brand identity in fun, memorable ways. Read more

10. Tesco’s Clubcard Turns 30 with a Wacky Ad

Tesco is celebrating 30 years of its Clubcard with a brilliantly over-the-top campaign that follows two couples – one that signs up for the Clubcard early and another that stubbornly refuses. Over three decades, the Clubcard holders are showered with discounts, deals, and rewards, while the non-members spiral into deep regret, missing out on decades of savings.

With sharp humor, nostalgic set designs, and spot-on performances, the ad taps into a universal truth: everyone hates missing out on a great deal. By using a FOMO-driven storyline, Tesco reinforces its message that signing up for the Clubcard is a decision that pays off for life.

Key Takeaway: Great loyalty programs don’t just offer discounts, they create a sense of belonging and exclusivity. By leaning into humor and long-term value, Tesco reminds customers that missing out on rewards today could lead to years of regret. Read more

11. The Real Costs of YouTube: Why One Creator Walked Away

Food creator Carla Lalli Music is pulling back the curtain on the real financial and emotional costs of running a YouTube channel – and why she’s stepping away after three years, 177 videos, and $10,000+ in monthly losses. Despite 18 million views and 231,000+ subscribers, the numbers didn’t add up. Between high production costs, demanding schedules, and the unpredictable nature of ad revenue, the financial return didn’t justify the investment.

Her transparency about YouTube’s monetization challenges highlights a broader industry issue: even high-quality content doesn’t guarantee sustainable income. While some creators thrive on sponsorships and viral hits, others struggle with the hidden costs of consistent, professional-level content creation.

Key Takeaway: Success on YouTube isn’t just about views – it’s about sustainable monetization. Creators and brands must weigh the cost of high-quality production against the reality of platform earnings. Diversifying revenue streams beyond ad revenue, such as sponsorships, memberships, and owned channels, can be key to long-term success. Read more

12. Ulta Beauty’s 44-Million-Member Loyalty Program: What Marketers Can Learn

With 95% of Ulta Beauty’s revenue coming from loyalty program members, the brand has built a retention powerhouse by combining gamification, personalized rewards, and AI-driven engagement. Its points-based system, with dynamic daily multipliers, turns shopping into a game-like experience that keeps customers engaged. The top 20% of members drive 80% of sales, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in cultivating high-value customers.

Beyond rewards, AI-powered personalization fuels product recommendations, targeted offers, and automated retargeting strategies to re-engage lapsed members. Exclusive perks like birthday rewards and early-access events further enhance brand loyalty, proving that gamification and data-driven insights can transform loyalty programs into major revenue drivers.

Key Takeaway: Loyalty programs should evolve beyond just discounts. Personalized experiences, gamification, and AI-powered insights can drive long-term customer retention. Read more

My Stories

Hotel Review: The Charlesmark Hotel in Boston’s Back Bay

I published a new video on my YouTube channel where I review my stay at The Charlesmark Hotel in Boston’s Back Bay. If you’re looking for an affordable boutique hotel in a great location in Boston, I would recommend this one: https://youtu.be/Grep_oLlZWA?si=ANgOOsFnqChnHfcm

15 Awesome April Fool’s Day Pranks From Brands

With April Fool’s around the corner, this blog post is getting a TON of views on my blog. If you’re still looking for inspiration, check it out and thank me later! https://jessicagioglio.com/15-awesome-april-fools-day-pranks-from-brands/

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Until Next Time

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re here for marketing trends, storytelling inspiration, or both, I’m so grateful to have you along for the ride.

Keep telling the stories that matter, Jessica