🥕 Co-op takes on Aldi with a price match push
Co-op has joined the price war with a bold new marketing campaign targeting value-conscious shoppers. The pitch? “Our prices match Aldi’s… but only if you’re a member.”
Can a price match strategy change shopper behaviour?
33% said they’d definitely be more likely to pop into Co-op because of the Aldi price match. Another 44% said “maybe,” depending on what’s on offer. That’s a promising bit of potential footfall, especially for a retailer that’s long been seen as a pricier option.
Can a price match marketing campaign change brand perception?
Well… 51% said it might help a bit, while 23% still view Co-op as expensive. So, it’s movement, but not a full shift.
Then there’s the fine print. The deal is for members only, a detail that’s stirred mixed reactions. Is exclusivity a smart marketing move? Or does it risk alienating potential customers?
36% called it a savvy loyalty play. But 51% think it’s “a bit cheeky” and should be open to everyone.
🍟 McDonald’s launches an adult Happy Meal. And yes, there’s a toy inside
McDonald’s is bringing big nostalgia energy to UK restaurants with its latest marketing campaign: the Minecraft Movie Meal, a limited-edition adult Happy Meal. It comes with all the fast-food favourites, Big Mac, McNuggets (or Veggie Dippers), side, drink, and the real gem: an exclusive collectable toy inspired by Minecraft.
But will the toy tempt grown-ups, or does this marketing campaign miss the mark?
We asked 600 Brits how they feel about it.
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33% are keen to try it
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36% said “maybe, sounds interesting”
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32% said… not for them
Should brands be marketing collectible toys to adults?
That’s a divisive one. Reactions were evenly split:
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33% said it’s a brilliant idea
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34% think it’s just okay
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33% called it childish
That makes the adult Happy Meal a risky play, but also a buzzy one. A marketing campaign like this thrives on social shares and cultural chatter. The tie-in with Minecraft helps push that, especially among millennial and Gen Z gamers.
Is this a gimmick or a genius bit of brand engagement?
Time will tell, but if you’re thinking about launching a novelty-driven campaign, McDonald’s adult Happy Meal is a case study worth watching. It’s playful, polarising, and just unexpected enough to earn attention, which is half the battle in any good marketing campaign.
American marketing campaigns that got us Pulsing…
🥫Hellmann’s is turning leftover sachets into mayo.
Those ketchup packets could finally pay off. Hellmann’s is inviting consumers to swap their extra ketchup packets for mayo discounts.
Is ‘Ketchup Currency’ catching on?
More than half (60%) said they’d take part, calling the idea “fun” or “worth a look.” While the rest declare their loyalty to ketchup (20%) or it’s just not worth the effort (20%) or their loyalty to ketchup is just too strong.
What do consumers think about cheeky campaigns like this?
Most consumers seem open to a bit of marketing mischief—if it’s done right. 44% say they enjoy quirky campaigns and find them fun and creative. Another 29% are on the fence; they’ll engage, but only if the execution feels smart and authentic. Still, 18% dismiss these ideas as gimmicky, and 9% would rather skip the theatrics in favor of a straight discount.
But anyway… how many of us are actually hoarding ketchup sachets?
More than you’d think. 76% of Americans admit to having at least a few lying around, and 21% have a full-on ketchup drawer situation. That’s a lot of potential Ketchup Currency just sitting there.
🍒 Hard Mtn Dew’s Code Red Launches with “Save the Redheads” Campaign
Speaking of cheeky campaigns… Here’s another one. Hard Mtn Dew’s launched Code Red (cherry) flavor alongside a “Save the Redheads” campaign, complete with dating site subscriptions and cash giveaways.
It’s cheeky, it’s loud… but is it landing?
Only 15% gave it a positive reception. As for most, it didn’t quite hit. 24% said it felt like a gimmick, while 18% were confused by the redhead connection—saying the link to soda just didn’t make sense. And 12%? They weren’t interested at all.
Does the free dating site subscription add-on spark interest?
Enticing for some, but not exactly a match. The majority (41%) found it funny, but not something they’d actually go for. 24% were intrigued and thought it was a clever idea, while 32% felt it was a bit over the top. In the end, just 3% said they’d actually give it a go.
But if we’re just talking flavor… how likely are they to try it?
It’s pretty evenly split. 51% said they’re likely to give the cherry-citrusy Code Red a go, showing some solid interest in the taste. But 49% weren’t keen. So, while the loud-and-cheeky marketing may be a miss, the flavor still has a shot.
📺 From TV to TikTok
Classic channels like QVC and HSN are switching things up. After laying off 900 employees, QVC is ditching the traditional TV-first model and diving into live social shopping. Think product demos and deals on TikTok, Instagram, and their own streaming apps.
What’s next for home shopping?
Most people see it going hybrid. 34% predict a mix of social and TV-based shopping. 26% think social will take over completely, while 31% say home shopping might be fading out altogether. Only 7% still believe in a TV-first future.
From cable to content, how do shoppers feel?
People are (mostly) on board. 1 in 3 say it’s the right direction for modern shopping. Another 30% feel it makes sense but still adjusting. 20% aren’t too happy, they see it as the final curtain for TV shopping. And 17%? They’re just shrugging it off. The future’s looking social, even if some folks aren’t quite ready to let go.
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