Every weekday, PR Daily associate editor Alan Pearcy highlights the day’s most compelling stories and amusing marginalia on the Web in this, #TheDailySpin.
With our country perched on a “
cliff” of fiscal adversity, Pabst Blue Ribbon stands as a beacon of hope for
hipsters Americans, assuring us that not all hope should be lost. In the face of economic hardship, the brewer
grew its consumer base and now it could salvage one of our nation’s most beloved brands.
Gothamist reports that PBR owner C. Dean Metropoulos expressed interest in possibly making a bid for Hostess in the event that union mediation can’t save our treasured Twinkies.
UPDATE: Mediation failed, and Hostess plans to continue its path toward closing up shop. No word on whether PBR will swoop in and save the day.
If that doesn’t make you happy, I don’t know what will. Actually, I do. According to a
recent study from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, sex ranked at the top of the list of activities that make people happy, followed by drinking and volunteering—naturally. As for our least desirable activities, Facebook was No. 2, just below recovering from being sick, but ahead of housework.
For me, any pleasure found in shopping—which is No. 9 on the favorable activities list—quickly fades once the holidays roll around. However, technology is helping consumers beat the lines this year, even before Black Friday hits. An
online survey from Harris Interactive and Digitas found that 28 percent of smartphone or tablet-owning adults plan to shop Thanksgiving Day using their mobile devices.
The trend may have even incited a new catchphrase: “
post-pie” commerce.
RELATED: Looking at smartphones and tablets in bed hurts your sleep patterns
It’d take one heck of a sales event—probably a few “post-pie” bottles of wine—before you’d convince me to fork over
$1,400 for an ugly Christmas sweater, but that’s precisely what high-fashion label Meadham Kirkchoff is asking for its new wonder of holiday wear. Scratch that: $1,395.
As for what to get your officemates, HBO might have the
perfect gift for insulting your co-workers.
Just don’t get so wrapped up in shopping that you neglect a few of Thanksgiving’s true pleasures.
BuzzFeed suggests 15 of the best moments not to overlook this holiday, each via GIF no less.
RELATED: What the word of the year means says about PR and marketing
Beyond the Thanksgiving table, the holidays also mark a special time of year for brands looking to add a dash of flavor to their marketing mix. From Cinnamon & Sugar Pringles to a Turkey and Gravy Jones Soda, which of these
new seasonal savors are you most excited about trying?
Burger King, which also made the list for its Gingerbread Cookie Sundae, is bringing more than the gift of flavor this holiday season. The fast food chain is
expanding the test of its BK Delivery service to New York City, as well as Washington, D.C., Houston, and Miami.
Not surprisingly, Starbucks also made the holiday flavors list. However, do be wary of the hidden dangers lurking in that Peppermint Mocha Latte.
Time reports on what people should know about their caffeine consumption.
RELATED: PR is now the fourth-most-caffeinated profession
Companies looking to leave their mark outside the realm of flavor might be interested in these
seven bold tips for building brand awareness online.
Just don’t get sucked in on social media to the point of addiction. That’s the fatal flaw for
Kellan Lutz Hashtag, Agent Hashtag:
Meanwhile, the water balloon hijinks of two scheming juveniles featured in a
new commercial for condom brand Durex are also flawed.
#TheDailySpin is taking the rest of the week off. Enjoy your holiday. See you back here on Monday.
Is there something you think we should include in our next edition of #TheDailySpin? Tweet me @iquotesometimes with your suggestions. Thanks in advance.