Gap to shut 350 stores by 2024, Burger King tests resuable packaging, and Girl Scouts chapter launches ‘anti-racism’ patch

Also: Twitter conversations about mental wellness and wellbeing are rising, UK resort looks to save the hedgehogs, KFC UK and Ireland makes royal puns, and more.

Hello, communicators:

United Kingdom-based Parkdean Resorts boosted buzz by introducing a sustainability initiative: It’s protecting hedgehogs with a special “Hibernation Holiday Park”:

Though the resort’s message carries a serious warning—U.K.’s headhog population has dropped 98% in the past 68 years—the effort shows the power of creativity when sharing such messages. By making it cute, the resort is much likely to make headlines and get audiences to care.

Here are today’s top stories:

 Gap to shut 350 stores by 2024

The retail chain announced that it’s moving out of shopping malls across North America, planning to close hundreds of stores in a restructuring that will leave 80% of its remaining locations outside of malls—the brand’s former staple.

ABC News reported:

The announcement made at a Gap Inc. investor meeting detailed a three-year plan that calls for closing what amounts to 30% of the company’s Gap and Banana Republic stores in North America and focusing on outlets and e-commerce business.

Why it’s important: If you haven’t already started planning for and shifting your strategies to cater to a digital-first consumer shopping online, it’s time to get on board before you’re left behind.


TACTICALLY SPEAKING

Girl Scouts of Western New York recently introduced a new “Girl Scout Values:Anti-Racism Patch”:

As seen in last week’s Member Essentials, GSWNY premiered our Girl Scout Values: Anti-Racism Patch. The Anti-Racism…

Posted by Girl Scouts of Western New York on Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The effort highlights another opportunity to make good on your diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives—which can be more powerful when you ask your audiences to get involved.


MEASURED THOUGHTS

In its “Being Well Together” trend research, Twitter shared that conversations about physical fitness and wellness are down 75% compared with 2016 Twitter activity, with conversations about mental health and wellbeing rising 22%.

Twitter-Research

 

Raising awareness through tweets and retweets about mental health, mental iillness and suicide are up 57% within that same timeframe, and goodwill hashtags have exploded, with the conversation growing 582%. That includes tweet and campaigns using top hashtags such as #mentalhealth, #KindnessMatters, #personaldevelopment, #anxiety, #love, #health, #motivation and #life.

Twitter’s marketing team imparts this advice to take advantage of the growing conversation:

Consider how your brand can connect with and inspire a healthy community by participating in moments of heightened conversation, such as daily hashtags, awareness months, and rallying around the personal stories people share on Twitter.


CRISIS LEADERSHIP NETWORK

Looking for more insight on how to address the current global crisis and lead your organization into a strong recovery?

via GIPHY

Join Ragan’s Crisis Leadership Network to network and brainstorm with peers, get the latest intelligence and research and start to strategize for the future of your organization.

Learn more about this exclusive membership here.

Burger King tests reusable packaging

The fast food chain is launching a program in partnership with TerraCycle’s Loop, that will offer customers the option to receive their Whoppers and beverages in reusable containers. Customers can opt out, but if they participate, they’ll be charged a deposit when ordering, which will be refunded when they return the wares. 

USA Today reported:

“As part of our Restaurant Brands for Good plan, we’re investing in the development of sustainable packaging solutions that will help push the food service industry forward in reducing packaging waste,” said Matthew Banton, head of innovation and sustainability at Burger King Global. “The Loop system gives us the confidence in a reusable solution that meets our high safety standards, while also offering convenience for our guests on the go.”

Why it matters: Don’t forget about sustainability efforts as you seek to integrate purpose-led communications and goals into your 2021 plans. These values are growing among consumers and can strengthen your brand reputation.


CATCH UP WITH OUR REPORT

More than half (57%) of social media managers say they plan to leave their current position within two years, according to a new survey from the Institute for Public Relations, Ragan Communications and the University of Florida. Though these managers are ambitious, the career path to social media leadership roles remains unclear.

 

via GIPHY

The report sheds light on social media pros’ career trajectory as well as the challenging lack of resources and employee burnout that’s on the rise. Check out the findings here.

To learn more about how to prepare for the future of social media and more, join us at Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference, Nov. 10-11.  You’ll learn from PR, social media, marketing and internal communications experts about the top trends and what’s on the horizon for the industry.


SOCIAL BUZZ

The social media manager for KFC UK and Ireland recently made headlines for clever tweets that dropped royal puns on Prince William.

The Duke of Cambridge was photographed looking into the window of a KFC location, which gave the brand manager opportunity for humor:

What do you think of the effort? Share your thoughts with us under the hashtag #DailyScoop.


EDITOR’S PICKS

Whether you’re returning to the office or continuing to work from home, it’s good to have a face mask or covering with you for meetings and interactions. Along with social distancing and other safety measures, many states are requiring facial coverings inside businesses and more.

via GIPHY

Consider these choices:


WHAT YOU SAID

We asked you to share a GIF that described how WFH is working for you:

Here are a few of our favorite replies:

 

 

Let us know if you relate under the #DailyScoop hashtag.

 

Is there a question you’d like us to ask in an upcoming poll? Let us know!

 

 

Editor’s note: Ragan Communications may earn a commission through our affiliate partnerships when purchasing items in our content.

 

COMMENT

PR Daily News Feed

Sign up to receive the latest articles from PR Daily directly in your inbox.