On The Radar

Oct 24, 2024
Here’s our pick of fresh cultural insights from Chris Danton at In Good Co. This month: Skims challenges awareness norms, tech’s “f*ck around and find out” era begins, and Starbucks rethinks the art of footfall

Culture

I GOT CENSORED// Skims launched a campaign with Olivia Munn for Breast Cancer Awareness. The images show Munn’s mastectomy scar. They were powerful. I wrote a LinkedIn post about it an got censored. So much for awareness.

NO RISK, NO GROWTH // Our lack of ‘f*ck around and find out is causing a slowdown. But we’re sitting on a giant backlog of good ideas that technology is about to unlock. We’re entering “Techno-Industrial Revolution and things are about to accelerate.

F&B

WE SELL VEG // I love a creative OOH billboard, they hit different. But the love this ad is getting is baffling.  It made for ad folx and awards Takes too long to get. Clever but not witty. And the overall message is ‘we sell foods’. Am I being too harsh?

TRAVEL

PEOPLE ARE TIRED -> The Hustle // Sleeping your way through your vacation is a $70B market. Monthly searches for ‘sleep hotel’ are wild, up 2000% since about 2020. The world is taking a toll.

SPORT

THE LONG TEASE // Angel Reese is launching a shoe with Reebok in 2026. That’s not a typo. Brands love a tease but wow, this is far out.

TECH

WIFE LOVE WINS // Ochuko Akpovbovbo said it best: “Zuck’s PR team knows the culture loves a man who loves his wife…this is the right kind of midlife crisis.”

RETAIL

FOOTFALL FALL // Traffic is down at Starbucks. They have a new CMO with a solid fast-food pedigree so I have high hopes. But as a Starbucks lover, I’ll tell you a few things: 1) The mobile experience is still a mess. Pick-up is the pits. And the only mobile-order stores are soulless. 2) The food is missing the mark. More protein. Better kid grab-and-go snacks. Look at Joe The Juice. 3) The European model of having real mugs changes the ‘hangout’ vibe instantly  4) Lower-sugar options 5) Creamer partnerships  6) Tween-specific locations would kill. I have more

SILVERS, ALPHAS & ZS

SILVERS HAVE CHANGED // This post summarizes several of my favorite topics: Silvers don’t want to be treated like they are old. Cross-generational influence is happening constantly, and brands aren’t doing enough with that insight. Elders working out with weights, it’s a market waiting to be tapped.

Good Thinking is written by Chris Danton from In Good Co, a global consultancy specialising in brand positioning, strategy and consumer experiences.