This summer has truly brought some of the most exciting and innovative marketing campaigns we’ve ever seen.
From surprise celebrity collabs to creative new product launches, brands have been turning up the heat and capturing our attention in all the best ways!
We’re rounded them all up here to reminisce and get inspired - so grab your iced latte, sit back, and let’s get into the best summer marketing campaigns of 2024.
RHODE POCKET BLUSH LAUNCH
Polly Pocket who?
Hailey Bieber and her team of master marketers at Rhode created ANOTHER iconic campaign with the launch of her new Pocket Blushes.
Designed for on-the-go use, the Pocket Blush perfectly caters to modern, busy consumers who appreciate convenience and the fact that this little blush can literally fit in your pocket!
And Rhode's team absolutely nailed it by using that as their theme with their photography, playing with perspective to make the blushes look insanely teeny tiny.
Absolutely adorable and a super effective way to communicate exactly what sets their blush apart!
SKIMS X NICOLA COUGHLAN
Dearest gentle readers, this campaign was truly the talk on the ton.
Lady Whistledown herself, the gorgeous Nicola Coughlan, became the new face of SKIMS, in a partnership that was timed perfectly with the release of the latest Bridgeton episodes on Netflix.
In the campaign, Nicola wears three stunning pastel maxi dresses - all classic SKIMS designs in classic Penelope Featherington colours.
SKIMS never misses an opportunity to participate in some reactive marketing (think about their other recent collabs with Team USA during the Olympics and the NBA during basketball season) - and this is just another example!
GYMSHARK’S ERAS TOUR CAMPAIGN
Who knew Gymshark were secretly Swifties?
In honour of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour coming to the UK, Gymshark created five looks from their collection inspired by her most recognisable concert outfits.
They included: ‘Gymnights’, ‘Repetitions’, ‘Sh(red)’, ‘The Tortured Gym Girls Department’ and ‘2012 (Gymshark’s version)’.
The marketing stunt – which also included a VIP ticket giveaway – put Gymshark right at the centre of the Era's Tour buzz!
10/10, no notes, would trade friendship bracelets with their head of marketing.
SABRINA CARPENTER X BLANK STREET
She's working late… because she's a barista!
Blank Street Coffee teamed up with 'Espresso' singer, Sabrina Carpenter, who popped in to cover a barista shift and surprise fans at their Charlotte Street location in London.
This collaboration was a win-win for both parties, since Sabrina’s pop princess appeal perfectly intersects with Blank Street’s customers (aka: the girlies) who are all about social trends, pop culture, and online buzz.
Blank Street gained increased brand awareness, potential customer acquisition, and positive association with a popular artist - and Sabrina Carpenter successfully promoted her new song, reached a new audience, and strengthened her bond with fans.
In our opinion, this collab definitely served.
THE ORDINARY SCIENTISTS > INFLUENCERS CAMPAIGN
Finally, in stark contrast, skincare brand The Ordinary chose to make their latest campaign entirely celeb free - launching billboards across the UK with the copy:
“Someone said working with celebrities would be good for our brand. But we couldn’t find one with a degree in biochemistry”
Can't really argue with that.
It's witty, straight to the point, and a great way to really hone in on the fact that what sets The Ordinary apart is their commitment to clinically proven, science-first formulas!
We’d expect nothing less from a brand whose products are quite literally just named after their ingredients.
FEELING INSPIRED?
We hope these examples inspire you to think outside the box and dream up your next big marketing move!
Or if you’re in need of some more ideas, we can help you to brainstorm here at 0161 Creative. Whether you need strategic guidance, or hands-on implementation, we can help! Check out our services here or reach out to us here for personalised advice.