Consumer Marketing Roundup: October 27, 2020

It’s been a long time since we published the Consumer Marketing Roundup – March 24, to be exact. The world has changed around us since then, but human nature is still the same, as are our everyday needs. People still must buy goods and services, from Covid masks to food to workouts and home repair. And on top of it all, here come the holidays. So we continue our interrupted coverage of Cx news and trends, marketing technologies, and more. Suffering from “Covid fatigue,” as well as the virus itself, we still need a laugh now and then – especially now. So last, but not least, we’ve included a llink to a video of an irreverent commercial featuring a “naked” CEO telling the “naked truth” about his company’s product… from a bathtub (last item down below).

HOLIDAY MARKETING DURING COVID

Consumers Demand Empathy from Brands During Buildup to Holidays

Most High Earners Plan To Spend More This Holiday Season (Study)

eGift Cards and Loyalty Programs Will Be Key To Success This Holiday Season

New Poll Predicts Devastating Holiday Shopping Season for Local Retailers (Alignable)

REOPENING/NEWS

6,500 New U.S. Restaurants Opened in September, Despite the Pandemic

U.S. Consumer Comfort Falls to 7-Week Low Ahead of Election

Illinois To Halt Indoor Dining in 4 Counties Starting Friday Amid Covid Surge

Panda Express Considers Legal Action Against China Copycat

Burger King To Test Reusable Packaging for Whoppers and Beverages

Facebook Tells NYU To Halt Political Research Project

MARKETING TECH, TRENDS, & REPORTS

Salata President Sees Ghost Kitchens as a Low-Cost Way To Seed New Markets for Brick-and-Mortar Growth

Walmart CEO: Lack of stimulus Is Taking Its Toll

Restaurant Dining Trends During Covid

3 Themes To Guide Customer Experience in the Next Normal (ebook)

QSR Study: What Customers Want from the Drive-Thru of Tomorrow

Are Subscriptions the Next Level of Loyalty? (ebook)

Starbucks Testing Vegan Breakfast Sandwiches Near Seattle

BRAND GROWTH

Roundtable (Nov. 10): How To Design a Technology Strategy for Your Restaurant

4 Sales Secrets You Need To Sell More

SOCIAL MEDIA

Experts Predict Top 10 Social Media Trends for 2021 (Infographic)

Amazon Fake Reviews Reach Holiday Season Levels During Pandemic

Franchisor’s Guide to Local Marketing (ebook)

Dropps.com CEO Tells “The Naked Truth About Laundry” – from Inside a Bathtub (Video)