Strikethrough marketing meets highlighter marketing.

One brand's cross it off is another brand's callout.

Jul 19, 2023

Today's newsletter was sponsored by Forekast, the calendar for marketing professionals.

We spotted a couple of ads this week that are the same but opposites. And we’re not sure in the slightest which is better, so we’ll let you vote below. First up, here’s Wealthsimple’s cross-it-off OOH spot.

Sonham spotted this in the wild at Yonge and Bloor in Toronto. And we’re glad she did, because it’s pretty rad. The ad keeps it simple, the tagline literally is keep it simple…we’re big fans.

Another highlight.

Literally, a highlight.

Another simple-works-best spot from the folks at LUXOR, which is officially my new brand of highlighter. This one leaves you with a warm feeling of satisfaction, similar to the Wealthsimple spot.

This ad’s originally from 2008 but has been making the rounds on Reddit, LinkedIn and Twitter this week. We thought it was a good time to share it beside Wealthsimple’s spot.

*Pssst…you…Are you enjoying The Ad Spot? A like goes a long way ❤️❤️❤️

We’ve got a full house.

Sizzler has brought Jodie Sweetin back after 36 years to emphasize that it is still a popular choice for families and as great as it has always been. Kind of like Full House re-runs, I guess. Not that new Netflix one. That can’t be good, can it? LMK in the comments if I’m wrong. Didn’t love this spot (how rude) but, it’s making the rounds for nostalgic reasons so here you go.

Word on the street is if the new campaign doesn’t work, Uncle Jesse’s band is going to tour at Sizzler’s across America. Sit tight. Okay, I’ll cut-it-out.

Pop (up) and lock it.

We liked Tim Nash’s trending LinkedIn post so much, we’re just going to quote him directly. I wish I could embed LinkedIn posts in these things. Alas. Here you go:

Is it time to pop outdoors?

Disrupting the every day, brands are going beyond the confines of traditional retail, taking their products and experiences into streets, parks, and public spaces.

Capturing attention by engaging the consumer unexpectantly, outdoor installations pique the curiosity of passing footfall and create the opportunity to attract a more diverse audience.

Offering more than products on shelves, such unique environments deliver intrigue in familiar settings by connecting with their audience via time-limited product demonstrations, workshops, and events.

With a focus on flexibility, these adaptable showpieces are the perfect sustainable home for collaboration and curated content, delivering a must-visit socially shareable IRL moment.

Forget formulaic approaches to retail.
To engage, inspire and educate the consumer, get ready to take a step outside.
Outdoor Pop-Up Goals

Pretty spectacular. They’d pull me in.

Mission probably possible.

You know what’s really impossible, pulling this video off for anyone other than Victor de Martrin. Pretty incredible.

@victordemartrin For the secret agent in all of us #MissionImpossible only in theatres July 12 – #missionimpossiblechallenge #paramountpartner #collaborationcommerciale

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Unfortunately, it didn’t help pull people into theatres. The opening weekend saw box office sales of just over $50mm, and with a budget of $300mm, it looks like profitability might be…impossible.