by Lauren Sugarman| June 23, 2020

Brands normally spend June readying to launch the $80 billion back-to-school marketing season. But as we see from Instagram feeds filled with virtual graduations and “last day of (quarantine) school” photos, 2020 is not a typical year. While the CDC has issued some guidance for reopening schools, the back-to-school season will look very different across […]

by Katie Illera and Lauren Sugarman| October 25, 2017

It’s a spooky time for brands, and not just because October is Halloween. E-commerce and the growth of private label means retailers are putting the squeeze on national brands. In fact, some say the death of brand loyalty is upon us as Catalina reports that 90 percent of leading household goods brands are losing market […]

by Lauren Sugarman| October 11, 2012

A VP from Ketchum Chicago got the opportunity to attend a session on storytelling presented as part of Chicago Ideas Week. She braved the windy, October weather to venture to the popular Goodman Theatre where she listened to authors, videographers and dancers (OH MY!) all speak about what why storytelling is so important and what […]

by Lauren Sugarman| April 4, 2012

I saw The Hunger Games last week, and while I also read all three books (and of course, liked them better), the movie did trigger a realization – the keys to success for tributes in the arena are the same for brands.

by Lauren Sugarman| February 7, 2012

Needless to say that it wasn’t just the Giants and Pats who had a lot of skin in the Super Bowl. As marketers, we can appreciate the work that went into the various ads and the anticipation of seeing how they’ll perform – whether it be via The USA Today admeter, mentions in social media, […]

by Lauren Sugarman| January 19, 2012

I’m connected with a bunch of friends and colleagues on Facebook and thought it would be fun to do a quick poll to find out the top ten Facebook user pet peeves of 2011. You’ll probably agree with most of the findings, and you may even think to yourself, “I’ve done that!” The following top […]