USA Today
Musician Taylor Swift has accumulated her wealth partly through her music and partly by building a global brand. The singer and songwriter has worked with major brands including Coca-Cola, CapitalOne, AT&T, Coty's CoverGirl, Apple and others. “Many of Swift's endorsements come from what she actually likes,” according to USA Today. “Those types of deals connect with consumers, and they play as genuine. That helps Swift build a deeper connection with her fan base rather than being accused of selling out.”
Chicago Tribune
United Airlines plans to furlough almost 3,000 pilots this fall due to a sharp decline in travel thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. The layoffs can still be avoided, though, if the federal government gives airlines additional funding to help cover labor costs. “Airlines received billions in financial assistance through the federal coronavirus aid package this spring, and in exchange agreed to avoid layoffs before Oct. 1,” according to the Chicago Tribune. “Though airlines, including United, encouraged employees to retire early or volunteer for leaves of absence, some say they have not been able to avoid involuntary cuts.”
Sourcing Journal
Dick’s Sporting Goods experienced a 194% bump in online sales during the second quarter of 2020. The ecommerce growth sparked net sales of $2.71 billion and earnings of $276.8 million, both quarterly records. “During this pandemic, the importance of health and fitness has accelerated,” CEO Edward Stack said during a company earnings call. “Participation in socially distant outdoor activities has increased and there has been a greater shift toward athletic apparel and active lifestyle product with people spending more time working and exercising at home.”
Chicago Tribune
The toll the coronavirus is taking on tourism in major cities has no end in sight. The Chicago Dental Society meeting, which was scheduled for Feb. 25-27 at McCormick Place, is one of five there that have been canceled for next year. It was expected to bring 29,936 attendees and account for 17,305 hotel room nights. Since March, 150 trade shows have been scrapped at the convention center because of the pandemic. Those shows were expected to generate more than $2 billion, including spending at hotels, restaurants, transportation options and entertainment.
Chain Store Age
Chico’s is rolling out an integrated marketing campaign for fall called “The Art of Chic.” The women's retailer is "attempting to take a more fashion-forward approach that aligns with its boutique heritage,” per Chain Store Age. The brand is enhancing its logo with an emphasis on the essence of the brand by highlighting the “chic” in Chico’s and is partnering with a diverse group of social media influencers over the age of 40. The retailer says its social media community has grown 15% and it continues to see record-breaking engagement metrics.
Refinery29
It’s been 17 years since Starbucks first introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which is dropping today, almost a month before the official start of fall. 7-Eleven plans to deploy its pumpkin-flavored coffee as early as Sept. 2. Dunkin’ is already offering a selection of pumpkin-flavored coffee and espresso beverages, pumpkin-spiced drinks, pumpkin-infused bakery treats to bring Americans the "familiar and favorite flavors of the season...earlier than before," according to a press release.
Detroit Free Press
Most U.S. General Motors white-collar workers will not return to the office until year end or later, according to an internal memo. The automaker will consider opening facilities to some salaried workers starting Oct. 1, but only if it's safe and necessary to their jobs. Oct. 1 will mark the beginning of phase three of GM's four-part plan to bring workers back into the office. In that phase, managers who want their teams to return to the office and believe it will improve their work can make that case for consideration. No one will be forced to return. GM is currently in phase …
Bloomberg
Delta Air Lines is preparing to issue new debt backed by its SkyMiles frequent-flyer loyalty program, the latest to use miles to help boost liquidity amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The deal would follow United Airlines' issuance of $6.8 billion in new borrowings secured by its MileagePlus program in June. “Delta said last week that it would reinstate 50 flights on international routes later this year,” according to Bloomberg. “Still, in an industry battered by the pandemic’s impact, Delta’s shares have almost halved in the year to date, giving it a market capitalization of around $19 billion.”
The Drum
Jack in the Box is finding ways to lighten consumers moods during the pandemic, such as with its "National Text Your Ex for Jack Day." To promote its Spicy Chicken Strips, people were encouraged to text their ex-lovers, tag the text and screenshoot it in order to get a $50 gift card. “At the core of the stunt is the feeling of comfort amid the pandemic, whether it's reconnecting with an old flame or eating comfort food,” according to The Drum. “It’s also a fun acknowledgement that dating is pretty rough right now.” The chain was able to achieve 6.6% …
USA Today
KFC is suspending use of "It's Finger Lickin' Good" in its advertising after 64 years. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has upended businesses and lives around the globe, use of the slogan "doesn't feel quite right,” the company said in a statement. "We find ourselves in a unique situation – having an iconic slogan that doesn’t quite fit in the current environment," said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, KFC global CMO. The chain said it will bring the slogan back "when the time is right.”