• by Tanya Gazdik , April 1, 2019

Airstream, Petco and REI are a few of the brands who pranked customers with April Fools’ Day “promotions” via email. 

While some brands were upfront about their April Fools’ Day pranks, many emails came in on Monday with more tomfoolery, not all of it clearly labeled with “this is a joke.”

Airstream sent an email announcing its newest recreational vehicle, BearStream. “We can bearly handle our excitement over BearStream, our newest limited edition travel trailer. A unique faux-fur exterior, a new color palette, and custom interior décor make it truly unfurgettable. But don’t take our word for it ­– take a peek at BearStream for yourself.” 

A link in the email takes consumers to a microsite that showed off the travel trailer’s unique features, including rock-like textured walls and faux tree-stump nightstands. 

Petco touted “Furever Weddings,” its new pet wedding planning service via an email, website and video. The pet retailer claimed to be offering wedding invitation design with custom “cat-ligraphy” and fur facials and makeup sessions. “Petiquette” training is geared toward their big W-A-L-K down the aisle.

REI sent out an email introducing its Pet Ventures program, including adorable pictures of pets in the wild. “REI Adventures has been guiding humans on adventure travel for over 30 years, and today we’re pleased to announce a new offering: REI Pet Ventures–global adventure travel for pets. Send your hedgehog to the beaches of Thailand for a 9-day climbing adventure. This introductory course features appropriately-sized equipment and friendly instructors.” 

Timex claims to have created the 25^th hour -- an extra hour in each and every day. A video explains how Timex accomplished this feat. The prank is being supported with PR and paid media. 

Twitter was not immune to jokes. U.S. Open Tennis (@usopen) tweeted  “BREAKING: The U.S. Open to add puppies to the ballperson team at the 2019 tournament for the first time.  All breeds welcome.” As of Monday afternoon the tweet had already gotten 40,000 likes and had been retweeted 9,500 times.

Aerospace company Lockheed Martin claimed to have teamed up with retired astronaut Tony Antonelli to create the first fragrance that smells like outer space: Vector by Lockheed Martin.  A website explains the fragrance’s origin. The brand also posted a commercial for it on YouTube.

Honda claimed to be launching the “Pastport,” a 90s-inspired Honda Passport SUV trim that offers nostalgic enthusiasts the self-expression of the ‘90s with “state-of-the-art” automatic windows, digital clock and of course, a cassette-to-CD converter. Consumers can dial 1-833-PASTPORT to listen to a message from actor Fred Savage.

Betabrand clothing is marketing “sweaters knit from Unicorn fleece” in an email and on its website. The email includes a disclaimer: “You can wear our luxuriously soft, thermoregulating Unicorn Wrap Sweater with a clear conscience, knowing that this garment was crafted humanely — unlike our regrettable Sasquatch-skin jacket.” 

FabFitFun, which offers product box subscriptions, poked fun at the fact that the company works with so many influencers. A video features Tori Spelling, Ashley Iaconetti and Kim Zolciak-Biermann telling viewers how they can "stop the madness" by visiting fabfitfun.com/optout.

Corkcicle housewares announced plans to host what it is calling “the 2019 it festival,” the IYCE Festival (a takeoff on the Fyre Festival)  The lineup includes Aryana Grande Iced Latte, Koldplay, and Justin Frozenlake,