Big Pumpkin Wants Your Wallet

‍Out of Their Gourd. New analysis from DataWeave points to a major price hike on typically inexpensive Halloween items, such as pumpkin carving tools and accessories. For instance, the Pumpkin Masters Xreme Strobe Light retailed for $1.62 in 2024 and, at some retailers, reached $6.99. That hasn’t stopped households from participating in arguably one of the most cherished Halloween traditions, though they are pulling back on name-brand candy in favor of cheaper options. Meanwhile, luxury homeowners are doling out thousands of dollars to hire niche stylists to accessorize their front yards with curated pumpkin arrangements. Big Pumpkin strikes again. 

‍Kristen Bell Runs on Dunkin’. Product placement is nothing new (we all remember that scene from Wayne’s World, right?), but the “Nobody Wants This” showrunners have gone hard on brand collabs for the latest season. Despite being in LA, Bell’s character Joanne is often seen with a Dunkin’ cup. A Valentine’s Day subplot is accessorized with a Jennifer Meyer necklace. And a spicy scene? Complemented by a Fly by Jing sweatshirt, of course. But at what point do these clever monetization moments become artistic distractions? For brands like Jing, which had its sweatshirt sell out after the feature, does it really matter? 

‍Funeral Parade. The Gen Z underwear company, lauded for its sustainable design and inclusive sizing and marketing, is officially shutting down. The brand was sold to manufacturer Ariela & Associates, owners of Fruit of the Loom, in 2023. Founder Cami Téllez left the brand around this time, which likely led to a murky transition in Parade’s mission and vision—a challenge we believe can make or break a brand in its quest for growth. 

Big Box Goes Big on Holiday Worldbuilding. Both Walmart and Target are going beyond seasonal sales and rolling out new tools and experiences for the holiday season. While Target’s cutesy concept of turning 2,000 stores into Alpine Villages seems like a creative way to turn branded storefronts into immersive seasonal destinations, it faces an uphill battle amid slowing store traffic and abysmal store operations. Meanwhile, Walmart is merely bolstering its existing operations by rolling out functional solutions, such as an in-store savings tool and a more customized wish list feature, as well as experiential initiatives like an augmented reality design experience and AI-powered party planning.

Chicken Smoothies Never Tasted So Sweet. SharkNinja has turned a cringeworthy reality TV moment into marketing mastery. After Love Is Blind cast member Jordan Keltner made himself a “chicken smoothie,” it became a major viral moment that led to a long-term partnership with SharkNinja. First, Keltner partnered with the company on a social campaign using the Ninja BlendBoss, and now, a more strategic collab with the show means all cast members will celebrate his birthday by making their own homemade ice creams using the Ninja Swirl device. For Love Is Blind fanatics, it’s a cute full-circle moment and a wink to the fandom. For SharkNinja, it’s simply the latest case illustrating just how obsessed fans are with using their devices to create viral culinary dishes. 

🍗 Some more food for thought: During Advertising Week New York, SharkNinja’s VP of Global Social Media shared how protein fanatics turned to social platforms, including Reddit, to share their CREAMi creations. The fanbase is so loyal and engaged that the subreddit has become a movement of sorts, helping the company build cultural capital. 

Chipotle Stockholders Are Crying in Their Burrito Bowls. The purveyor of Mexican quick-service is seeing its stock tumble after reporting less-than-stellar quarterly revenue. Chipotle has essentially reversed its initial forecast and now expects same-store sales to decline by a low single-digit percentage in the 2025 fiscal year. CEO Scott Boatwright blamed “consistent economic pressures,” especially for 25- to 35-year-old consumers who are navigating challenging household and employment markets. Despite the gloom and doom, new door openings helped the company achieve a 7.5% increase in net sales for the quarter. 

We’ve been sharing periodic updates on the struggling bowlslop economy this year. Companies like Cava and Sweetgreen have also reported declining same-store sales, and they’re using tactics like social media dating shows and exclusive merch to win back customers