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Walmart celebrates Black fathers as superheroes in Father’s Day campaign

The League of Black and Unlimited Dads by Walmart, US

US – Walmart enlisted culture-first advertising agency Contender for the latest ad in its Black and Unlimited initiative.

The campaign introduces Answering The Call, an animated short film developed in partnership with award-winning Black-owned animation studio Martian Blueberry. The film features The League of Black and Unlimited Dads, a group of modern-day fathers who take viewers on an adventurous journey through parenthood. It highlights the importance they place on nurturing the physical, mental, spiritual and financial wellbeing of their children.

‘In culture and the media, positive stories about Black fathers need to be told,’ said Dee Charlemagne, director of cultural strategy at Walmart. ‘Through animation, the film taps into those everyday moments when dads show up and shape the lives of the next generation – that is a superpower.’

This campaign underscores Walmart's commitment to celebrate and support Black fathers. In our Identities series, we track recent developments relating to diversity and inclusion, including the evolution of masculinity.

Strategic opportunity

Is your business creating diverse storytelling campaigns? Create initiatives that highlight subcultures and under-represented voices to promote inclusivity and encourage empowerment

Allgood imagines a low-carb but high-impact pizza concept

Carblo by Allgood, Double The Sugar Studios and For The Flavour. Photography by Ricky Bonici, UK

UK – Carblo is a conceptual food brand seeking to make low-carb living exciting and enjoyable, with a playful 90s-inspired aesthetic.

Developed by creative studio Allgood, Carblo is designed to cater for diverse diets including keto, LCHF (low-carb, high-fat) and diabetes-friendly, with a mission to become a leading name in low-carb living. Imagined to launch with three low-carb pizzas, Carblo swaps wheat for almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content. The brand concept features a bold, primary colour palette and typography, in a bid to break free from the monotony often associated with health foods.

As tensions between healthy foods and feel-good options evolve, Carblo's concept joins the growing host of brands incorporating nostalgic design elements and giving them a modern feel. In our Functional Feasting macrotrend, we talk about brands attempting to rekindle interest in traditional comfort foods with what we call the new Novelty-Nostalgia Equation.

Strategic opportunity

Avoid handing consumers a hedonism-versus-health choice. Businesses can use nostalgia with a hint of playfulness to make health-conscious products more appetising and appealing in the current food landscape

Palazzo Bottega Veneta opens as cultural hub in Venice

Italy – Luxury fashion house Bottega Veneta has opened the doors to an appointment-only 15th-century gothic palace in Venice’s Cannaregio district.

The Palazzo Bottega Veneta was designed to bring the most loyal customers closer to the brand universe. The interior design, furnishings and artwork are selected by creative director Matthieu Blazy and an itinerary will be linked to Venice’s cultural calendar to give guests insider access to the city’s events.

Personal dressing consultations, red carpet services and made-to-order pieces are available by invitation only, while selected artisanal producers will be offered a temporary residence as an extension of the Bottega for Bottegas initiative. Palazzo Bottega Veneta is the first of several residences, with others due to open in Asia and the Americas.

In our upcoming Innovation Debrief 2024–2025 we will explore how third-space cultural hubs are enabling brands to form a sense of community and deeper connections with customers. Sign up to our free Innovation Debrief webinar now.

Fendi sponsored the restoration and enhancement of the Temple of Venus and Rome, Italy

Strategic opportunity

How can your brand lend its retail space to cultural and community events that bring together your customers and foster brand loyalty?

Stat: Amex report reveals young travellers prioritise concerts and festivals for summer travel plans

Faces of Travel by Delta, US

US – American Express has released its Trendex report, revealing that younger people are prioritising travel, dining and entertainment experiences this summer. Based on a survey of US Millennials and Gen Z, it highlights key trends in spending habits.

Millennial and Gen Z women are driving demand for concerts and music festivals, with 51% planning to attend such events. Notably, 43% aim to check these experiences off their bucket lists, and 38% plan to travel abroad for concerts or sporting events. Michelle Meyer, chief economist at Mastercard, says, ‘Millennial and Gen Z consumers are setting the pace for summer activities, focusing on unique and memorable experiences that enhance their lifestyle.’

The Amex Trendex Millennial and Gen-Z Summer Spotlight Report highlights the growing desire for experiential travel and the popularity of tour-ism. For insights about how Millennials and Gen Z plan their travels, check out our TikTok Travel Agents microtrend report.

Strategic opportunity

How can your business tap into younger people’s desire for experiential moments? Consider creating eye-catching and unique experiences worthy of online viral traction