The marketing and PR fields are constantly changing, and we want to make sure you’re at the top of your game. Catch up on the top trends this week to find out more about the latest and greatest in the industry.

An Uber-Cool Redesign

Last week, Uber launched a rebrand design to start fresh after facing controversy the past couple years. The new look introduces new custom typeface for their logo, color scheme, and app update. Their new brand is focused more on safety after facing cyberattacks and passenger safety lawsuits.

New design elements are also inspired by transportation: the right side of the capital U in “Uber” and the left side of the lowercase b create two straight parallel lines made to look like double lines on the road. Can a rebrand mend Uber’s damaged public image? https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/get-an-exclusive-look-at-ubers-new-brand-revamp/

The Flamin’ Hot Spot

Calling all spicy food fans! Frito-Lay’s Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is opening The Flamin’ Hot Spot this week, a pop-up restaurant featuring menu items incorporating the snack into each recipe. The restaurant will be open from Sept. 18-20 in Los Angeles.

For fans who can’t make it into the store, Cheetos will also be releasing recipes online and selling ingredients through Walmart and AmazonFresh. The marketing move hopes to target Millennials, who are big fans of the snack and known for enjoying more authentic brand experiences. Check out details about the pop-up shop here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/cheetos-whips-up-flamin-hot-inspired-menu-for-second-pop-up-restaurant/532315/

Unexpected Benefits of the 1-Star Review

For many marketers, a one-star review causes an initial sting and panic about how it might affect your brand’s reputation. According to a recent study from Reevoo, though, 95 percent of consumers are suspicious of positive reviews when there are no negative reviews. A bad review presents the opportunity to respond and mend the relationship or make overall improvements in the future.

Consumers are more willing to trust review sections when they have hundreds of reviews rather than only a few positives ones. What do you think? Do you prefer quantity or quality when you are reading reviews? Read the full article here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/319669

Coca-Cola Goes for the Goal

Coca-Cola has agreed to a deal with the English Premier League to promote its entire drink portfolio and expand their presence in Europe. The Premier League is England’s professional soccer (or “football,” as the locals say) league. The beverage company is no stranger to sports sponsorships – they have sponsored the Olympic Games for 90 years and the World Cup for 40.

In this campaign, Coca-Cola will showcase their smaller beverage brands, including Smartwater, Fuze Tea, and Schweppes in addition to their original Coca-Cola brand sodas. This news comes as carbonated drink sales decline worldwide and beverage trends shift toward lower-sugar options. Check out the first advertisement here: https://www.marketingweek.com/2018/09/13/coca-cola-deal-premier-league/

Volkswagen Beetle Gets Squashed

In 2019, Volkswagen will say goodbye to its iconic Beetle model after 70 years. In its seven decades of life, the car has become a cultural icon. It was especially popular in the 1960s as a symbol of the counterculture and is often recognized from Disney’s film “The Love Bug.” In recent years, though, the car’s appeal has declined in favor of bigger SUVs and electric vehicles. Are you sad to see the Bug go, or will you be relieved to avoid the dreaded Slug Bug on the roads? https://www.reuters.com/article/us-volkswagen-beetle/volkswagen-to-end-production-of-the-beetle-next-year-idUSKCN1LT315