Ends Friday:

Lock in a year of Digiday+ for 35% less.

SUBSCRIBE

Zayn it ain’t so: Brands mourn the loss of a One Directioner

It’s a momentous time in history. Singer Zayn Malik has left One Direction, throwing tweens everywhere into a downward spiral of depression they will not emerge from until their 40th birthday. The news broke Wednesday morning that Malik was leaving the hot band to focus on being a “normal” 22-year-old. Brands, ever mindful of the difficult time this was for their young customers, were quick to lend their support. We round up and grade the offenders.

Girl Scouts
On-brand, includes the product and also just adorable. A+

JobSite U.K. Very cute offering from this U.K. company. A

Marmite Shoddy photoshopping, but appreciate the effort. B+

Denny’s You couldn’t even add in a picture of some of your comfort food? C-

Paddy Power Good use of “that moment when,” but are Paddy Power’s target demographic really pre-teen girls? D

Nihilist Arby’s This parody Twitter account has got game. A

Homepage image courtesy of Shutterstock.

More in Marketing

Premier League gambling ban gives brand sponsors an open goal, but CMOs must still prove value

An exodus of betting brands from the Premier League means there’s a chance for marketers to bag cut-price soccer partnerships. But proving the worth of that investment is another concern.

In Graphic Detail: Why OpenAI’s ad business is still a work in progress

As OpenAI is reportedly gearing up to go public as early as September, Digiday has charted the promise, and early tensions behind its ad business.

The AI paradox: Marketers trust AI to buy media, not build brands

Some executives are wary of AI-generated creative ideas while using automated tools to brainstorm campaigns.