News 05.03.2021

Need To Know

Frida authentically depicts early motherhood, Twitter taps into the creator economy and retailtainment efforts excite European shoppers.

Frida reveals the realities of breastfeeding

Breast Care by Frida, US

US – Postnatal brand Frida has released a short film that explores problems new mothers encounter when breastfeeding.

In the film, two mothers share a running monologue as they feed their newborns – discussing issues associated with breastfeeding, such as physical discomfort and not producing enough milk. Throughout the short film, the mother’s needs are eclipsed by those of the baby, which Frida aims to rectify by normalising the postnatal lactation journey. Alongside the film, the brand has released a new line of products, including a self-care kit to improve the postnatal breast care experience.

‘The reality is that women are blindsided by the physicality of breastfeeding – raw nipples, uterine contractions, painful clogs – no one tells you that it can be as painful as your vaginal recovery,’ explains Chelsea Hirschhorn, CEO of Frida. ‘It’s all part of the postpartum physical experience – but it never gets any air time.'

Uncover more on the need for honest marketing for new mothers in our opinion piece.

This barber shop doubles as a content studio

Old Spice barbers, US Old Spice barbers, US
Old Spice barbers, US Old Spice barbers, US

Ohio – Men’s grooming brand Old Spice has opened its first bricks-and-mortar barbers, providing an immersive, content-driven experience for its customers.

As well as offering conventional barbering services, the space will serve as a digital content studio, store and a test lab for new products. To elevate its marketing strategy, the barber shop will welcome weekly celebrity barbers to create content and provide hair tutorials. ‘Old Spice is turning the traditional barber shop on its head by welcoming guys into the Old Spice universe for a real-life experience with the brand they know and love,' says Leif Edgar, brand director for Old Spice at Procter & Gamble.

Its Columbus location will also allow the brand to better connect with a young, diverse demographic that reflects Old Spice’s core audience. In this way, the brand is catering for local audiences and elevating its digital presence on a global scale.

While Covid-19 has resulted in declining footfall for retailers, bricks-and-mortar spaces are increasingly being reclaimed to function as multimedia hubs for content creation. For more, explore our Studio Stores microtrend.

Twitter’s Super Follows monetises creators’ content

Twitter Super Follow, Global Twitter Super Follow, Global

Global – The social network will be launching a Super Follows feature that lets users charge followers for exclusive content.

Through this new subscription model, Twitter users will be able to release material such as newsletters, videos and messages to their ‘super followers’ for a monthly fee. Other incentivised content will include bonus tweets and access to a private community group that will exist away from the main Twitter feed.

With social media feeds saturated with digital advertising and influencer partnerships, creating smaller online spaces allows users to directly connect with their followers. ‘Super Follows will allow creators and publishers to be directly supported by their audience and will incentivise them to continue creating content that their audience loves,’ a statement from Twitter reads.

The digital economy is being disrupted as creators incentivise interactions with their fans. Our new Alternet Economies macrotrend, which will be unveiled at our Trend Briefing event, explores how shifts in creative ownership are making the internet more equitable. Tickets are available here.

Stat: European shoppers are receptive to retailtainment

Virtual Super Land at Fred Segal, Los Angeles
Virtual Super Land at Fred Segal, Los Angeles

Consumers across Europe are expressing interest in 'shoppertainment' as a way of connecting with brands and retailers.

According to research by Forrester commissioned by AliExpress, consumers are most interested in live-streaming on e-commerce platforms, with 59% claiming to have purchased through it or noting they would like to explore it. Meanwhile, 53% of those surveyed said they are interested in live-streaming on social media, 50% in viewing influencer content on social media, and a further 49% are drawn towards playing interactive games.

Consumer interest varies across nations, however, with 34% of UK respondents who are not interested in live-streaming on e-commerce platforms expressing a lack of trust in this type of content. And while 30% of shoppers in Spain seek entertainment-driven content for price-related reasons, in France, shoppertainment habits are more impulse-driven, with 23% saying they are very likely to purchase an influencer-endorsed product, even if they don’t need it.

With Shoppable Social channels continuing to transform shopper interactions, platforms like NTWRK are setting a precedent for e-commerce elevated by storytelling.

Previous News Articles
The Future Laboratory and Bacardi investigate cocktail culture in 2025

News

The Future Laboratory and Bacardi investigate cocktail culture in 2025

Bacardi, in collaboration with The Future Laboratory, has released its cocktail trend report for 2025, forecasting a transformative year for the sp...
Drink : Spirits : Food
LG Display unveils world’s first stretchable display with 50% expandability

News

LG Display unveils world’s first stretchable display with 50% expandability

LG Display has achieved a major milestone in display technology with the launch of the world’s first stretchable display, capable of expanding by u...
Technology : Design : AI
New research finds that cannabinol significantly improves sleep

News

New research finds that cannabinol significantly improves sleep

Researchers from the University of Sydney’s Lambert Initiative have found new evidence supporting cannabinol (CBN) as an effective sleep aid.
Health : Wellness : Medicine
Stat: Teens face weekly exposure to conspiracy theories

News

Stat: Teens face weekly exposure to conspiracy theories

A new study by the News Literacy Project reveals that teens encounter conspiracy theories on their social media feeds at least once a week, yet mos...
Pop Culture : Youth : Media
Chester Zoo rebrands as a force for nature

News

Chester Zoo rebrands as a force for nature

Chester Zoo has unveiled a rebrand developed in partnership with branding agency How&How. 
Sustainability : Design : Advertising
Gobi Cashmere revitalises brand identity with Mongolian roots

News

Gobi Cashmere revitalises brand identity with Mongolian roots

Mongolian cashmere giant Gobi has unveiled a refreshed brand identity deeply rooted in its heritage and sustainable ethos.
Culture : Design : Fashion
Mall of the Emirates reveals new arts hub with musicals, plays and shows in mind

News

Mall of the Emirates reveals new arts hub with musicals, plays and shows in mind

Mall of the Emirates is set to debut New Covent Garden, a cultural landmark for Dubai’s thriving arts scene.
Retail : Entertainment : UAE
Stat: Demand for green talent surges as supply struggles to keep pace

News

Stat: Demand for green talent surges as supply struggles to keep pace

The global drive for sustainability is transforming job markets, with demand for green talent increasing annually by 5.9% between 2021 and 2024, ac...
Sustainability : Workplace : Youth
Elie Saab marks 45 years with a show of unapologetic grandeur

News

Elie Saab marks 45 years with a show of unapologetic grandeur

Elie Saab, a master of haute couture, celebrated the 45th anniversary of his eponymous fashion house in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fashion : Luxury : Design
Friendswithyou, fuzzy AI robots exhibition opens at Cleveland Public Library

News

Friendswithyou, fuzzy AI robots exhibition opens at Cleveland Public Library

Art duo FriendsWithYou has unveiled The BAND, a playful installation of five fuzzy, autonomous robots at Cleveland Public Library.
Design : Technology : Youth
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN