Categories
Uncategorized

FGF: 3D ads, Make your Mall Pop!, pollution to designer tiles, and more!

Developing a Content Marketing Competitive Analysis in Three Simple Steps

As you look to create unique, differentiated content, start with analyzing what’s out and looking at what your competitors are publishing. After that, follow these three steps:

  • inventory of your competitors’ content. This includes all types of content such as blogs, podcasts and audio recordings, webinars, e-books and white papers, videos, presentations, e-newsletters, etc.
  • Evaluate content quantity and quality. Understand what type of content your competitors are prioritizing, how the audience receives it, how many types of media and channels they are leveraging, the engagement of each, as well as how frequently they are publishing.
  • Tag and analyze content topics. For each content piece, tag it with topic(s), then look at the coverage by topic – its quantity and quality – to uncover those to stay away from and gaps to fill.

Need help with a content marketing strategy or content development? Contact us

#verycool

Ads Poised to take on New Dimensions

Omnicom Media Group is predicting that flat objects showcased on TV, out-of-home and in online promotions will become three-dimensional ‘touchpoints’ that can be interacted with, such as rotated. This will present numerous creative opportunities and require new best practices and metrics. In preparation for these new age ad opportunities, Omnicom suggests that brands begin experimenting with 3D technologies via AR initiatives or product integrations in virtual worlds.

“The dimensionalization of media will also afford new creative opportunities by ignoring the real-world rules.” Phil Rowley, head of futures, Omnicom Media Group

What We’re Reading, Listening to + Watching

  • [Video] These 8 sustainable designs are fighting climate change
  • Hottest Toys May Be Sold Out by Black Friday Due to Bottlenecks

  • New ‘smoothie sour’ beer trend takes off

  • [Podcast] All In On Malls

  • [Video] What drives the CEO of McDonald’s

  • Empathy Is The Most Important Leadership Skill According To Research

#FGFStory: How India’s Air Pollution is Being Turned into Stylish Floor Tiles

In an effort to spare his generation from the choking air pollution in cities like Delhi, Angad Daryani invented a filterless outdoor air purifier that collects air particulate matter that is being used for many things including custom tiles! Carbon Craft Design uses the powered air particulate like a dye to make stylish tiles for floors and walls that clean sometimes as much as 5 kilograms of CO2 per tile, and draw carbon emissions from the transport, tanning, paper, and lubricants industries.

Make Your Mall Pop! Program

Micro events, such as pop-ups, can offer a curated approach to marketing properties. They are designed to attract customers, increase foot traffic, strengthen brand loyalty and offer unique experiences that will make your mall a must visit!

Pop-ups offer proven benefits. They…

  • Distinguish your center from the competition
  • Enhance brand awareness
  • Drive new and existing consumers to your center
  • Broaden social media engagement
  • And often lead to permanent tenants!

#FunFact

85% of consumers said that they are more likely to buy products after participating in an event or activation, and 70% said that they are more likely to become a repeat customer. Source

#SpacesWanted

+ MISSISSAUGA – Specialty gift store/high quality office accessories company seeking kiosk or approx. 400 sq. ft. of inline space.
BOCA RATON, DELRAY BEACH + PALM BEACH – Popular women’s fashion company seeking 400-1,000 sq. ft. of street front or shopping center space.
VANCOUVER – Digitally native apparel company seeking 800 sq. ft. of street-front space in Kitsilano, Gastown or Robson Street.

Interested in hosting a pop-up? CONTACT US

pop-up go Partners with The Pop Up Retail Expert to Amplify Programs

pop-up go has entered into a partnership with Chicago-based The Pop Up Retail Expert to amplify and support our turnkey solution with the introduction of educational tools such as webinars, videos, and other materials for both landlords and brands, as well as access to competitive insurance for all pop-up needs.

New services include:

  • A series of webinars to ensure that your pop-up is a success.
  • Curated webinars and consulting to drive interest in your property and in turn increase foot traffic.
  • Full circle brand consulting services for your next pop-up.
  • Landlord consulting to help turn your vacancies into revenue generators with the hottest pop-ups.
  • Competitive insurance for all your pop-up needs.

LEARN MORE!

#BrandsWanted

TORONTO – 400 sq. ft. corner gallery/retail opportunity in Dovercourt Park.

TORONTO – Shopping center in GTA seeking pet product retailers, bookstores, or gift and wrapping services for pop-up activations.

CALGARY – Retail center seeking women’s fashion, home goods, and health & wellness brands for holiday kiosk pop-up.

Interested in launching a pop-up? CONTACT US

projeX by pop-up go

The latest offering from pop-up go, projeX by pop-up go is a virtual pop-up marketplace and online shopping destination that connects consumers to a diverse variety of small businesses, boutiques, and local retailers, allowing them to discover high-quality, exclusive, and interesting finds. Brands can sell directly to consumers, create virtual pop-up stores, or host digital experiences – all in one place. It’s a great way to launch a new product, test a new concept, or build an online presence.

Pop-Ups and Pop-Ins in Action

  • Read about recent and upcoming pop-ups and pop-ins that we love.
  • Madewell expands resale experiment to include a physical pop-up store collab with ThreadUp
  • Eminem launching Mom’s Spaghetti pop-up in Detroit
  • Nordstrom, Levi’s collaborate for pop-in shops
  • DHL Express Invests $430K CDN to Launch Four Mobile Pop-Up Stores Across Canada
  • Grammy-nominated artist Gunna launches free pop-up shop at former middle school
  • Music Label Artist Ego Dead Launches Pop-Up Shops in Detroit and Oakland

Eucalyptus regnans, the Australian Mountain Ash, is the tallest of all flowering plants. The tallest measured specimen, named Centurion, is 99.6 meters (327 feet) tall.

Categories
Uncategorized

MALLS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE

While bricks and mortar retail has been struggling for some time, COVID has accelerated the issue by expediting consumer appetite for online shopping. Enclosed malls have been amongst those most impacted. With online shopping conveniently satisfying the retail needs of consumers, coupled with their overall hesitancy to return to post pandemic in-person shopping, mall operators have been forced to come up with unique and strategic ways to drive foot traffic.

In early 2020, CNBC predicted that 25% of US malls would be forced to close within 5 years if they remained in a single-purpose retail format – a trend that extends far beyond the US. With the growing strength of e-commerce providing users with a safe and convenient alternative to enclosed in-person retail, North American consumer shopping habits are shifting in an unfavourable way for mall owners. In Canada for example, as stores continue to reopen, in-person retail for apparel alone remains down nearly 20%, while online numbers continue to rise (Deloitte). This has led to a 42% decrease in foot traffic in Canadian malls since 2018 (Deloitte). With consumers’ functional needs being met close to home, they fail to see the appeal of taking the time and effort to return to in-person shopping. However, all hope is not lost. In order to return patrons to these spaces, mall managers need to find ways to appeal to consumers by taking a progressive mindset that employs a combination of outside of the box initiatives and the use of updated, new age technology.

Provide a Unique Consumer Experience

One of the primary tactics that mall managers can utilize to engage consumers and entice them back to mall retail is offering a consumer experience that they cannot find online. While online shopping offers many benefits to users, it is limited in a way that malls are not. For one, it cannot satisfy the social interaction and experience cravings that consumers are charged with. As presented in a report by Deloitte, consumers are drawn to uniquely used spaces that offer more than just retail, claiming to be more likely to attend and spend within this environment. In 2021, 85% of consumers say that they are more likely to buy products after participating in an event or experience, and 70% say that they are more likely to become a repeat customer (Big Eye). By creating an environment that brings together retail, entertainment, leisure, health and wellness, and other novel experiences, malls can successfully transition into a new realm where they are not just a shopping destination but rather a center for experience. One way to achieve this is through the implementation of unique micro events. These events can include product launch activations, art or music installations, interactive activities, pop-up markets, and so much more. Through incorporating experiences of this variety, malls can not only draw foot traffic, but these events will also extend visits that generate more sales.

Play to Local Interests

While micro events cater to consumers desire for unique social interaction and experience, this is not the only consumer trend that can be intelligently utilized to increase mall foot traffic. Across North America, consumers are increasingly demonstrating their interest in shopping locally. In 2020, from a group of North American respondents, 57% placed emphasis on shopping locally with the hope of supporting local economies and 38% of consumers find that by doing this, they feel more connected with their community (Intuit). Moreover, more than 82% of consumers say that they are willing to spend more on goods when they are produced locally. In recognition of this trend, malls should cater towards a local emphasis to increase foot traffic. This can be achieved through creating pop-up opportunities for local vendors. These pop-ups can include, but are not limited to, retail pop-ups for local brands or dining pop-ups for local chefs or suppliers. Through becoming a space for local vendors, malls can become a community hub for locals looking to support each other, which will drive foot traffic, raise impulse purchases, and increase time spent for consumers in your space. Moreover, through employing the pop-up format malls can fill vacant spaces, bring in a new demographic of customers, and experiment with potential permanent tenants.

Connect with Consumers Digitally

In addition to driving foot traffic through new and unique additions, mall managers can also utilize society’s digital focus to enhance what already exists. While consumer’s investment in digital mediums poses as a threat to the mall retail format, it can also be a great opportunity. The omnichannel approach, the strategy of using multiple mediums to deliver the best consumer experience, is the future of retail. It’s time for retailers to take a page from digital-first companies as, according to Deloitte, it’s never been more important to build a seamless omnichannel brand presence. Digital technology is going to influence consumer behaviour for the foreseeable future making it integral to any company’s business model, including malls. There are many ways that mall managers can employ digital strategies from virtual or augmented reality installations to powerful digital marketing campaigns. Through integrating marketing and technology into the mall format, you can curate your space, offerings, and interactions in a modernized and sustainable manner.

While the future of malls may seem uncertain, exploring progressive and unique strategies will help them reinvent themselves and provide the experience that consumers have been waiting for. Zenergy Communications’ Make Your Mall Pop! Program can help make this happen. Zenergy’s program reflects on today’s realities and utilizes decades of experience to help mall operators transform their space and drive foot traffic. With the help of Zenergy, malls can become more than a shopping center, it can become a hub for consumers to shop, relax, and experience.

Contact us to learn more about how the Make Your Mall Pop! program can benefit you.

Categories
Uncategorized

Make Your Mall Pop!

Combined with our pop-up go division, a trusted space connector for landlords and brands, we’ll make your center a destination envied by all. Today’s shopping centers are open for business, but shoppers are hesitant to return to enclosed spaces. Zenergy Communications has the solution, with the Make Your Mall Pop! Program. Offering a way to drive foot traffic and attract customers with today’s realities in mind.

Zenergy delivers integrated marketing and communications solutions through content and creative storytelling. Combined with our pop-up go division, a trusted space connector for landlords and brands, we’ll make your center a destination envied by all.

 

 

SERVICES:


EVENT SOURCING AND MANAGEMENT

By making your mall a center for experience, consumers are more likely to return to stores, with 85% claiming to be more likely to buy products after participating in an event or activation and 70% saying that they’re more likely to become repeat customers (Bigeye).

Zenergy can help create unique experiences for your mall, making it the ultimate destination. We do so by:

  • Identifying opportunities
  • Securing unique experiences
  • Planning and executing engaging micro-events
  • Providing marketing and ongoing support

LOCAL POP-UP EXECUTION

To enhance foot traffic in a mall environment, catering to consumer’s interest in locally-produced merchandise is key. Consider thematic pop-ups and make your mall a hotspot for community support and gatherings.

Zenergy will help make your mall #LoveLocal:

  • Conduct a proactive outreach program
  • Provide a curated pipeline of local tenants
  • Assist in planning and execution
  • Provide marketing and ongoing support

DIGITAL OUTREACH AND STRATEGY CREATION

The future of consumer engagement for malls is real-time, individualized, and omnichannel. With 90.3% of North Americans online in 2020, malls must integrate digital marketing and technology into their strategy to engage consumers online and increase foot traffic (Internet World Stats).

Zenergy will help support your digital initiatives:

  • Work with you to establish goals
  • Leverage our extensive digital marketing experience
  • Cultivate an individualized omnichannel strategy
  • Assist in creative development
  • Offer ongoing assistance

Find out how we can make your mall pop.

Categories
Uncategorized

FGF: AR lenses, content mistakes and solutions, Queen pop-up and more!

Are you Making these Four Content Mistakes?

Don’t worry we have you covered!

Here are four common mistakes often made when planning and executing content marketing along with proposed solutions.

Mistake: Creating content without knowing your who, what, or why / Solution: Create a content marketing strategy

Mistake: Your content is narcissistic and lacks empathy / Solution: Make your audience the star of your content experience

Mistake: You’ve let your content experience grow stale and stagnant / Solution: Audit, evaluate, and act

Mistake: You’re pushing team resources to the breaking point / Solution: Educate, prioritize, outsource, or partner on content

Need help with a content marketing strategy or content development? Contact us

#FunFact: A B2B decision maker is most likely to provide their email address in exchange for a webinar (79%), white paper (76%), an analytical report (66%), or an e-book (63%). Source: Demand Gen Report

What We’re Reading

Ad-Supported Viewing Makes up Half of Digital Video Viewers

eMarketer has estimated that nearly 128 million people in the US will watch advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) this year, a growth of 17.6%, over 2020. This means over 50% of all digital video viewers in the US are watching AVOD.

Looking ahead: Digital video viewership growth remains high and it is anticipated that by 2023, 259.8 million US adults will watch digital video content at least once per month, and those individuals will increasingly consist of AVOD viewers and subscribers.

#FGFStory: Stories Can Synchronize the Heartbeats of Everyone Listening

It turns out those thousands of years of storytelling tradition may have actually altered our very biology. According to a new paper published in Cell, narrative stimuli (i.e. ‘Once upon a time’) synchronizes the fluctuations of heart rates between the individuals listening.

This isn’t the first time this incredible connection with stories has been demonstrated to have a biological impact on humans. It’s been shown that the brains of people watching films together tend to ‘tick collectively,’ suggesting why films can be so enjoyable as a group activity.

Snapchat Dedicates AR Lenses to Fashion Week

Snapchat is rolling out nine new augmented reality (AR) lenses linked to upcoming Fashion Weeks throughout the month, starting with New York City. The social media company will offer three lenses for New York, with two for each of the other cities of London, Milan and Paris, launched at the start of each of the respective events. The visuals will include the distinct fashion trends in each location.

#SpacesWanted

MIAMI, FORT LAUDERDALE + PALM BEACH: Popular women’s fashion company seeking 400 – 1,000 sq. ft.

VANCOUVER: Digitally native apparel company seeking 800 sq. ft. of street front space in Kitsilano, Gastown or Robson Street.

WASHINGTON, DC: Seeking 700 sq. ft. in Washington, DC and surrounding area for youth and teen clothing company.

OAKVILLE: Seeking 500 – 1,000 sq. ft. in downtown Oakville for bath, body, and accessory brand activation.

Interested in hosting a pop-up? CONTACT US!

#BrandsWanted

Retail center seeking women’s fashion, home goods, and health & wellness brands for holiday kiosk pop-up.

Interested in launching a pop-up? CONTACT US!

projeX by pop-up go

The latest offering from pop-up go, projeX by pop-up go is a virtual pop-up marketplace and online shopping destination that connects consumers to a diverse variety of small businesses, boutiques, and local retailers, allowing them to discover high-quality, exclusive, and interesting finds. Brands can sell directly to consumers, create virtual pop-up stores, or host digital experiences – all in one place. It’s a great way to launch a new product, test a new concept, or build an online presence.

Pop-Ups and Pop-Ins in Action

Read about recent and upcoming pop-ups and pop-ins that we love.

There are approximately 3.04 trillion trees on the planet today. Deciduous trees, those that shed their leaves, are very similar to people and begin to get ready for the winter in September.

Source: Crowther

Categories
Uncategorized

FGF: Coffee physics, “Curious” new brand, Pantone predictions, and more!

Pantone’s Spring/Summer 2022 Color Trend Report

Comfort and Optimism in Uncertainty

Released earlier this week, the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report Spring/Summer 2022 edition for New York Fashion Week highlights the key hues that are anticipated to be used by designers from the runway to the corporate world. Pantone said that the selected colors reflect an “aspiration for balance as we move into a different landscape.”

Shehla’s Picks: Zenergy’s Art Director, Shehla, has fallen in love with Gossamer Pink and Innuendo colors, so expect to see those colors in our creative designs in 2022.

Integrate these trending colors into your marketing materials. Contact us for design solutions.

#FunFact: A B2B decision maker is most likely to provide their email address in exchange for a webinar (79%), white paper (76%), an analytical report (66%), or an e-book (63%). Source: Demand Gen Report

#FunFact: 1,867 is the number of solid (spot) Pantone Matching System Colors for printing ink on paper.

Curious Scarlet Launching Soon!

Curious Scarlet, an innovative new luxury smoking accessories brand, is set to launch this Fall and Zenergy’s team of content developers and designers are putting the final touches in preparation. Stay tuned for the unveiling of the most exciting product line up to hit the market this year!

Curious? Sign up for their newsletter or follow the brand on Instagram.

What We’re Reading + Listening To

#FGFStory: Walking with Coffee is a Little-Understood Feat of Physics

General Mills cereal brand Lucky Charms released an eight-song album on Aug. 31 entitled “Magically Delicious.” Each song represents a different genre, including EDM, country, K-Pop and hip-Walking with coffee is something most of us do every day without considering the balancing act it requires. In fact, there’s a lot of physics preventing the coffee from spilling over. A new paper published in Physical Review Applied, “Synchronous Transition in Complex Object Control” uses a coffee-cup and a rolling ball to examine how humans manipulate a complex object. Read about the study here.

#FunFact

The average person drinks just over 86,000 cups of coffee and takes 216,262,500 steps in their lifetime. That’s a lot of balancing!

Retail’s Need for Speed

Retail has experienced more change over the past five years than in the prior 50. As a result, retailers have had to adapt to changes in consumption, channel shifts, and rising customer expectations around speed and convenience. The race to shorten click-to-customer cycle time is one of the single-greatest influence on the future of omnichannel supply chains.

Consumer expectations vary by retail segment:

  • Food and grocery: less than one day
  • Beauty: less than one day
  • Apparel: less than two days
  • Home décor: less than two days
  • Electronics: less than two days
  • General merchandise: two days or less

Next Steps: Many retailers and DTC brands are turning to pop-ups in secondary markets as fulfillment centers and a way of reaching customers closer to home.

Launch or host a pop-up in a secondary market. CONTACT US!

#SpacesWanted: Pop-Up Perfection

MIAMI + PALM BEACH: Popular women’s fashion company seeking 400 – 1,000 sq. ft.

EDMONTON: DTC clothing and accessories company seeking 500 – 800 sq. ft. for a brand activation.

TORONTO: Seeking banquet hall/country club/cocktail bar/restaurant + office and boardroom spaces for short-film production.

BRAMPTON: Seeking 100 – 200 sq. ft. for artisanal jewelry pop-up.

Interested in hosting a pop-up? CONTACT US!

#FunFact: 54% of brands recognize customer experience as the most important priority. (Source: Review42)

projeX by pop-up go

The latest offering from pop-up go, projeX by pop-up go is a virtual pop-up marketplace and online shopping destination that connects consumers to a diverse variety of small businesses, boutiques, and local retailers, allowing them to discover high-quality, exclusive, and interesting finds. Brands can sell directly to consumers, create virtual pop-up stores, or host digital experiences – all in one place. It’s a great way to launch a new product, test a new concept, or build an online presence.

Pop-Ups and Pop-Ins in Action

Read about recent and upcoming pop-ups and pop-ins that we love.

There are over 7.4 million hectares of vineyards across the globe, with consumers sipping on over 234 million hectoliters!

Sources: OIV and Statista

Categories
Uncategorized

FGF: Gourmet frozen food, Lucky Charms, B2B e-ads, puffer jackets, and more!

Ten Impactful Ways to Repurpose your Brand Video

With the importance of video growing every day, early-stage startups are adding marketing videos to their budget. And for good reason: an Animoto study showed that 93% of brands acquired a new customer due to a video on social media. Their research also showed that including the word “video” in your email subject line can increase open rates by 19%.

Here are 10 ways to turn your one brand video into many reusable pieces of content.

  • Splice into shorter niche videos.
  • Add video to a blog post.
  • Turn the video into an audio podcast.
  • Make a presentation out of the video.
  • Use video in social media.
  • Add your video to an email blast.
  • Turn the video into an online course.
  • Create a landing page for a product or service.
  • Don’t forget the blooper reel!
  • Repurpose testimonials and reviews.

Want to get started with a brand video? Contact us for turnkey video solutions.

#FunFact: YouTube Shorts, the video platform’s answer to TikTok, gives businesses access to YouTube’s more than 2 billion users, including younger audiences!

B2B’s Share of US Digital Ad Spending Jumped in 2020, But Will it Keep Climbing?

In 2020, B2B digital ad spending went from 4.9% of the US digital ad market to 5.7%, marking a sizable growth in share for the industry. B2Bs are continuing to increase their digital ad investments, which is forecast to reach $10.84 billion this year. It is expected that B2B’s share of total digital ad spending will hold steady for the next couple of years.

What We’re Reading + Listening To

#FGFStory: Lucky Charms Drops Album

General Mills cereal brand Lucky Charms released an eight-song album on Aug. 31 entitled “Magically Delicious.” Each song represents a different genre, including EDM, country, K-Pop and hip-hop, and is dedicated to one of the cereal’s eight marshmallow charms. With the release of the “Magically Delicious” album, General Mills is tapping into a digital channel that has become increasingly central to consumers’ lives, especially during the pandemic.

#FunFact:

The average time spent listening to digital audio in the US is expected to hit 1 hour and 37 minutes a day in 2022, up from 1 hour and 14 minutes in 2018. (Source: eMarketer)

Four Key Trends Every Brand and Retailer Must Consider

According to Radicati Group’s estimate, more than 4 billion people use email worldwide. Recent studies found penetration to be about 85% in Canada and a calculated user base to be nearly 29

Purpose-driven brands, livestream shopping, and grocery ecommerce all gained momentum in 2020 and 2021. These are also all examples of one of four megatrends that will affect the industry going forward.

To stay ahead of the curve, brands and retailers must develop strategies to address the following areas:

  • Understanding innovation from China.
  • Tapping into social commerce.
  • Evaluating a retail media strategy.
  • Becoming more sustainable.

#TrendAlert: The Puffer Vest

Sometimes, a winter coat is far too heavy, but a long-sleeve shirt leaves you open to a chill. Enter the puffer vest. A standout on the Fall/Winter 2021 runways, the puffer vest is proving to be the versatile staple of the season. There are 7.2K average weekly searches for puffer vests, +28% to last year. Brands and retailers are stocking up to meet demand; products in the market are +19% in the last 30 days.

Take advantage of this trend and plan a pop-up! CONTACT US!

Freezer Fabulous! Let us match you with the perfect pop-up space!

About 6.4 billion pounds of ice cream and frozen yogurt were produced in the US in 2019 (most recent data). The ice cream industry has a $13.1 billion economic impact in the US, according to IDFA’s Dairy Delivers®, so why not ride the wave and pop-up with your frozen treats or flavorful and healthier frozen options like gourmet meals? We have many perfect locations available for a brands like ice cream, frozen foods, and gourmet ready-to-eat options! All you need to do is bring your freezers and we’ll set you up.

Be set for success from start to finish with pop-up go! We will help you find the right space, prepare your pop-up, reach the right customers, and meet your pop-up expectations!

IF YOU WANT TO POP! CONTACT US!

#SpacesWanted: Pop-Up Perfection

CALGARY: Kiosk spaces wanted by various apparel and jewelry brands!

TORONTO: Seeking 500 – 800 sq. ft. in Toronto’s Queen West or Yorkville neighbourhoods; or downtown Oakville for a hair accessory pop-up.

CALGARY: Bubble and fruit tea company seeking 200 – 400 sq. ft. with kitchen set-up in prime shopping centers.

Interested in hosting a pop-up? CONTACT US!

projeX by pop-up go

The latest offering from pop-up go, projeX by pop-up go is a virtual pop-up marketplace and online shopping destination that connects consumers to a diverse variety of small businesses, boutiques, and local retailers, allowing them to discover high-quality, exclusive, and interesting finds. Brands can sell directly to consumers, create virtual pop-up stores, or host digital experiences – all in one place. It’s a great way to launch a new product, test a new concept, or build an online presence.

Pop-Ups in Action

Read about recent and upcoming pop-ups and pop-ins that we love.

“Though you can love what you do not master, you cannot master what you do not love.”

— Mokokoma Mokhonoana