Here’s just a little bit about a lot of Marketing things happening in the world we love.

The Logo Redesign Season Is in Full Swing

General Motors, Burger King, Kia and Pfizer are just a few of the companies that are rolling out cosmetic makeovers of their brands. The goal seems to be simplification and digital alignment. GM’s move coincided with its announcement that it is moving more into electric cars.

The Hyper-Market Choice Days Are Over

Many organizations are blaming the pandemic, but most are limiting choices due to what seems like a natural day of reckoning. McDonald’s is cutting back on breakfast, Clorox is cutting back on different scents and package sizes, Coca-Cola is cutting its underperforming offerings. What companies are finally realizing is that variety is the spice of life — but not endless variety.

Grocery Stores Are Finally Thinking Like Shoppers

Walmart is working to make the Store navigation clearer and match the app. Have you ever just wanted to pull up a store map and search for an item? You can put your shopping list in the app to more easily navigate the store and find items. Walmart calls it “end-to-end” digital navigation that guides customers through their journey. Now, if the app could just identify an employee who can help me.

Please Don’t Say Older People Are Set in Their Ways Again

COVID-19 may be killing brand loyalty because we have been forced to experiment with new products and services. According to Ad Age, “Older consumers age 55 and up, previously known for being intensely brand loyal, are now in play.” The coronavirus has forced everyone to shift buying habits. And we are all looking at products and services with new eyes. That also means that the marketing needs to be more real. I saw a graphic that featured a hunched-over man with a can as an example of the 65-year-old — I’ll race you on a long-distance bike ride any day youngster.

It’s Time for a Chief Entertainment Officer

With the return to events and event marketing, it is time to get serious about the expense and effort. Many shows have gone bankrupt because the people didn’t understand competition with other events, rights fees, legal hurdles and liability issues, not to mention getting a true and relevant branding message into the event. And with streaming and social media, the biggest bang for the marketing buck may not be the event at all, but after the event. The marketing Officer has other considerations; the entertainment officer can make sure the money is well used and invested wisely to move the needle.

Mark Mathis III is chief creative & strategy officer, partner and cofounder of AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising.