<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>Marketing Remote Jobs | Find Remote Marketing Positions</title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app</link> <description>Discover top remote marketing jobs worldwide. Find remote positions in digital marketing, content, SEO, social media, and more. Apply to work-from-home marketing roles today.</description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:04:23 GMT</lastBuildDate> <docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs> <generator>https://github.com/jpmonette/feed</generator> <language>en</language> <image> <title>Marketing Remote Jobs | Find Remote Marketing Positions</title> <url>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/images/logo-512.png</url> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app</link> </image> <copyright>All rights reserved 2024, MarketingRemoteJobs.app</copyright> <category>Bitcoin News</category> <item> <title><![CDATA[Omnicom's Post-Merger Shock: $900M Loss, 1000s of Jobs Cut, and a $5B Buyback Plan Unveiled]]></title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/article/omnicoms-post-merger-shock-900m-loss-1000s-of-jobs-cut-and-a-5b-buyback-plan-unveiled</link> <guid>omnicoms-post-merger-shock-900m-loss-1000s-of-jobs-cut-and-a-5b-buyback-plan-unveiled</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:00:26 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[**Omnicom has released its first financial results since merging with IPG, revealing a turbulent landscape of losses, job cuts, and aggressive cost-saving measures.** ### **A Net Loss and Soaring Costs** In the December quarter, Omnicom posted revenue of **$5.5 billion** but faced a **net loss of $900 million**. For the full year, revenue reached **$17.3 billion** with a net loss of **$54.5 million**. Operating costs surged by **$2.9 billion** to **$6.5 billion**, driven by transaction fees, restructuring charges, and asset disposal losses tied to the IPG deal. ### **Job Losses and Executive Bonuses** The integration has led to **thousands of job losses globally**, while senior executives are set to share **$80 million in bonuses**, including **$49 million for former IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky**. Employee compensation expenses rose **28.6%** to **$4 billion**, largely due to the acquisition. ### **Doubled Cost Savings and Strategic Shifts** Omnicom has **doubled its cost synergy target to $1.5 billion**, with **$900 million expected in 2026**. The company plans to divest or shut down non-core or underperforming businesses, aiming to generate **$2.5 billion**. CEO John Wren emphasized simplifying the portfolio to focus on growth and profitability. ### **Share Buyback and Future Outlook** A **$5 billion share buyback program** has been authorized, including a **$2.5 billion accelerated repurchase**. Wren stated these moves are catalysts to transform business performance, leveraging the merged entity's scale as the world's largest advertising group with **100,000 employees** and projected annual revenue of **$25.6 billion**.]]></description> <author>contact@marketingremotejobs.app (MarketingRemoteJobs.app)</author> <category>omnicom</category> <category>ipg</category> <category>merger</category> <category>advertising</category> <category>earnings</category> <enclosure url="https://www.bandt.com.au/information/uploads/2026/02/omnicon-boss.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Does Agency Brand Matter? The Surprising Truth About Marketing Partnerships]]></title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/article/does-agency-brand-matter-the-surprising-truth-about-marketing-partnerships</link> <guid>does-agency-brand-matter-the-surprising-truth-about-marketing-partnerships</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:00:28 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The Great Agency Debate: Does Brand Name Really Matter? Campaign magazine recently investigated a provocative statement from **Lloyds CMO Suresh Balaji**, who claimed that "it doesn’t matter which team agencies sit in." This bold assertion challenges traditional thinking about agency selection and has sparked intense debate among marketing professionals. ![Agency team collaboration](https://cached.imagescaler.hbpl.co.uk/resize/scaleWidth/952/cached.offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/news/OMC/MixCollage-18-Feb-2026-11-21-AM-2735.jpg) ### The Core Question At the heart of this discussion is whether marketers should prioritize **agency brand reputation** or focus more on the **specific team and individuals** who will actually service their account. Balaji's perspective suggests that the actual people doing the work matter more than the agency's overall brand identity. ### Industry Perspectives Marketing leaders and agency executives are divided on this issue. Some argue that **agency brand credibility** provides important reassurance and resources, while others believe that **individual talent and chemistry** with the client team are far more critical to success. ### The Changing Agency Landscape This debate comes at a time when the agency world is undergoing significant transformation. With increasing specialization, remote work capabilities, and project-based engagements, the traditional agency-client relationship model is being reexamined. ### What Really Drives Results? Proponents of focusing on specific teams point to several advantages: - **Direct relationship** with the actual practitioners - **Consistent team composition** throughout the engagement - **Specialized expertise** that matches specific client needs - **Better cultural fit** between client and agency teams ### The Counterargument Those who emphasize agency brand highlight: - **Resource depth** and backup capabilities - **Proven methodologies** and processes - **Industry reputation** and credibility - **Long-term stability** and continuity ### Practical Implications for Marketers For marketing professionals making agency selection decisions, this debate raises important questions about evaluation criteria. Should RFPs focus more on **individual team members' experience** rather than agency case studies? How much weight should be given to **agency infrastructure** versus **personal chemistry**? ### The Future of Agency Partnerships As marketing becomes more specialized and data-driven, the emphasis may shift toward **specific capabilities and expertise** rather than broad agency reputation. This could lead to more modular agency relationships where clients assemble teams from multiple specialized providers. ### Key Considerations When evaluating agency partnerships, marketers might consider: 1. **Transparency** about who will actually work on the account 2. **Team stability** and continuity plans 3. **Specialized expertise** relevant to specific challenges 4. **Cultural alignment** between client and agency teams 5. **Flexibility** in team composition as needs evolve]]></description> <author>contact@marketingremotejobs.app (MarketingRemoteJobs.app)</author> <category>agency</category> <category>marketing</category> <category>strategy</category> <category>partnership</category> <category>cmo</category> <enclosure url="https://cached.imagescaler.hbpl.co.uk/resize/scaleHeight/815/cached.offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/news/OMC/MixCollage-18-Feb-2026-11-21-AM-2735.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Reddit's Rising Influence: How Fashion Brands Can Navigate Negative Feedback and Protect Their Reputation]]></title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/article/reddits-rising-influence-how-fashion-brands-can-navigate-negative-feedback-and-protect-their-reputation</link> <guid>reddits-rising-influence-how-fashion-brands-can-navigate-negative-feedback-and-protect-their-reputation</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:00:33 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The Growing Power of Reddit in Digital Marketing With Reddit's posts increasingly shaping **Google search results** and **AI chatbot outputs**, fashion brands can no longer ignore the platform's millions of active users. Even when the feedback is critical, listening has become essential for maintaining brand reputation. ![During times when Reddit is dominating Google search, the best brands are listening or engaging with customers looking to vent.](https://img.businessoffashion.com/resizer/v2/KADN6WMK2BA2LPSRVXFLNKODB4.png?auth=d81b1b7c3bec2b2de757cf7712bc2021ac54bb563020f78e277d01df8dfd78e2&width=1440) *During times when Reddit is dominating Google search, the best brands are listening or engaging with customers looking to vent.* (BoF Studios) ## Why Reddit Matters More Than Ever Reddit has evolved from a niche forum to a **major influence** on how brands are perceived online. The platform's content now directly impacts what appears in search engine results and what AI assistants like chatbots recommend to users. This means that **negative discussions** on Reddit can significantly damage a brand's digital footprint. ## Strategies for Effective Engagement When Reddit turns against your brand, the worst response is to ignore it. Instead, fashion companies should: - **Monitor conversations** regularly to stay aware of public sentiment - **Engage authentically** with users who have legitimate concerns - **Address issues transparently** rather than trying to suppress criticism - **Use feedback constructively** to improve products and services ## Case Studies and Industry Context The article references how Saint Laurent has more than doubled sales in five years under CEO Francesca Bellettini and designer Anthony Vaccarello, demonstrating that strong leadership can drive growth even in challenging environments. Meanwhile, Kering's stock has rebounded by almost a quarter since appointing a new CEO, showing how **strategic changes** can restore investor confidence. ## The Financial Implications Kering's first-half recurring operating income fell 39 percent to €969 million, though this was slightly better than analysts' expectations of €934.9 million. The company's CFO noted that U.S. tariffs on EU goods are "totally manageable," and the group has implemented price increases while considering further "measured" adjustments in the autumn. ## Key Takeaways for Marketing Professionals 1. **Reddit is no longer optional** for brand monitoring 2. **Authentic engagement** beats defensive posturing 3. **Negative feedback** can provide valuable insights for improvement 4. **Transparency builds trust** even in difficult situations 5. **Proactive reputation management** is essential in today's digital landscape]]></description> <author>contact@marketingremotejobs.app (MarketingRemoteJobs.app)</author> <category>reddit</category> <category>brandreputation</category> <category>socialmedia</category> <category>marketingstrategy</category> <category>fashion</category> <enclosure url="https://img.businessoffashion.com/resizer/v2/KADN6WMK2BA2LPSRVXFLNKODB4.png?smart=true&auth=d81b1b7c3bec2b2de757cf7712bc2021ac54bb563020f78e277d01df8dfd78e2&width=1200&height=630" length="0" type="image/png"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[The 30 Under 30 People's Choice Race Is On Fire – Who Will Claim Victory?]]></title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/article/the-30-under-30-peoples-choice-race-is-on-fire-who-will-claim-victory</link> <guid>the-30-under-30-peoples-choice-race-is-on-fire-who-will-claim-victory</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:00:45 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The Race for the People's Choice Award The competition for the **People's Choice Award** in **B&T's 30 Under 30**, presented by **Vevo**, is heating up like never before. Votes are pouring in, and the battle for the top spot is more intense than an unpaid intern's laptop at a 5 PM deadline. We've got the latest live leaderboard update to keep you in the loop. ## Current Top 15 Contenders The top 15 candidates are currently duking it out, with several new entrants climbing the ranks and shaking things up. Here's the live top 15 for your perusal: 1. **Natasha Walsh** – 192 votes 2. **Simone Parwak** – 175 votes 3. **Camille Repellin** – 163 votes 4. **Amber Knight** – 159 votes 5. **Katie Dorman** – 149 votes 6. **Aaron Paul** – 145 votes 7. **Leah Moriarty** – 132 votes 8. **Niesha Happell** – 126 votes 9. **Bethan Mellor** – 123 votes 10. **Nayonika Rekhy** – 122 votes 11. **Rebecca Bolton** – 116 votes 12. **Alvin Zhong** – 115 votes 13. **Izzy Dobles** – 113 votes 14. **Xixi Li** – 112 votes 15. **Jonti Groth** – 109 votes ## Key Highlights from the Race - **Natasha Walsh** has seemingly come out of nowhere to snatch the top spot with 192 votes, leading the pack. - **12 of the top 15** are women, showcasing a girl-powered masterclass in dominating the advertising and marketing landscape. - The race is incredibly tight, with just **73 votes separating the top spot from number 15**. This truly is anyone's game, making every vote count. ## How to Get Involved Rally your office, pester your peers, and bribe your mates—whatever it takes to send the next generation of **marketing, advertising, and media trailblazers** into the stratosphere. **So vote now, because every vote counts!** Want to see who takes the crown? Come see it live. **Get your tickets now!** ![People's Choice Banner](https://www.bandt.com.au/information/uploads/2026/02/peopls-choice-banner.png) *Join more than 30,000 advertising industry experts and get all the latest advertising and media news direct to your inbox from B&T.*]]></description> <author>contact@marketingremotejobs.app (MarketingRemoteJobs.app)</author> <category>30under30</category> <category>marketingawards</category> <category>industryinsights</category> <category>advertising</category> <category>peoplechoice</category> <enclosure url="https://www.bandt.com.au/information/uploads/2026/02/Marketing-professionals-race-for-the-trophy-750x500.png" length="0" type="image/png"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[AI Chatbots Get Ads: OpenAI's ChatGPT Leads the Way in Controversial Monetization]]></title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/article/ai-chatbots-get-ads-openais-chatgpt-leads-the-way-in-controversial-monetization</link> <guid>ai-chatbots-get-ads-openais-chatgpt-leads-the-way-in-controversial-monetization</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:00:41 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The Rise of Advertising in AI Chatbots In May 2024, the big question for OpenAI was how it would make money with its revolutionary ChatGPT tool. At a talk at Harvard, chief executive Sam Altman was asked if he might consider advertising in future. His answer was unequivocal. **“I would just disclose, as a personal bias, that I hate ads,”** he said. They would be **“like a last resort for us as a business model.”** Fast forward to now, and OpenAI is rolling out advertising on ChatGPT to select users. Experts say others will almost certainly follow suit, marking a significant shift in how AI tools are monetized. This move comes as companies seek sustainable revenue streams for their AI platforms, despite initial resistance from leaders like Altman. The integration of ads into conversational AI could reshape user experiences and business strategies in the digital marketing landscape.]]></description> <author>contact@marketingremotejobs.app (MarketingRemoteJobs.app)</author> <category>ai</category> <category>chatgpt</category> <category>advertising</category> <category>monetization</category> <category>openai</category> <enclosure url="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.5519%2C$multiply_2%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/c_scale%2Cw_800%2Cq_88%2Cf_jpg/t_afr_no_label_no_age_social_wm/2c2036687c1d40c1e30598f09ca3296f98403a18dfecc59d3e0abc1f0ecc5b73" length="0" type="image/777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/c_scale%2Cw_800%2Cq_88%2Cf_jpg/t_afr_no_label_no_age_social_wm/2c2036687c1d40c1e30598f09ca3296f98403a18dfecc59d3e0abc1f0ecc5b73"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Hartley's Appoints Creative Agency Without a Pitch: What This Means for Marketing Strategy]]></title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/article/hartleys-appoints-creative-agency-without-a-pitch-what-this-means-for-marketing-strategy</link> <guid>hartleys-appoints-creative-agency-without-a-pitch-what-this-means-for-marketing-strategy</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:00:28 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## Hartley's Appoints Creative Agency Without a Pitch In a notable move within the marketing industry, **Hartley's has appointed a creative agency without going through a traditional pitch process**. This decision highlights a shift in how brands are selecting their agency partners, focusing on **trust, existing relationships, and strategic alignment** rather than competitive bidding. ![Creative Agency Appointment](https://cached.imagescaler.hbpl.co.uk/resize/scaleWidth/952/cached.offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/news/OMC/MixCollage-16-Feb-2026-10-42-AM-7465.jpg) ### The Significance of No-Pitch Appointments Appointing an agency without a pitch is becoming more common as companies seek to **streamline their selection processes** and reduce the time and resources spent on lengthy pitch competitions. This approach allows for **faster onboarding** and can lead to more collaborative partnerships from the start. ### Benefits for Brands and Agencies - **Efficiency**: Skipping the pitch process can save both parties significant time and money. - **Relationship Building**: Without the pressure of a pitch, agencies and brands can focus on building a strong, trust-based relationship. - **Strategic Focus**: The appointment is based on **strategic fit and past performance** rather than just a one-off presentation. ### Industry Trends and Insights This move by Hartley's reflects broader trends in the marketing world, where **agility and partnership** are valued over traditional procurement methods. As remote work and digital collaboration become more prevalent, such no-pitch appointments may become even more common. ### What This Means for Marketers For marketing professionals, this highlights the importance of **networking, reputation, and demonstrating value** beyond pitch decks. Building a strong portfolio and maintaining positive industry relationships can lead to opportunities without the need for competitive pitches. ### Key Takeaways - **No-pitch appointments** are a growing trend in agency selection. - **Trust and strategic alignment** are critical factors in these decisions. - This approach can lead to **more effective and collaborative partnerships**. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, such appointments may redefine how brands and agencies work together, emphasizing long-term value over short-term wins.]]></description> <author>contact@marketingremotejobs.app (MarketingRemoteJobs.app)</author> <category>creativeagency</category> <category>marketingstrategy</category> <category>pitchprocess</category> <category>brandpartnership</category> <category>industrytrends</category> <enclosure url="https://cached.imagescaler.hbpl.co.uk/resize/scaleHeight/815/cached.offlinehbpl.hbpl.co.uk/news/OMC/MixCollage-16-Feb-2026-10-42-AM-7465.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Dentsu's Global Shakeup: New CEO Takes Helm Amid $2.9 Billion Loss and Major Restructuring]]></title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/article/dentsus-global-shakeup-new-ceo-takes-helm-amid-29-billion-loss-and-major-restructuring</link> <guid>dentsus-global-shakeup-new-ceo-takes-helm-amid-29-billion-loss-and-major-restructuring</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:27 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Dentsu is undergoing a significant leadership overhaul after reporting a staggering **A$2.9 billion loss**. The holding company has also reversed its decision to sell its international business and announced plans to cut an additional **1,300 staff in 2026**, following 2,100 job losses in 2025. Longtime company executive and Dentsu Japan boss **Takeshi Sano** will take over as president and global CEO from Hiroshi Igarashi in March. Dentsu highlighted that Sano has driven strong growth at Dentsu Japan, which grew by **6.2% in FY25**. "Amid rapid shifts in our business and competitive environment, we continue to thoughtfully evolve our leadership approach and management practices to support the pace of our transformation and strengthen execution, all while maximizing our contribution to client growth," Sano said. "Dentsu will continue to sharpen the distinctive value that sets us apart and position ourselves as a true growth partner, supporting clients consistently from strategy through to execution. By creating momentum for our clients, partners, people, and society, we will reinforce trust with stakeholders and steadily advance the sustainable enhancement of our corporate value." As part of the leadership restructure, Dentsu has eliminated its global COO and president roles. Regional CEOs and practice leaders will now report directly to Sano. Dentsu had been attempting to sell its international business for several months. Aside from Japan, Dentsu International reported declines across other regions, including a **3% drop in the Americas**, **1.8% in EMEA**, and **6.8% in APAC**. Although organic growth was down by 6.8% in APAC, it grew by **0.3% in the fourth quarter**. Among a series of announcements, Dentsu confirmed it would no longer pursue a sale of its international business. In Australia, Dentsu’s chief executive Rob Harvey expressed confidence that the holding company can turn around its fortunes. "It has been a challenging couple of years, but I think there’s real optimism in the culture and a growing sense of confidence," he said. "The work that we’ve done in the last three months in particular, and building that confidence and belief and connecting the culture is really paying dividends." "I am confident that we’ve seen the bottom of the downturn within our revenue and we’re seeing really positive optimism in our revenue forecast going forward. So Q4 will be strong for us, and we see positivity going into next year."]]></description> <author>contact@marketingremotejobs.app (MarketingRemoteJobs.app)</author> <category>dentsu</category> <category>leadership</category> <category>restructuring</category> <category>advertising</category> <category>business</category> <enclosure url="https://www.bandt.com.au/information/uploads/2026/02/Takeshi-Sano.png" length="0" type="image/png"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Anti-Valentine's Day Marketing: How Businesses Are Cashing In on Heartbreak]]></title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/article/anti-valentines-day-marketing-how-businesses-are-cashing-in-on-heartbreak</link> <guid>anti-valentines-day-marketing-how-businesses-are-cashing-in-on-heartbreak</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:00:32 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Not everyone loves the gooey, heart-shaped version of Valentine’s Day. Even for those who celebrate, the pressure to deliver the picture-perfect night can — quite frankly — stink. This Valentine’s Day, some nonprofits and businesses are siding with the jaded lovers of the world. Those skipping romance this season can name an ex after a pile of animal feces, shred old photos for dining deals, or smash their way through staged date nights in rage rooms. According to Google, the phrase **“I hate Valentine’s Day”** has seen an over **5,000% increase in searches** in the past month, suggesting demand for cathartic campaigns like these is growing alongside the holiday itself. “Even for those who aren’t currently heartbroken, participating in ‘anti-Valentine’s Day’ events can serve as a small act of self-affirmation,” said Raluca Ursu, an associate professor of marketing at the NYU Stern School of Business. “(It’s) a way to acknowledge past challenges, celebrate resilience and perhaps even laugh at what once hurt.” For some, the anti-romance promotions might just be a way to make it through the mushy holiday. For others, like nonprofit organizations and businesses, they’re a way to **capture every customer** — lover or hater. ## Heartbreak Meets the Animal Kingdom Zoos and shelters around the world are offering lighthearted ways to support their animals while letting go of heartbreak. At WildCat Ridge Sanctuary in Scotts Mills, Oregon, people can donate $100 to have an ex-partner’s name placed on a gelatin heart made with meat and nutrients. The heart is fed to one of the sanctuary’s big cats, and donors receive a video of the feeding. The **“Be My Bloody Valentine”** fundraiser has grown from about 10 participants in its first year in 2020 to more than 75 last year. “It’s definitely something we have no plans on discontinuing,” said Ian Ford, associate executive director at Wildcat Ridge Sanctuary. WildCat Ridge isn’t alone in turning heartbreak into donations. Ireland’s Galway SPCA, for example, is running its **“Neuter Your Ex”** fundraiser, where feral cats are named after former partners before being neutered and released as part of its population control program. The Maryland Zoo is offering a **“Dollars for Dung”** promotion that allows donors to name a pile of animal waste after someone from their past, starting at $5. Meanwhile, the Bronx Zoo in New York has revived its annual tradition of naming one of the zoo’s thousands of Madagascar hissing cockroaches for $15. ## Love Stinks — And It’s on the Menu Restaurants are also leaning into the anti-romance trend, with something on the menu for everyone — whether they’re in love, opting out of the tradition, or just hungry for some revenge. National restaurant chains and local eateries have adopted unconventional promotions to disrupt the usual “for two” dining packages. Hart’s, an upscale Mediterranean restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, is marking its ninth annual **“Love Stinks”** event — the longest-running promotion in the restaurant’s history. Compared to traditional date-night cuisine, Hart’s limited menu leans into pungent ingredients like anchovies, garlic, and blue cheese. Dishes like an onion tart with anchovies emphasize that the best parts of love don’t always smell so sweet. “It’s really turned into a tradition, not only for us, but for some of our regulars,” said Nick Perkins, co-founder of Hart’s. “It’s become so popular that starting last year, we started doing it two days in a row,” he said. With Valentine’s Day spending expected to reach a record **$29.1 billion** this year, according to the National Retail Federation, these anti-romance promotions can offer some relief from the pressures that often come with the holiday’s price tag. Other restaurants are also experimenting with breakup-themed promotions as alternatives to steak dinners and love potions. Hooters is once again offering its **“Shred Your Ex”** promotion, which gives 10 free wings to customers who shred a photo of an ex online or in person. And Wendy’s is promoting its $1 Dave’s single cheeseburger deal on mobile orders the day after Valentine’s Day, also known as Singles Awareness Day. ## Rage Over Roses Experiential businesses and live events are letting customers find camaraderie by hating in-person. In New York City, bar and event space Two Doors Down sold out its **“Singles Only, Anti Valentine’s Day”** event, marketed as a pressure-free night for 150 single participants with “No roses. No Pressure. No forced Romance.” Valentine’s Day cynics can also release their fury at Smash Sacramento, a rage-room where customers pay to destroy objects in a controlled environment, during their second annual **“Anti-Valentine’s Club”** promotion. David Messier, owner and operator of Smash Sacramento Inc., recounted stories of groups who come to recreate Hollywood scenes of flipping romantic tables over and smashing plates. The reenactments were so popular that Messier extended the event to span the whole Valentine’s Day week this year, with most of the extra 75 time slots reserved by parties that host up to 10 people. “You can sit there, talk benign conversation — and then flip the table over, throw the glasses, throw the chairs to the wall,” Messier said, adding that customers often describe it as the highlight of their night. “You can live out your wildest fantasies.” ![A Valentine's Day balloon floats past footprints in the snow in Houston on February 15, 2021.](https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets.eastidahonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cnn-L19jb21wb25lbnRzL2ltYWdlL2luc3RhbmNlcy9jbWxqbG5uNDUwMDA2M2I2cDEyYXVjNm9y-L19jb21wb25lbnRzL2FydGljbGUvaW5zdGFuY2VzL2NtbGpsbWIycTAwMnEyNm5tNjk5aThkNDI-860x574.jpg)]]></description> <author>contact@marketingremotejobs.app (MarketingRemoteJobs.app)</author> <category>valentinesday</category> <category>marketingstrategy</category> <category>businesstrends</category> <category>customerengagement</category> <category>antivalentines</category> <enclosure url="https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets.eastidahonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cnn-L19jb21wb25lbnRzL2ltYWdlL2luc3RhbmNlcy9jbWxqbG5uNDUwMDA2M2I2cDEyYXVjNm9y-L19jb21wb25lbnRzL2FydGljbGUvaW5zdGFuY2VzL2NtbGpsbWIycTAwMnEyNm5tNjk5aThkNDI.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[When Brand Humor Backfires: The Frida Baby Controversy That Shook Parenting Communities]]></title> <link>https://www.marketingremotejobs.app/article/when-brand-humor-backfires-the-frida-baby-controversy-that-shook-parenting-communities</link> <guid>when-brand-humor-backfires-the-frida-baby-controversy-that-shook-parenting-communities</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 17:00:25 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The Frida Baby Controversy Explained Sometimes great branding can go too far. The **Frida Baby controversy** is the story of a brand that crossed a line with its edgy marketing approach. From its initial launch with a Swedish NoseFrida nasal aspirator back in 2014 to its expansion into fertility products and postpartum kits, the Frida Baby brand maintained a fresh tone of voice that ditched tired euphemisms to empathize with the raw realities of parenting. That often involved using **humor**, recognizing that parenting can be dirty and tiring, and that laughing about that can provide relief. The brand also took a stance and called out hypocritical social norms. Most recently, it's been pointing out how female breasts are flaunted in billboards, music videos and social media, but cause outrage when seen doing their job of feeding a baby. ### The Spark That Ignited the Fire That's not the big Frida Baby controversy though. The outrage that exploded in the past week was over packaging designs and old social media posts that featured **sexual innuendos** that were resurfaced in a post on X that was seen millions of times. The post included a screenshot of a Frida Baby TikTok post with the caption "This is the closest your husband's gonna get to a threesome" alongside a photo of a 3-in-1 rectal thermometer. Another photo shows packaging of the Frida Baby 3-in-1 Eat, Forehead and Touchless Thermometer with a phrase that reads "How About A Quickie?". A humidifier is sold with the phrase "I Get Turned On Easily" and a social media post from 2020 showed a baby with nose discharge alongside the caption "What Happens When You Pull Out Too Early". The captions and slogans were clearly intended to offer lighthearted relief to stressed-out parents, but the **juxtaposition of sexual innuendos with products designed for infants** crossed a line for many. Within hours there were posts on parenting forums calling for boycotts of Frida Baby products. > "men being the brains behind this nasty marketing unfortunately tracks. @fridababy you have some sick and twisted people on your team" ### The Brand's Response Frida Baby's reaction didn't help. They didn't initially issue a formal response, but it apparently began to delete old social media posts. It also removed the "meet the team" page from its website. It's perhaps surprising that the controversy is only surfacing now because of a couple of viral social media posts many years after some of the offending branding was used. That suggests that those calling for boycotts probably weren't buying Frida Baby products anyway, or at least not when the brand used the controversial packaging slogans. The brand eventually issued a statement in which it said: "From the very beginning, Frida has used humor to talk about the real, raw, and messy parts of parenting that too often go unspoken. We do this because parenting can be isolating and overwhelming, and sometimes a moment of levity is what makes a hard experience feel human, shared, and survivable. "Our products are designed for babies, but our voice has always been written for the adults caring for them. Our intention has consistently been to make awkward and difficult experiences feel lighter, more honest, and less isolating for parents. "That said, humor is personal. What's funny to one parent can feel like too much to another. We're never trying to offend, push boundaries for shock value, or make anyone uncomfortable. Importantly, our tone is never separate from our product. The humor we use is always grounded in a specific feature, benefit, or innovation — a reflection of the real problem we are solving for families. "Frida was built to support families through some of the most vulnerable and transformative chapters of their lives. We stand firmly behind that mission. We will continue to show up with honesty, empathy, and courage. "With each decision we make, we will continue to evaluate how we express our voice so that our commitment to families is unmistakable and our tone always meets the moment." ## What We Can Learn From the Frida Baby Backlash There's been a trend for brands to adopt more informal, 'cheeky' or 'sassy' tones of voice to grab attention online, particularly among younger audiences. From Ryan Air's chaotic self-deprecation to DuoLingo's unhinged mischief and Oatly's grating quirky self-awareness, some have had great success, with their content picking up engagement. Frida Baby showed that an **honest directness** can break through taboos and connect with consumers. But it's discovered that there are some big lines in the sand. Not every joke that might work among friends is going to be well received as a mass market brand message. **Context is important**, and it should have been obvious that these juxtapositions would cause repulsion among many consumers. Today, that can spread like wildfire on social media. Brands can change as they grow. If posts no longer reflect what the brand is, delete them before they get called out; not after. Have a plan. A brand should be aware when it's risking controversy and know what it's going to do if there's a backlash. Hastily deleting content isn't great. If you're not prepared to stand by it, why was it there in the first place? Playful and witty banter can resonate with Gen Z and Millennials, who value humor and relatability over formality. It can humanize a brand and generate buzz and engagement. Frida Baby's branding was a breath of fresh air, but taking it too far showed a **lack of awareness of its product's context** and has risked detracting from the worthwhile conversations it was starting.]]></description> <author>contact@marketingremotejobs.app (MarketingRemoteJobs.app)</author> <category>branding</category> <category>controversy</category> <category>marketing</category> <category>parenting</category> <category>crisis</category> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5uwFDqQs5gFDkHGdsqDPph-1000-80.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> </channel> </rss>