Adaptability and flexibility are key ingredients for maintaining customers and winning new business. For the majority of companies, this has never been more relevant in a year that has taken a vastly different turn from our original, best laid plans. Taking quick and decisive action has proven to be an important skillset when it comes to successful marketing strategies. We take a look back at some of the campaigns over the last month and at how companies have been proactively weathering the COVID crisis.
Pret A Manger subscription service
As many of us continue to work from home, and some city centres remain deserted, businesses that rely on trade from commuters and office workers have suffered considerable losses. Pret A Manger, which had already announced closing 30 outlets as a result, is hoping its £20 per month subscription – YourPret Barista – that allows customers to receive up to five coffees a day will help it to adapt to this rapidly changing workplace pattern.
Pret’s boss Pano Christou said:
“There’s no doubt that workers will come into the office less often than before. Pret needs to adapt itself to the changes of customer patterns and that’s where we’ve been very focused.”
Taiwan’s ‘Flights to Nowhere’
What happens when you’re missing your flying fix but have nowhere to go? – you go nowhere! Taiwan’s airlines are organising ‘joy flights’ for avid travellers who want to experience an authentic airborne adventure, but are unable to travel in the normal way due to the current restrictions on overseas destinations.
Flights will take off and land at Taipai airport on ‘sightseeing’ tours around Taiwan with passengers experiencing all the usual inflight entertainment, including meals and movies. The flights have proven to be so popular they have sold out within minutes.
BedSOS’s messiest bedroom competition
While Instagram is awash with enviably stylish interiors and sophisticated furnishings, BedSOS turned things on its head by launching its ‘messiest bedroom in Britain’ competition. Entrants were required to submit images of their badly organised boudoirs and cluttered bed chambers for the chance to win a bed worth £400. The company received dozens of entries, which went viral on social media, and gained national media coverage.
