Welcome to your February Roundup!
💌 Love is in the air… or at least, Valentine’s marketing is everywhere.
From heart-shaped everything to the desperate search for a dinner reservation that isn’t at 9:45 PM, the season of romance is in full swing. But with brands going big on love, are Brits actually buying in?
We took the Pulse, and the results are in—read below, these insights are too good to Feb-get!
CAMPAIGN REACTIONS
The Marketing Pulse
Here’s the reaction to this year’s Valentine’s campaigns.
🇸🇪 IKEA: Love, meatballs, and flat-pack romance
A three-course Valentine’s meal at IKEA? Brits are divided. 30% love it, while others find it fun but a bit weird. As for Swedish meatballs, some say tasty but not romantic, others think a heart-shaped touch could help. But would Brits try it if IKEA UK did the same? 🤔 Find out in the blog!
💌 ‘Work Husband’: Banter or a one-way ticket to HR?
Card Factory’s ‘Work Husband’ card is stirring debate. Some call it top-tier office banter, while others think it’s a bit much. While 68% know the term ‘Work Husband’ or ‘Work Wife,’ only a small percentage actually use it. And the card itself? Let’s just say most Brits are keeping workmates as just mates. 💼 See the full reaction in the blog!
👟 Wearing your heart on your… feet?
Adidas’ heart-themed Valentine’s trainers have arrived, but are Brits falling head over heels? 1 in 4 think they’re super cute, while 40% prefer a simpler design. And when it comes to limited drops, opinions are split—are they exclusive must-haves or just overhyped? 👀 Get the full breakdown in the blog!
☕ A touch of romance in every sip
Starbucks is back with its Valentine’s-themed tumblers and cold cups. While 6% are loyal collectors, most (69%) enjoy the designs but don’t always buy. And when it comes to those Instagrammable Valentine’s drinks, are they adding to the holiday magic or just another seasonal gimmick? 💕 Read more in the blog!
For more Valentine’s insights, trends, and consumer reactions, head over to The Marketing Pulse blog! 💘
WELL THAT WAS AWKWARD…
Pancake Day 🥞
Looks like a few eager Brits were set to flip too soon, but Pancake Day is actually in March this year.
🥞 78% of Brits had no clue Pancake Day is in March this year. We’d laugh, but honestly, same.
🍽️ A later Pancake Day won’t stop 61% from celebrating, 24% might join in if they remember, and 15% are sitting this one out.
🧑🍳Did you know? More than half of Brits make pancakes from scratch.
🍋 Top toppings? Sugar, lemon, Nutella, and syrup. But some wildcards snuck in: Biscoff, cheese, and even gravy.
PULSE HIGHLIGHTS
The News Pulse
In other news, here’s how American consumers are reacting to the latest headlines.
📵 Nearly half of Americans (49%) weren’t sure if TikTok would get banned in the US, but 36% thought it was pretty much a done deal.
📱And like a plot twist, TikTok’s quick comeback had everyone feeling some type of way—38% were suspicious, and 39% shrugged it off.
🌍 While 44% oppose Trump’s exit from the Paris Agreement, 32% support it, and 23% are still on the fence.
🔥 As LA wildfires spread, trust in officials was low. Only 16% completely trusted official information.
🪙 Elon Musk wants to ditch the penny, but Americans aren’t sold. While 35% say it’s time to let it go, 37% want to keep it, and 28% are still on the fence.
☕ Starbucks is tightening its rules: no purchase, no hangout. And 53% say that’s fair.
🎭 A woman lost €800K to a Brad Pitt deepfake, and she’s not the only one. 10% say they’ve been tricked by AI-generated media.
PRO PULSING TIPS
The News Pulse
Use Age Ranges for smarter targeting
🎯AGE RANGE helps you target demographics with precision, keeping your data clear and consistent. Use + Add Range to include multiple age groups, then adjust the slider to select your target audience.
Don’t miss a Pulse—sign up for our newsletter below! 👇
