👋 TikTok: Out, Slip on Vans: In
Spring is nearly here and the vibes are shifting
GM everyone, hope you’re ready for the best day of the week: Locked In Friday™️ Today is the best day because (if you didn’t go out till 4am last night) you can wake up, get a stellar pump in at ‘nox, and lock in to complete your work, leave it all on the field, with the promise of several dirty martinis and 2 days to do whatever the f*ck you want just on the horizon. I have been obsessed with Davis Clarke the last few weeks, a social media icon who is all about dispelling the notion that Gen Z is lazy.
Also one last mention of Frog Club for the week. My review got over 90k+ views and my inbox is flooded with people trying to get the reservation email, including some personal assistants trying to get reservations for their high-profile bosses. Let me make this clear: I will gladly make a res for any high-net worth individuals, celebrities, VCs, or politicians if they agree to dine with me there.
Okay let’s talk about some news—
Congress may finally be banning TikTok. A congressional panel has unanimously approved the bill, with the White House’s backing, to ban TikTok from Americans devices unless it Chinese-owned ByteDance divests the social media giant. As someone who uses TikTok, I think this is honestly so f*cking stupid. Yes, TikTok is cooked and probably rotting the brains of the youth, but its also one of the most powerful marketing tools on the planet and I am not sure what role the government should have in policing what social media Americans want to use. But, if it does get banned, prepare for a mass pivot to Instagram Reels, because short form video is not going anywhere.
Matches Fashion is being shuttered. Fraser Group purchased the e-commerce brand for $52M just two months ago and has announced they are shutting down the ailing retailer. This comes amidst a slowdown in consumer spending on luxury goods, which is effecting other retailers like SSENSE, who cut staff by 7% recently, the The Real Real which I am not sure how is still in business. These retailers grew too fast in a zero interest rate economy, and have struggled to perfect their buying strategy as some consumers have less capital for fashion. While you may LOVE the SSENSE sale, it’s longevity is indicative of the issue with this business model.
Is the Vans Slip On the New Samba? We definitely have reached peak Samba. I was chided last week for wearing them into someone’s apartment (LOL) and the incoming JJJJound collab is getting hate online for how basic it is. Some are starting to tout the classic Vans Slip On as a successor, which makes sense as its also a flat, low-profile, cheap sneaker. It does fit the bill. I haven’t worn one of these since I used to shop at Zumie’s in high school, and I was always more partial to the Old Skool. But maybe its worth taking a second look. Here’s a model that looks good.
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This new protein bar has incredible branding. Peter Rahal, formerly the CEO of RxBar, is launching a new protein bar with incredible specs (28g of protein) and branding that will help the bar standout. This playbook is familiar, take a product category with ugly branding, make it sexy, and bam you have something that stands out on shelves and is unique to consumers. Going to be speaking with Peter soon on this. Stay tuned.
Okay have a great weekend! If you need me I’ll be at Minetta Tavern this weekend eating steak frites ❤️
About the Writer
Jake Bell is a content marketing and creative strategist based in NYC. He specializes in content creation, branding, art direction, creative strategy, and making things cool.
To learn more about Jake visit www.jb.studio
Have a tip email me jake@jb.studio
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