The Grinch, a Gecko, and a holiday meltdown

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Hot off the Ink Drop

Here’s your blink-and-you’re-briefed update on the marketing world. These are the stories worth knowing and the ideas worth stealing for your next big swing.

Geico gets emotional. The Gecko’s new chapter, “It Feels Good to Geico,” puts less weight on numbers and more on the small, universal habits that make people feel something. Bonus points for NFL cameos that land.

⚡ Get inspired: If you’re already shaping your story for next year, the Annual Planning Guide will help you sharpen it into something people remember.

More from the week

Walmart builds a whole holiday town. “WhoKnewVille” is back with Walton Goggins stepping into the Grinch role, leaning into big characters, bigger world-building, and a very intentional spotlight on Walmart+ and the app. It’s holiday mischief with a membership angle.

⚡ Get inspired: When a brand expands its world, the real impact comes from thoughtful connective tissue. Explore how top marketers build continuity in our Year-in-Review Lookbook.

Instacart goes stop-motion. Holiday hiccups—ruined décor, intimidating recipes, general chaos—flip into Rankin/Bass-style animated rescue missions. It’s whimsical, fast, and a reminder that you don’t need a full reboot to tell a fresh story.

⚡ Get inspired: Reinvention doesn’t need a reset button. This blog breaks down how to build momentum from what you already have.

Pizza Hut makes gifting a game. The Triple Treat Box returns with Josh Allen, limited-edition merch, digital games, and creator pop-ups. It’s holiday value wrapped in an omnichannel bow, and it’s everywhere at once.

⚡ Get inspired: If your message lives in multiple places, make sure it moves as one. Start stronger with this blog.