Taco Bell Corp. in Irvine has begun to use Foursquare Analytics to better “understand changing foot traffic patterns” at its U.S.-based restaurants. The data, provided via “a dynamic dashboard,” can help the fast food chain “understand customer profiles and identify differences between loyalists and other shoppers.
Other brands that joined the beta effort include TGI Fridays Franchisor LLC, apparel giant Hennes & Mauritz AB and Equinox Fitness.
The foot traffic data is derived from Foursquare’s location technology, which includes “an always-updating map of 93 million locations worldwide,” according to Jeff Glueck, chief executive of the New York-based technology company.
Mix Tape
Underwear brand Ethika Inc. in San Clemente released “RGB Mixtape” featuring music from popular hip-hop artists, including Bricc Baby, YBS Skola, Meek Mill, Dave East, Lil Durk, Kid Ink, Chevy Woods, Casey Veggies, TDotIlldude, Jahlil Beats, Boknero and Ace Hood.
HP and Microsoft Corp. developed sRGB—colors derived from the combination of red, green and blue—in 1996 to standardize how images look on digital monitors, printers and online. Ethika looked at RGB as colors that when “combined together, they become magical and give life to everything we see,” hence “RGB Mixtape” and a signature underwear collection designed by participating artists.
“This project ended up being a lot more than we initially bargained for, but seeing it all come together, it was definitely worth it,” Chief Executive Matt Cook said in a statement. “The music is amazing, the product and designs are some of the best we have made and continuing to create unique and memorable experiences remains on the forefront of our minds.”
Kia & Moms
Kia Motors America Inc. in Irvine is expanding its relationship with the Mom 2.0 Summit, an event put on by Mom Media Enterprises LLC in Los Angeles that last year attracted about 700 parent bloggers, marketers and journalists.
The automaker, formerly a presenting sponsor, is now the “premier sponsor.” Kia will also sponsor the 2017 Iris Awards, which “recognizes quality and commitment” to “digital publishing craft and industry,” scheduled for May 12 at the JW Marriott in Orlando.
Stance in the Outfield
Stance Inc. added outfielder Jon Jay to its “Punks and Poets family,” a roster of brand ambassadors that includes musicians, artists and action sports athletes.
“After signing to the (Chicago) Cubs last Winter, Jon will be representing #StanceBaseball in the outfield as we begin our first season as the official On-field sock for MLB,” said the San Clemente-based socks maker.
Bits & Pieces
Ad Age named Shamsa Jafri senior vice president of data science at Innocean USA in Huntington Beach, to its “40 Under 40” List. … Blue C in Costa Mesa is opening a satellite office in Salt Lake City to be headed by Director of Marketing Partnerships Dana Zamalloa. … Mazda North American Operations in Irvine named Capistrano Mazda in San Juan Capistrano and Tustin Mazda to its 2016 President’s Club. The automaker also hired Tim Olson as program manager for public relations. He most recently served as public relations manager for Suzuki Motor of America Inc. in Brea, and was at Yamaha Motor Corp. in Cypress from 2007 to 2014. … Doheny Blues Festival, in its 20th year, is scheduled for May 20-21 in Dana Point Harbor. Performers will include Chris Isaak, Mavis Staples, Joe Walsh and Melissa Etheridge. The festival organizer is Omega Events Inc. in Lake Forest. The company also owns JazzFest West in San Dimas and Doheny Days in Dana Point.
