The Atlantic

The Ex Factor in Valentine’s Day Marketing

Sex sells. Brands are banking on the idea that heartbreak does too.
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Brands seem to have zeroed in on the ultimate relatable situation: a romance gone bad. Cue the ex-based marketing promotions.

First, here are four new stories from The Atlantic:


Branding Bad Romance

If romance has failed you lately, fear not. Brands are standing by with surreal promotional stunts just for you.

Want to send your significant other a breakup. Seeking free dumplings? Simply prove to P. F. Chang’s that you have been dumped over text. Last year, Topo Chico ran a campaign to send customers’ exes a scorpion. Ex-focused stunts are everywhere lately. Start-ups and consumer brands are the worst offenders, but others are getting in on the action too: The City of New York , “Don’t text your ex. Text your mayor.” The San Antonio Zoo will a rat or roach named after your ex to a zoo animal, and will neuter pets named for your ex.

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