Community | Buzzworthy Go Nuts For Doughnuts Dunkin’s “DunKings” Super Bowl ad and merch collection kicked off a series of branded merch drops inspired by breakfast. By Rachel Zoch IMAGE: Dunkin’ IMAGE: Shipley Do-Nuts 1. Dunkin’ Scores A Slam Dunk With DunKings Gear One of the most talked-about commercials from this year’s Super Bowl, the “DunKings” ad features Ben Affleck and famous friends outfitted in outrageous Dunkin’-branded streetwear. Some pundits questioned whether Dunkin’ could recoup the cost of the ad simply by boosting sales of coffee and doughnuts, but the DunKings collection, available the day after the ad aired, sold out in less than 20 minutes. Los Angeles-based BAMKO, the No. 4 distributor in the inaugural PPAI 100, has worked with Dunkin’ for years and congratulated “one of our sweetest clients” on the wildly successful merch drop. In addition to the sublimated quarter-zips and pants, the capsule collection also included insulated tumblers and fuzzy pink bucket hats. Unfortunately, high demand and shipping delays left buyers without their DunKings gear more than two months after the drop. In the meantime, Dunkin’ reopened its regular online merch store and offered a $25 gift card to impacted customers. 2. Shipley Do-Nuts Fans Go Nuts For Sneaker Giveaway It seems like everyone’s getting in on the sneaker game lately. In February, Donald Trump made headlines with golden sneakers, and Texas-based doughnut chain Shipley Do-Nuts teamed up with a custom footwear designer to create a one-of-a-kind pair of Nikes for a giveaway on Instagram. Billed as hot, fresh and handmade – like Shipley’s pastries, of course – the “sweet kicks” feature doughnut-themed elements including a dripping pink Swoosh with sprinkles on the outer sides, an homage to the chain’s strawberry sprinkle doughnuts. Shipley’s has not revealed who won the custom kicks, but fans are clamoring to buy their own pair – and a Shipley spokesperson has acknowledged the potential for future Shipley merch collabs. 72 • MAY 2024 • PPAI
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