Anyone else feel like 2025 just started? How are we already in April? March was a month of bold ideas, clever activations, and let’s be real, some campaigns that stumbled (in my humble opinion). Let’s break it down.

Anyone else feel like 2025 just started? How are we already in April? 

March was a month of bold ideas, clever activations, and let’s be real, some campaigns that stumbled (in my humble opinion). Let’s break it down. 

Hits 

Check-in at GymNation Hotel 

GymNation’s latest move is more than just a clever campaign - it’s real. Their new in-gym hotel lets fitness-focused travellers check in and check out without checking out of their workout routine. With 76% of Brits prioritising staying active on holiday, this concept taps directly into the rise of health-conscious tourism. And with three king beds, 12.5 baths, and a “Press for Protein" concierge button, they are taking leg-day recovery seriously. 

Takeaway: GymNation positioned itself as an innovator in the fitness space, cleverly merging exercise with hospitality. The campaign got people talking - mission accomplished. Now, can they link up with Strava to track sleep patterns? Asking for a friend… 

Liquid Death Turns Hate into a Hit 

Liquid Death’s latest stunt proved why the brand continues to dominate unconventional marketing. Teaming up with country singer Carter Faith, they turned their real hate comments into a live musical performance. “Greatest Hates Live” showed that sharp brand voice their audience know and love. 

Takeaway: We love a self-aware brand. By turning criticism into content, Liquid Death reinforced its reputation as a fearless industry disruptor. 

Ramadan x Deliveroo... Who Knew? 

Deliveroo’s collab with Humantra in the UAE for Ramadan was chef’s kiss. Their “Drinkable Billboard” transformed at sunset at Dubai’s City Walk, offering free samples of Humantra’s new electrolyte drink - directly addressing the needs of those breaking their fast. 

Takeaway: A well-executed, culturally relevant activation. The campaign wasn’t just creative; it was meaningful, placed in the right locations, and directly catered to its audience. Thoughtful, engaging, and brand-aligned - more of this, please. 

Misses 

Crying over Lamborghini’s $5,500 Baby Stroller? Same. 

Luxury brands love exclusivity, but Lamborghini’s attempt to enter the baby market screamed “high performance.” Their $5,500 super stroller was met with more memes than admiration. Parents called it out as out-of-touch and unnecessary. 

Takeaway: Just because a brand can expand into a new category doesn’t mean it should. Luxury branding doesn’t always translate across markets - especially when the audience is looking for practicality, not prestige. Timing is key too, with many people struggling to make ends meet, this type of stunt was bound to rub people the wrong way.  

Lipton’s Fake Discontinuation Stunt - Duolingo Déjà Vu 

Lipton caused panic by announcing it was discontinuing its beloved Peach Iced Tea, only for fans to realise it was a PR stunt. Instead of excitement, the response was frustration. People felt tricked rather than entertained. 

Takeaway: Controversy can drive engagement, but faking a “crisis” can backfire hard. There are better ways to get attention that don’t involve emotional manipulation. 

Uber’s ‘Free Childcare’ 

Uber’s offer of 20 hours of free childcare aimed at attracting more female drivers seemed positive - until critics pointed out that better wages and working conditions would be a far more meaningful way to support parents. The Independent Workers’ Union called it a “cynical PR stunt,” and, well… they had a point. 

Takeaway: If a brand wants to position itself as an advocate for working parents, the effort has to be more than surface-level. Good PR needs meaningful action behind it. 

Final Thoughts 

March showed us some standout campaigns that balanced creativity, cultural awareness, and audience engagement brilliantly. 

It also reminded us of what happens when brands misjudge sentiment or prioritise gimmicks over genuine impact. As marketing pushes boundaries, the best campaigns will be the ones that deliver real value - not just headlines. 

Anyway… it’s April now. Brace yourselves, the April Fools’ campaigns are coming.