5 Times Company Brands Made, Kind-of, Hilarious Mistakes
At Clarified Consulting, LLC, we help brands shine brighter and communicate clearly. But sometimes, even the biggest names in business trip up in the most amusing ways. Let’s dive into five interesting, if not entertaining, moments when company brands made unforgettable mistakes.
1. The Classic Pepsi and Kendall Jenner Ad Fiasco
Who could forget the infamous Pepsi ad featuring Kendall Jenner? The 2017 commercial intended to promote unity and peace but ended up sparking outrage and ridicule. In the ad, Kendall Jenner diffuses a tense protest by handing a police officer a can of Pepsi. The backlash was immediate, with critics accusing the brand of trivializing social justice movements. Pepsi quickly pulled the ad, but not before it became a case study in how not to handle sensitive topics.
2. IHOP Becomes IHOb: A Burger Identity Crisis
In 2018, IHOP decided to shake things up by temporarily rebranding itself as IHOb, the International House of Burgers. The marketing stunt aimed to highlight their new burger offerings. However, the internet wasn’t kind. Social media exploded with memes and jokes about the change, with many wondering if pancakes were off the menu for good. While the campaign did generate a lot of buzz, it also confused loyal customers and didn’t quite hit the mark.
3. H&M’s “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” Hoodie
In January 2018, H&M faced a major backlash over a controversial ad featuring a black child wearing a hoodie with the slogan “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.” The image was widely condemned for its racial insensitivity, leading to protests and store vandalism in some areas. Celebrities like The Weeknd and G-Eazy cut ties with the brand. H&M quickly apologized and removed the product from their stores, but the damage to their reputation had already been done.
4. The New Coke Debacle
Rewind to 1985, when Coca-Cola decided to change its classic formula and introduce “New Coke.” The company underestimated the public’s attachment to the original formula, and the backlash was swift and fierce. Consumers demanded the return of the classic Coke, leading Coca-Cola to bring back the original formula as “Coca-Cola Classic” just 79 days later. This blunder has since become a textbook example of how messing with a beloved brand can backfire spectacularly.
5. McDonald’s and the Twitter Disaster
In 2018, McDonald’s UK tried to engage with its audience on Twitter by asking, “What is the most McDonald’s thing that ever happened to you?” What they didn’t anticipate was the flood of negative responses. People shared stories of bad customer service, wrong orders, and more, turning the hashtag into a PR nightmare. It was a stark reminder that social media campaigns can quickly spiral out of control if not carefully managed.
Lessons Learned
These stories serve as entertaining reminders that even the most established brands can make mistakes. At Clarified Consulting, LLC, we believe that every misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow. By understanding these pitfalls, we help our clients navigate the complex landscape of branding and communication with clarity and confidence.
Mistakes happen – but with the right guidance, your brand can bounce back stronger than ever. Let’s turn those slip-ups into stepping stones to success together!
