Brand fails: Crises, blunders and missteps

An archive of stories about brands (especially APAC brands) stepping into controversy, facing crises not of their own making, or self-harming with facepalm-worthy moves.

Dec 9, 2024

Luckin Coffee to take on Starbucks in Hong Kong—will its strategy work?

BRAND HEALTH CHECK: Ahead of Luckin Coffee's Hong Kong debut, Campaign asks experts if the brand's China playbook can translate to success in a new, highly competitive market.

Nov 21, 2024

Brand Health Check: How can Uniqlo compete with affordable alternatives in China?

BRAND HEALTH CHECK: Given the brand's revenue decline in mainland China, we ask experts about what the retailer can do to reignite growth.

Nov 19, 2024

Bestore's regulatory clearance fails to quell consumer concerns

The Chinese snack giant may be cleared of mislabeling, but the brand faces online accusations as it prepares to sue those involved for defamation.

Oct 22, 2024

Double trouble for JD.com over stand-up comedian endorsement

Bang in the middle of Single's Day shopping bonanza, JD finds itself embroiled in a dual controversy with a comedian fallout and withdrawal rumours.

Oct 16, 2024

Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu criticises boba brand for appropriating Asian culture

In a CBC Dragons' Den episode, Liu criticised the brand's founders for their insensitivity to boba tea's cultural origins—sparking widespread social media support for respecting Asian products and avoiding their exploitation for profit.

Aug 20, 2024

Brand Health Check: Will Yili’s meme marketing continue to succeed post-Olympics?

Campaign explores Yili’s Summer Olympics marketing campaigns—which included trend-jacking memes, memorable colours, and athlete ambassadorship—and discusses future strategies to ensure the brand's lasting momentum.