“Merch lives forever”

Drink brand, Poppi, puts lifestyle over product with their sweatpant strategy that’s blowing up. Plus: Is Stagecoach more lucrative than Coachella for brands?

The Engagement Rate

An industry bulletin for marketing pros.

This week’s L 💩

The Pizzaslime and Revolve Stagecoach influencer afterparty 

TikTok star Rhegan Coursey left a Stagecoach afterparty, co-hosted by Pizzaslime and Revolve, after seeing a sign directing people with fewer followers to a different entrance. Props to Coursey, who has over 20 million views on TikTok, for exposing the poor optics. 

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Poppi’s on a roll - inside their latest influencer strategy thinking 

Poppi made a splash at Coachella teaming up with TikToker Alix Earle, decking out their posh digs with custom neon green sweatsuits dubbed "Coachearlea." Earle's social media posts from the snazzy "Casa Poppi" racked up millions of views, boosting Poppi's presence far and wide. Now, Poppi's not just about sodas—they're weaving their way into influencers' daily lives by dishing out these eye-catching sweatsuits, aiming to get noticed without the awkward product placements.

A survey by influencer marketing platform Traackr found that nearly 90% of marketers believe giving products to influencers boosts brand awareness, with over 75% saying it also leads to some sales. Brands like Glossier and Chamberlain Coffee have been using this strategy, focusing on branded merchandise like sweatshirts and tote bags rather than just giving out beauty products. 

Sophia Sesto, Poppi's brand guru, sees the sweatsuits as a timeless marketing tool, saying "Merch lives forever". These colorful threads aren't just for influencers; everyday folks are clamoring for them too, making them a hot commodity. With influencers rocking them left and right, and fans asking how to snag their own, it seems Poppi's sweatsuits are becoming more than just clothes—they're a lifestyle statement.

Stagecoach becomes hotspot for brands and influencers

This year, Stagecoach, Coachella's lesser-known country music counterpart, is stealing the spotlight as brands and influencers flock to its lively atmosphere. While Coachella has long been the go-to for influencer marketing, Stagecoach's surge in popularity, especially among young and female audiences, is catching brands' attention. E.l.f. Beauty, Oroweat, and luggage brand Béis are among the newcomers, drawn by Stagecoach's sold-out tickets and its rising status as a cultural phenomenon.

Unlike Coachella, where traditional brands have reigned supreme, Stagecoach is seeing a fresh influx of brands eager to tap into the country music craze. About 40% of the people who go to Stagecoach are young adults aged between 18 and 34. Brands are taking advantage of this group's increasing love for country music by promoting products that appeal to them. From luxury influencer retreats to themed food trucks, Stagecoach is becoming the new frontier for brands looking to make a splash in the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing.