In a world filled with advertising noise and marketing campaigns vying for attention, some brands rise above the rest by authentically embodying and promoting love, care, understanding, inclusivity, empowerment, and every other kind of feel good emotion or trait. These brands not only sell products but also connect with their audience on a deeper level, resonating with their values and emotions. At Pigeon, we help people buy, love, and recommend brands – we makes brands come true, and there’s no deeper love (in commerce) than that. Let’s take a closer look at some exemplary brands and campaigns that excel in spreading love through their messaging and actions.  

1. Hershey’s Kisses: A Classic Gesture of Affection

Hershey’s Kisses, with its iconic shape and sweet taste, represents more than just chocolate—it symbolizes a simple gesture of love and affection. Giving someone a Hershey’s Kiss is akin to giving them a hug or a kiss, making it a timeless expression of care and appreciation. Through its classic branding from the name through iconic foil wrapper and tall paper plume, and consistent messaging, Hershey’s has successfully engrained the notion of love into its brand identity, making it a staple in moments of celebration and connection. 

2. Abercrombie & Fitch: Advocating for LGBTQ+ Causes

Abercrombie & Fitch stands out for its steadfast support of LGBTQ+ causes and communities. Through its permanent Pride line of clothing and inclusive marketing campaigns, the brand sends a powerful message of acceptance and solidarity. By openly embracing diversity and celebrating individuality, Abercrombie & Fitch creates a welcoming space for all customers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.  

3. We ♥ NYC: Uniting Communities Through Love

The We ♥ NYC campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and spirit of New York City, especially during challenging times. By evoking the iconic “I ♥ NY” logo (which was implemented following hard times in the 70s) and promoting a message of unity and positivity, the campaign seeks to rejuvenate spirits and inspire collective action. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community engagement initiatives, We ♥ NYC encourages New Yorkers to come together, make a difference, and spread love throughout the city. It is a simple, nuanced spin on an iconic brand that is impactful the way it garners feel good vibes of nostalgia during uneasy times of economic and political  instability. 

4. Dove: Empowering Self-Love and Acceptance

Dove has garnered widespread acclaim for its empowering campaigns focused on promoting self-love and acceptance since the launch of its Real Beauty campaign in 2004. By showcasing real people with diverse body types, ethnicities, and backgrounds, Dove challenges conventional beauty standards and encourages individuals to embrace their unique features. Through initiatives like the Dove Self-Esteem Project, the brand goes beyond selling products to actively fostering positive social change and empowering individuals to love themselves just as they are. Dove has successfully intertwined these values of self-love so deeply within its brand DNA that people often think of it as a brand representing a social movement.  

5. Airbnb: Fostering Connection and Togetherness

Airbnb’s warm and inviting branding extends beyond its platform to encompass a broader message of connection and togetherness. In its “Friends Don’t Let Friends Stay in Separate Rooms” campaign, Airbnb challenges the traditional notion of travel by highlighting the joy of sharing accommodations with friends and loved ones. By emphasizing the value of shared experiences and communal living, Airbnb promotes a sense of belonging and intimacy among travelers, fostering deeper connections and memorable moments.  

6. Billie Razor: Championing Female Empowerment

Billie Razor disrupts the beauty industry with its bold and inclusive advertising campaigns that celebrate female empowerment and diversity. By featuring women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds—and even daring to show body hair in its ads—Billie Razor challenges societal norms and empowers women to embrace their natural beauty. Through its unapologetic messaging and commitment to inclusivity via an edgy, bold and commanding tone, Billie Razor inspires confidence and self-love among its customers. 

7. Tinder: Cultivating Meaningful Connections

Tinder’s “It Starts with a Swipe” campaign captures the essence of modern dating by highlighting the platform’s role in facilitating meaningful connections and relationships via it’s iconic “swipe” – an action that is now used synonymously with acceptance or rejection in 2024. By embracing diversity and fluidity in relationships, Tinder celebrates the myriad ways people connect and find love. Through playful and relatable advertising, Tinder creates a sense of optimism and possibility, reminding users that love can be found with just a swipe. 

In conclusion, these brands and campaigns exemplify the transformative power of love in branding and creative storytelling. By authentically embodying values of care, understanding, and inclusivity, they not only connect with consumers on a deeper level but also contribute to positive social change and cultural impact. In a world filled with cynicism and division, these brands serve as beacons of hope, reminding us of the universal language of love that transcends boundaries and unites us all.