March 2025 was packed with creative ad campaigns that didn’t just sell products but made people feel something. With gamified brand experiences and Hollywood-level action stunts, this month’s best ads had one thing in common — they knew exactly how to capture attention and keep people talking.
Let’s break down the four most exciting campaigns and the trends they reveal about where advertising is headed.
1. BÉIS Turned Shopping Into a Game With a Human Claw Machine
You know those claw machines that take your quarters and never actually give you the prize? Well, BÉIS turned that frustration into a fun brand experience — except this time, you were the claw.
At a pop-up in LA’s Westfield Century City Mall, people got strapped into a harness and dangled over a pit of stylish berry-colored BÉIS carry-ons, trying to grab one for themselves. It was hilarious, it was exciting, and it was the kind of thing people had to post about on TikTok and Instagram.
Why it was great:
- It turned shopping into an experience people wanted to be part of
- It was instantly shareable on social media, generating tons of free buzz
- It made BÉIS feel fun, premium, and worth talking about
💡 Trend: Gamified advertising is becoming huge. Brands aren’t just selling products — they’re making people part of the experience.
2. The Ordinary Sold Affordable Eggs (Yes, Really)
Skincare brand The Ordinary pulled off one of the most unexpected yet brilliant stunts this month — selling cartons of eggs for way cheaper than grocery stores. With egg prices through the roof, The Ordinary stocked their NYC stores with eggs at just $3.37 per dozen.
It had nothing to do with skincare, and that’s exactly why it worked. It showed the brand was listening to what people were actually struggling with and reinforced their core promise: giving you great things without the markup.
Why it was great:
- It grabbed headlines by doing something totally unexpected
- It connected with people on a real level, proving the brand’s values
- It created a viral moment that made The Ordinary the brand everyone was talking about
💡 Trend: Brands that find creative ways to address real-life frustrations win big with consumers.
3. L’Oréal Paris Pulled Off a Hollywood-Worthy Oscars Ad
The Oscars are all about big moments, and L’Oréal Paris made sure their ad was one of them. During the awards show, the brand dropped a high-energy commercial starring stuntwoman Samantha Win — who literally crashed through a rain-soaked glass window. And her makeup? Still flawless.
It was more than just an epic stunt. It was a statement: L’Oréal’s products don’t just look good; they’re as tough as the people wearing them. Plus, it was a rare moment where an ad actually honored the behind-the-scenes talent that makes Hollywood shine.
Why it was great:
- It felt cinematic and perfectly matched the Oscars’ high-energy vibe
- It reinforced product durability in a fun, memorable way
- It gave well-deserved attention to stunt performers, making it feel meaningful
💡 Trend: Storytelling and big, cinematic moments in ads are making a major comeback.
4. Sperry x Aritzia Made Boat Shoes Cool Again
Boat shoes have a reputation — comfortable, classic… kinda boring. But Sperry teamed up with Aritzia to flip that narrative on its head. Their new line of sleek, modernized boat shoes with customizable laces had fashion lovers obsessed.
Exclusive to Aritzia boutiques at launch, the collection sold out almost instantly, proving that a smart collaboration can take even the most traditional products and make them feel fresh and desirable.
Why it was great:
- It took an old-school style and made it feel trendy again
- It tapped into Aritzia’s stylish audience, making Sperry relevant to a younger crowd
- The exclusivity created hype, making people want to grab a pair before they were gone
💡 Trend: Smart brand collaborations are more powerful than ever — especially when they bring new life to classic products.
What These Ads Tell Us About Trends
- People don’t just want to buy things — they want to be part of something fun. Whether it’s stepping into a human claw machine or grabbing a limited-edition collab, the best brands are making shopping an experience.
- Ads that connect to real life hit harder. The Ordinary’s egg stunt wasn’t about skincare, but it made people feel seen. Brands that tap into actual consumer frustrations (and solve them in creative ways) stand out.
- Nostalgia is one of the most powerful tools in advertising. Whether it’s reimagining classic styles (like Sperry’s modernized boat shoes) or tapping into beloved cultural moments, brands are using nostalgia to create an instant emotional connection with audiences. When done right, it makes people feel something — and that makes them want to buy.
- Collaborations can make “old” things feel new again. Sperry showed how teaming up with the right partner can take something traditional and turn it into a must-have item.
March 2025 proved that the best advertising isn’t just about selling — it’s about creating moments that people actually care about. And if these trends are any indication, the future of marketing is going to be way more exciting than another boring product ad.
