The first day of April delivered in terms of brands springing tricks and pranks.
Sometimes they go too far. Here's a warning about going too far with a joke or prank. It's called clout-lighting, a combination of the word “clout” (to have social influence) and “gaslighting”
And a selection of some of the better April 1 stunts:
A short week from creative agency Engine Group
Not to be outdone by others with a nine-day fortnight or four-day week, the agency announced a two-hour week.
"Got questions? Contact us—but only between 1 pm and 3 pm on Tuesdays."
This is a backhanded call to the industry: Let's be sensible about working.
Virgin Australia
Announced a sky high dry cleaning service. Check in your clothes and pick them up clean the other end of the journey.
The Goonlivet
A top shelf brand going to the basement? We think not, Pernod Ricard and The Glenlivet launched The Goonlivet, bringing together premium single malt scotch and the cultural phenomenon that is the goon bag.
KX Pilates x Koala reformer bed bed
Snooze while working out and wake up stronger. Reformer pilates studio KX Pilates collaborated with furniture manufacturer Koala to prank consumers on the reformer bed bed. In the Instagram post KX said: "Get ready for the ultimate workout and most comfortable sleep."
Creepy
An AI with Australian cultural references? The encounter went bad at the end.
Bilsons' vodka breakfast series
While the Billson's breakfast series started out as a simple practical joke with a Chili Chorizo Breakfast Burrito and Avocado & Banana Toast vodka pre-mix. The Instagram post said: "Everyone's favourite meal is now everyone's favourite Billson's! Talk about the breakfasts of champions - which one are you starting with?"
The creative team actually made the series third flavour Maple Bacon Vanilla Pancakes available for purchase.
A fully fitted and kitted suit with all the necessities to get you through your next all-nighter. The unique suit includes essential add-ons including a whistle, pocket square napkin, a built-in device charging power bank, custom ‘return to’ labels, an emergency ‘get fresh quick’ kit and complimentary sunglasses.
Tinder announces a ban on men holding up "sea creatures big and small," which goes into effect on April 1.
Peppa learns about April Fool's Day from Mummy Pig.
Spirt of Tasmania's submarine
Queensland Police's stand up paddleboard squad
The Twitter post: "Today we launch our Stand Up Paddleboard Squad. They will be cracking down on dangerous behaviours on our pristine waterways. If you see them, chuck a shakkas and say 'sup!"
Twitter: "SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: To thank #NSWSES members for their service to our community, on WOW Day (17 May) NSW SES will dye the water of Sydney Harbour ORANGE!"
Fast food restaurant released its take on the classic midnight meal kebabs. The company's Instagram post read: "Made fresh for you between the hours of 7 pm and 2am. Because if you’re going to wake up with regrets, don’t make food one of them." Surprising consumers were disappointed to find out this was a prank with comments reading "literally what dreams are made of" and "this needs to be a thing".
A new species of miniature wombat
Australia's science organisation, the CSIRO: "We're so excited to announce we have discovered a new species of miniature wombat. Growing up to 15 centimetres in length, the newly described Vombatus iocus, or teacup wombat, is endemic to Alpo Floris National Park in Tasmania."
Heinz breaks into homewares with beanz bag
Soft in texture and visually appealing are not only words used to describe Heinz beans, but also now, used to describe Heinz first piece of furniture.
Quynh Nguyen senior brand manager at Heinz said: “The people of Australia asked, and we delivered. We know our food products provide comfort to those who buy them, and so being able to provide them comfort in their homes just feels like the perfect next offering.”
Mad Mex's edible foil burrito
Launched on Instagram, mexican fast food chain Mad Mex fooled customers with an edible foil burrito. The post read: "Always read the label and ingest responsibly." The company always commented on the video saying: "Don't try this at home, in restaurant or anywhere else."
Donut King's chicken salt donuts
The Facebook post read: "The cinni lovers have spoken. Added to the Hot Cinni line up – Chicken Salt Cinnis have arrived. Head in store to get your cloud-like crunch with a twist!"
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