Top brands that have embraced NFTs
Major established brands are actively investing and experimenting with NFTs, from Nike to Prada, and McDonald’s to Coca-Cola. Let’s check it out:
Brand investment on NFTs is increasing
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have become important components of digital collectibles, and branded NFTs are gaining traction, as companies recognize new opportunities that require the development of new marketing strategies.
Let’s look at some of the top brands that have recently invested in NFTs:
E-commerce platforms: eBay and Shopify
The eBay website now allows customers to buy and sell NFT collections. In addition, the company has recently acquired Known Origin, a popular NFT marketplace. eBay also launched its first collection of NFTs on May 23 cooperation with the NFT platform OneOf.
Furthermore, NFT sellers can now sell directly to collectors through their storefronts in Shopify, the same way other businesses use the platform. In addition, the Ottawa-based company hopes to make NFTs more accessible by allowing credit and debit card payments.
Creators and entrepreneurs everywhere are building powerful communities using NFTs. @Shopify we’re expanding what’s possible in trading by making it easier to drop and sell NFTs and explore this new world of community trading.https://t.co/ItI0mD57Pr
— Harley Finkelstein (@harleyf) 16 December 2021
Sneakers: Adidas and Nike
With a cooperation with Bored Ape Yacht Club, Adidas released its first digital and physical NFT drop. In addition, Adidas NFTs offered access to virtual wearables in the metaverse platform, The Sandbox. Adidas also announced a collaboration with Prada for an NFT project in January 2022.
Another popular sneaker brand, Nike, recently launched Cryptokicks with RFTFKT studios, its first virtual sneaker collection with 20,000 unique NFTs. The Nike Cryptokicks NFT collection leveraged personalization and curiosity and generated significant buzz.
Luxury fashion: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ray-Ban
For the 200th anniversary of Louis Vuitton in August 2021, the brand created Louis The Game, which highlights the story through NFTs and in-game innovations. As part of the video game, there was even a character named Vivienne, who is designed to look like Louis Vuitton.
In addition, Prada launched around 100 Ethereum based NFTs in June 2022, as part of the ongoing Timecapsule collection. Those who purchased items from Prada’s latest collection through Timecapsule will receive a free NFT airdrop.
The NFTs are GIFs of a black or white capsule with a serial number. However, there are also physical clothes included in NFTs by Prada.
In addition, Gucci and Balenciaga had also joined the NFT trend earlier.
Furthermore, Ray-Ban entered the NFT space in October 2021, with the brand’s iconic Aviator sunglasses. NFT was designed by Oliver Latta, a German artist known for his provocative 3D motion designs. Ray-Ban auctioned the NFT collection at OpenSea, with proceeds benefiting the Italian Art Trust.
Fast food: McDonald’s and Burger King
In November 2021, McDonald’s celebrated the 40th anniversary of the McRib with a limited edition of McRib NFTs. There were about 10 MCNFTs with a virtual collectible art collection that could be won by retweeting the brand’s invitation.
In addition, Burger King announced in September 2021 that it would launch a campaign called “Keep It Real Meals” in collaboration with the NFT marketplace Sweet.
Almost 6 million meal boxes were tied to QR codes as part of this NFT initiative. The QR codes unlocked a digital collectible from Burger King; by scanning them, you can unlock bonus NFTs.
Soft drinks: Coca-Cola and Pepsi
Coca-Cola introduced its first NFT collection in 2021 and has introduced new NFT collectibles in 2022. For Pride Month in July 2022, the company issued 136 NFTs; for the International Friendship Day in August 2022, it released a new set of NFTs.
In addition, the soft drink company sold its first NFT collection on the OpenSea NFT marketplace as a single “loot box”. Proceeds from the auction of Coca-Cola NFTs were donated to Special Olympics International.
Furthermore, with the “Pepsi Mic Drop” genesis NFT collection, Pepsi made its first foray into the NFT world. In honor of Pepsi’s birth year, Pepsi announced that they would create 1,893 unique generative NFTs.
Pepsi Mic Drop NFTs were based on variations of a microphone visual and inspired by iconic Pepsi flavors, including classic blue Pepsi and silver diet Pepsi.
Apart from the above, other notable brands that announced their move into the NFT space are TicketMaster, Lamborghini, Formula 1, Samsung and Mattel.
As you can see, NFTs have gained traction among large established companies in many sectors, and the debate continues about how brands can and should use NFTs.
Next week we will be back with more exciting developments in the NFT area. Until then, stay tuned. Buh-bye!
