THE CLIENT AND EVENT:

McDonald’s UK & Ireland, a leading fast-food chain serving millions daily, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a nostalgic campaign. The brand, known for its Big Mac and McNuggets, emphasized its commitment to sustainability, responsible sourcing, and community engagement. The anniversary event aimed to evoke fond memories while showcasing McDonald’s heritage and customer connection.

THE BRIEF:

McDonald's UK & Ireland tasked Wild Thang with producing a bespoke creative range of clothing and merchandise for sale on e-commerce platforms and at pop-up stores. The theme, "I had my birthday party at McDonald's," aimed to capture nostalgia and appeal to multiple generations of fans. The merchandise needed to be fun, engaging, and reflective of the brand’s iconic legacy.

THE SOLUTION:

Wild Thang collaborated closely with McDonald's and associated agencies from concept to delivery, curating a retro-inspired merchandise collection featuring beloved characters like Grimace, the Hamburglar, and Birdie. The range included:

• Bomber Jackets and Vintage Denim Jackets: With distressed branding for a retro look.
• Oversized Scrunchies and Bumbags: Playful accessories to evoke nostalgia.
• Backpacks and Button Badges: Practical and collectible branded items.
• Various Headwear Options: Including caps and beanies for broad appeal.

Results Summary:

Wild Thang’s partnership with McDonald’s UK & Ireland for their 50th anniversary celebration delivered exceptional outcomes, combining creativity, quality, and responsible practices:

• Creative Excellence: The retro-inspired merchandise range captured the nostalgia of McDonald’s heritage, appealing to fans across generations and perfectly aligning with the "I had my birthday party at McDonald's" theme.
• Rigorous Quality Standards: As a SMETA-audited partner, Wild Thang managed the sampling, testing, and QC processes to ensure every item met McDonald’s high standards for quality, safety, and ethical production.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Merchandise development aligned with McDonald’s commitment to sustainability, reinforcing their dedication to responsible sourcing practices.
• Customer Engagement Success: The vibrant pop-up stores generated significant excitement, drawing attention to the milestone celebration and creating memorable experiences for customers.

This collaboration highlights Wild Thang’s ability to deliver innovative, high-quality merchandise that embodies a brand’s legacy while meeting rigorous ethical and sustainability standards.