The Australian Open (AO) has attracted an unexpected cluster of celebrities this year. The M&M’S stars have turned up. M&M’S has launched Australia’s first-ever pop-up M&M’S store at the AO – the unofficial eighth store in the brand’s global portfolio. Working with Clemenger BBDO, the colourful experience has drawn design and creative inspiration from the famous M&M’S flagship stores in New York, London, and Shanghai, and is bringing M&M’S playfulness to the sporting precinct.
The activation is part of the brand’s new multi-year partnership as the Official Confectionery Partner of the AO, inviting fans into a world of colour and fun, featuring interactive installations, limited-edition merchandise, and exclusive M&M’S customisation experiences. Fans can create a digital Ace Shot photo and create their own personalised mix-and-match M&M’S tube of chocolates.
“The Australian Open is the perfect stage for M&M’S to create moments of joy and connection, and we’ve been thrilled to help bring this partnership to life in a uniquely fun M&M’S way,” stated Taryn Watson, Managing Partner, Clemenger BBDO. “In close collaboration with M&M’S, we wanted to reimagine what a pop-up experience could look like – blending retail, entertainment, and storytelling to give tennis fans something they’ll remember long after match point.”
Anthony Jones, group creative director at Clemenger BBDO, added, “This activation highlights the power of creativity and collaboration. M&M’S is an iconic brand with a rich history of bringing fun and connection to people worldwide. To translate that vision into something truly immersive at the Australian Open has been a fun journey, and we’re proud to see it come to life in such a bold way.”
Mars Wrigley’s Portfolio Director Michelle Gazzola, commented, “Partnering with the Australian Open has given us the opportunity to share M&M’S iconic personality with tennis fans and chocolate lovers alike. The space is a celebration of fun, inclusivity, and the universal love of our brand, and Clemenger BBDO’s creative vision has been instrumental in realising this landmark moment for us.”
The M&M’S pop-store will be open until January 26.
Credits
Client: M&M’S
Ben Hill: Marketing Director
Michelle Gazzola: Portfolio Director
Deborah Tran: Senior Brand Manager
Anna Coldwell: Senior Activity Manager
Creative Agency: Clemenger BBDO
Chief Creative Officer: Adrián Flores
Creative Director Anthony Jones
Managing Partner: Taryn Watson
Senior Producer: Katie Hood
Senior Account Director: James Hartnett
Head of Design: Sam McLennan
Senior Finished Artist: Chad Lippert
