Creativity Trumps Tariffs

Client Category

Bob’s Your Uncle · Independent Creative Agency · Canada

Services Provided

Strategic Response · Brand Positioning · Integrated Campaign · Earned Media · Cultural Activation · Merchandising

The Context

In 2025, proposed U.S. tariffs cast uncertainty across Canadian businesses.

Budgets tightened.

Confidence wavered.

Marketing was often the first line item at risk.

While many brands pulled back, the conversation across the industry became defensive.

We chose to move forward.

When economic pressure rises, brands retreat.

But retreat isn’t strategy.

If creativity is the most powerful business force on Earth, then the right response to tariffs isn’t fear — it’s leadership.

Moments of uncertainty are when brand conviction matters most.

Bob’s Your Uncle launched a public commitment:

25% off all branding and creative services for Canadian brands.

Not as a promotion.

As a statement.

A statement that investment in brand is not a luxury — it’s leverage.

The initiative extended beyond services:

• National LinkedIn campaign

• Taxi and digital screen placements

• “Creativity Trumps Tariffs” merchandise, with proceeds supporting industry charities

• PR outreach and industry advocacy

This wasn’t a client campaign.

It was a visible act of leadership.

The initiative sparked immediate industry conversation and national attention.

🏆 Featured in Campaign Canada’s Mighty List 2025

📰 Generated widespread earned media across trade and national business press

📣 Generated widespread discussion across the marketing community

🇨🇦 Strengthened positioning as a bold, independent Canadian agency

🚀 Increased inbound interest from brands seeking strategic partnership

More importantly, it reframed the narrative:

Tariffs may threaten trade.

Creativity builds value.

Challenger brands don’t wait for stability.

They create it.

By turning economic uncertainty into visible action, Bob’s Your Uncle demonstrated the principle we advise our clients every day:

When the category tightens, define the moment.

That’s how challengers become kings.