Dunkin’ Donuts has launched a personal care line at Walmart.

I’m not kidding. Through a collaboration between Dunkin’ and Native, you can now buy:

• Strawberry Frosted deodorant
• Vanilla Sprinkle body wash
• Blueberry Cobbler shampoo
• Boston Kreme… everything!

My first reaction was “Why?”

My second was “Of course!!!”

Because weird brand collabs are everywhere lately:

• Barbie x Airbnb
• Xbox x Oreo
• Doritos x Taco Bell
• Pokemon x Van Gogh Museum
• Disney x Lululemon

You’re learning how the dog brain loves novelty and surprise while the tank brain seeks familiarity. These weirdo partnerships often tickle both: something new wrapped in brands we already trust.

Like a dill pickle and maple syrup pizza. (Might have to trust me on that one.)

The strategy is clever:

• Native (the personal care brand) gets Dunkin’s broader consumer recognition
• Dunkin’ gets Native’s clean ingredient credibility
• Walmart gets an exclusive that drives traffic from new crowds
• Customers get a conversation starter — and social chatter

It’s not so much about smelling like donuts. (Probably no one would realize you do, except maybe Chief Wiggum from The Simpsons.) It’s more around getting YOUR attention in a world of endless choices.

And it works.

These limited releases often sell out instantly. FOMO meets novelty, meets trusted brands — and gives dog brains the zoomies.

What I love is how these collaborations rewrite traditional brand rules. A decade ago, brand managers would have rejected these mashups as ridiculously “off-brand.”

Now they’re strategic gold.

Action for today: Look at your category’s unexpected collaborators through the lens of all your connections. What unlikely partnership could amplify your brand and bring in right-fit buyers from a previously non-relevant source? The strangest combinations can create the most impactful connections!

What’s the Xbox to your Oreos?

Laurier

Product Payoff: The Pokemon x Van Gogh collab was so popular it overwhelmed the museum’s website and caused chaos at the gift shop. Never underestimate the power of unexpected pairings!