Apr
1
Customers as Logistics Agents: Walmart’s New Idea
Posted by: konrad | April 1, 2013 | Leave a Comment
It’s no secret that Walmart saves its shoppers lots of money, but according to Dale Buss’ brandchannel post, the retailer may also start paying them for making deliveries. Currently, Wally World’s online orders are filled at the nearest store, and then delivered by FedEx to the customer’s address. Under the proposed supply chain, those deliveries […]
Mar
8
Buick Shifts Gears
Posted by: konrad | March 8, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Daniel Barends’ blog entry about Blackberry’s brand repositioning attempts made me think of an even older brand currently reinventing itself. In both cases the idea is to attract new consumer segments, but can these brands really become everything to everyone, or will they end up meaning nothing to no one? Not so long ago, the […]
Feb
26
For many companies in a declining product segment, simply staying in business is an accomplishment. As physical toys are being replaced (like so many other things) by computer/tablet/cell phone screens, toy makers like Hasbro and Mattel are facing challenges. Americans per capita are spending 30% less on traditional toys/games than they did in 1998. To […]
Feb
8
Hocus Pocus Focus Groups
Posted by: konrad | February 8, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Millions of dollars spent on market research in the early 80s had the team at Coca-Cola convinced: people, especially the younger demographic, preferred the sweeter taste of Pepsi. In fears of losing even more market share to its younger competitor, the beverage maker developed a new Cola that beat Pepsi in taste tests. The positive […]