Smartphone- Phone fashion

In the Sept. 12 of the News and Advance, I read this article about Phone Fashion.  Phones are going the way of watches and using them as a benchmark for design.  Aesthetics have become as big of a part of the smartphone industry as the technology.  The market is crowded with a 52% growth rate.  Companies are looking to aesthetics as the differential advantage.  This article addresses the Product part of the marketing mix.

Starbucks and Guns

Starbucks had previously taken the position that guns would be allowed in their locations where they were legally allowed.  Gun activists jumped on this and started Starbucks Appreciation Days.  For several reasons, one of which is that Starbucks does not want to be part of a political statement, Starbucks is asking that customers leave their guns at home.  Below are two articles about this topic:

• Starbucks Seeks to Keep Guns Out of its Coffee Shops 

• Starbucks and Guns Four Blunt Observations

These articles are good examples of the social environment that companies make marketing decisions within.  Please read and offer your comments. Is Starbucks making the right decision?

K-Mart ADs

K-Mart is receiving a lot of negative comments about airing a Christmas ad in Sept.  View their Facebook page to see some of the comments. Click here to view the commercial:   K-Mart Christmas Commercial.   What is your opinion?

Google Scans Email

Did you know that Google uses computer technology to scan your email and send you advertisements about what you wrote?  Do you feel that is ethical?

View the video piece about this topic:  http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/courtroom-battle-brewing-email-privacy-20184832

Galaxy Watch

Well I believe that the gadgets of Maxwell Smart have finally arrived.  In Chapters 2 and 10 we talk about Product Development.  The Galaxy Smart Watch is one of the newest products available.  Imagine sending a text or email, taking a photo, etc. from your watch.  Read more at:  http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/04/galaxy-gear-hands-on/. 

Kellogg's Rice Krispies - How'd That Happen? - TV Commercial

As I was watching TV last night this commercial came on.  In Chapter 4 we will discuss the social responsibility that companies have.  This commercial made we question how we market to children or use children in our commercials.  View the commercial and post your comments on its appropriateness and effectiveness. Does it work for Rice Krispies?

Lyncburg City Council

The News and Advance reported on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 that Lynchburg City Council had penned a new vision statement: " LYN: A great place to live, work, and play." The acronym comes from the code used by Amtrak and the airport.  Think of all the ways this vision statement could be used to promote Lynchburg.  Refer to Chapter 2 about marketing planning and the role of a vision/mission statement.

Dior Ads

Dior has hired Robert Pattinson to promote a cologne and menswear.  View this commercial. Does sex sell?  Dior is using YouTube as part of the delivery for this ad.  Read the responses.

Anderson Live 9-3-13

Did you know that retailers put carpet in front of expensive merchandise to slow down carts?? View How Department Stores Trick You? for more tips about what companies are doing to get better sales.

Democracy Winery

As my boyfriend and I visited Democracy Winery today, I couldn't help but think what a good example of focusing on one theme this company was. Jim and Susan, the owners, were both lobbyists. Thus the name of the winery.  The logo is red, white, and blue along with most of the decor.  The walls are covered with old campaign materials.  An old ballot box is there as well.  Even the names of the wines are things like Emancipation an Suffrage.  Very clever.  I wish them well.  Here is a link to their website:  Democracy Vineyards