JC Penney has its old CEO, Mike Ullman, in charge of the company again. Abundant sales and coupons have returned, as have brands that disappeared for a spell. In many ways, the JC Penney of old is back. Whether this is a good thing for the company remains to be seen.
Advertising
My Beer Can Is Better Than Yours: Aluminum Can-ovations for Better Beer Drinking
You might think that one beer can is the same as any other. Big beer companies and craft brewers alike say different, and they’re rolling out new cans with wider mouths and funky designs that they claim make for vastly superior …
The Charles Ramsey-McDonald’s Episode: How a Viral Marketing Opportunity Can Backfire
The Charles Ramsey-McDonald’s episode is shaping up as an argument that brands should respond to viral marketing opportunities slowly, cautiously—and perhaps not at all.
Hot Pizza: So Popular Restaurants Will Try Almost Anything
Pizza is popping up in more (and sometimes unusual) places, and it’s being prepared and marketed in new (and sometimes unusual) ways. Why is pizza so hot all of a sudden?
Can Frozen-Food Companies Make TV Dinners Cool Again?
American diners have been giving frozen food the cold shoulder lately. Aging boomers are put off by high sodium and calorie counts in many frozen dishes, while many young adults would rather stop by Subway, Chipotle or Domino’s …
Does Kmart’s Hilarious New Ad Acknowledge That Kmart Stores Are Hopeless?
In just over a week, Kmart’s 30-second “Ship My Pants” spot — go ahead, say it quickly — has received close to 13 million views online. The viral hit should give the struggling retailer some much-needed buzz. It might also call …
Latest Unavoidable Fast-Food Buzzwords: The Rise of Crazy, Premium, Snacks
You’re not crazy. The words premium and snack really are popping up on chain-restaurant menus everywhere. Crazy is making some appearances too.
We’re #1! Toyota and Ford Bicker About Who Has the World’s Best-Selling Car
It’s a battle for bragging rights, with two automakers saying they each had the world’s best-selling car model last year. Can they both be right?
In New Ad, McDonald’s Compares Loving Big Macs with Mental Illness
How’s this for an “edgy” new ad: In a poster displayed on a subway, a woman is shown bowing her head and holding a hand over her face in shame. Next to her are the words “You’re Not Alone. Millions of people love the Big Mac.”
Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day Is Today, April 9 – And More Freebies Coming
Everybody loves ice cream. And everybody loves freebies. And free ice cream? That’s almost too good to be true.
Southwest Airlines: We’re Not Really About Cheap Flights Anymore
The U.S.’s biggest “low fare” airline appears to be experiencing an identity crisis. In Southwest’s new ad campaign, there’s no silly humor and no mention of “bags fly free” or cheap flight prices. The message is that this is a …
Stealth Celebrity Endorsement: No Money Changing Hands, Just Free Burritos
There’s no mystery as to why companies give away swag during the Oscars to people in the movie business. The possibility that a celebrity will Tweet about the product or perhaps be photographed with it more than offsets the cost …
