There’s just no stopping the madness. From Hooters restaurants to businesses selling books for homeschooled children to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, everyone seems to be pursuing a marketing tie-in to March Madness, a.k.a. the NCAA basketball tournament.
Advertising
Why the Better Business Bureau Should Give Itself a Bad Grade
Last week, the Better Business Bureau announced that it had officially expelled one of its local affiliates, the BBB of Southland, which served the greater Los Angeles area.
Shamrock Shake Alert: Why We So Love Those Limited-Time Offers
In the fast food world, the “limited-time offer” is a remarkably powerful thing. Why?
Why Some Restaurants Hate Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week deals promise increased foot traffic during what’s normally a slow time of year, as well as ample exposure to new customers. Could Restaurant Week promotions also be bad for business?
Luxury Wheels, Honda Price: New Breed of Upscale Cars Selling for About $30,000
Luxury automakers like Mercedes, BMW and Cadillac would hate for their cars to be described as merely “average.” Yet new models from these and other upscale auto manufacturers are average in a way that’s undeniably appealing to consumers: they all have starting prices at around $30,000.
In the Fast Food World, Is Fish the New Chicken?
McDonald’s and Carl’s Jr. are among the big fast food chains casting out new fish items as a way to reel in customers—especially during Lent, when many diners cut back on meat.
Why Some Brand Extensions Are Brilliant and Others Are Just Awkward
When done correctly, a brand extension can be a huge hit, with the only complaint among consumers amounting to Why didn’t they do that sooner? Sometimes, though, the launch of a new product featuring a well-known brand is such a mismatch the reaction is more like What were they thinking?
Strange Brew: When the Bottle Matters More Than the Beer Inside
If the biggest selling point for a new beer is the bottle that it comes in, what does that say about the beer itself?
5 Top Trends for 2013 Super Bowl Commercials
The cost of advertising in the Super Bowl is rising, running an average of $4 million for a 30-second spot—up from $3.5 million last year and just $42,000 back in 1967. To justify the expense, advertisers aim to present fans with something more than just another entertaining but ultimately forgettable commercial.
Tempting the Young: New Efforts to Get Younger Consumers Hooked on Guns, Luxe Cars, Soda and More
Youths are also sought after as customers because consumption habits are often ingrained at a young age—and because they will be money-spending consumers for many, many years to come.
The Sleep Industry: Why We’re Paying Big Bucks for Something That’s Free
Budweiser Tries to Get All Sophisticated By Putting on a New ‘Black Crown’
Next up in Budweiser’s efforts to lose its stale image is the Anheuser-Busch launch of two slick new upscale brews—which are supposed to appeal to drinkers who usually opt for flavorful craft beers or hip liquor brands.
