Archive for the ‘Marketing’ Category


Foursquare hops on merchandising marketing train

July 8th, 2010 by chelsea

In the realm social networking, status is everything.

Status updates and rankings keep people engaged because they’re both interactive and competitive. So, Foursquare is bringing those qualities to the real world, actualizing users’ loyalty with real clothing badges.

By leveraging its popularity with this merchandise, the growing social network is giving enthusiastic fans a way to display their loyalty, according to an article in Mashable. The seller, Nerd Merit Badges, calls them “real-world merit badges,” which prominently display your rank on your shirt, bag or any other material you choose to stick them on.

The marketing initiative could lead to a new channel of licensing for Foursquare, such as on coffee mugs, T-shirts and other items.

We’d like to try them on for size!



Photo via mashable.com




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Starbucks is brewing a new marketing plan with wine and beer offerings

June 28th, 2010 by chelsea

Starbucks is considering expanding its brand from fine-brewed coffee by adding a repertoire of sophisticated, locally sourced beverages.

One of the coffee chain’s undercover stores–15th Ave. Coffee and Tea–plans to add wine and beer from Pacific Northwest vineyards and local brewers this fall. These changes accompany the store’s renovations, which include an indoor-outdoor fireplace.

Coffee has always been the mainstay of the chain, but its latest offerings and marketing initiatives with breakfast sandwiches and, more recently, VIA have emphasized the fast-paced lifestyle. Fine wines and hand-crafted beers appear to re-emphasize the brand’s long-standing value of fine quality.


Next up: coffee and wine-tasting room?




Photo via http://www.seattlepi.com






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FIFA kicks Bravaria Beer for ambush marketing stunt at the World Cup

June 18th, 2010 by chelsea

Sponsoring one of the largest sporting events in the world is one way to get your brand out there–just showing up is another.

Nearly 30 percent of FIFA’s revenues come from sponsorship deals, so, naturally, the governing body of the World Cup fights to protect its loyal sponsors through its rights-protection program.

This year, Budweiser is a primary sponsor — and stakeholder in the organization.

When the “Bravaria Beer Babes” disguised themselves as Denmark supporters only later to reveal their orange mini-skirt outfits advertising the beer company, FIFA stepped in by throwing them out and filing charges.

Like it or not, Bravaria Beer is now known worldwide.

Well, it got us talking, right?


Photo via http://industry.bnet.com






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Starbucks connects with customers — wirelessly in marketing initiative

June 17th, 2010 by chelsea

It’s no secret that coffee shops love to offer free WiFi to keep their customers happy.

For years, Starbucks’ exclusive contract with AT&T solicited customer loyalty by locking visitors into weekly, monthly or year-long WiFi plans.

Now the coffee giant is opening up its wireless offerings with a new marketing plan — distinctive partnerships with media giants to provide value-add content beginning this fall.

It’s all on the Starbucks Digital Network. This gateway page seizes the opportunity to expand the Starbucks brand while also providing customers with free access to paid sites like the Wall Street Journal,  The New York Times, iTunes, For the next few months, customers will have to settle for the first two hours free through AT&T.

What better way to keep your customers tuned in with free downloads and targeted content?

Starbucks patrons, rejoice!


Photo via watblog.c


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