In 2013, at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, T-Mobile CEO John Legere confidently stepped onto the stage, prepared to place a bet. But this was no ordinary Vegas gamble. It was a high-stakes wager on the future of his company—this was a Big Bet.
Consumers face rising prices from many favorite brands. Insurance costs, fast food costs, transportation costs and the cost of stamps have all increased. The pushback from rising prices is now seriously affecting package goods, especially grocery-purchased brands. Package goods volumes are declining. Consumers are finding all sorts of workarounds by which to manage their stressed budgets. Consumers are balking at the cost of goods. Even Target, a brand-business based on affordability is experiencing revenue issues....
Another season of Super Bowl advertising has passed, and with it has come criticism of the lack of creativity exhibited in the advertising. More than 50% of the 2024 Super Bowl commercials featured one or more celebrities, continuing a trend that began a decade ago. To be fair, celebrities can be a great vehicle for attracting attention and can increase the entertainment value and liking for a commercial. Entertaining and well-liked ads can also increase...
Corporate growth often depends on a company building or buying multiple brands. These may exist within one or several product categories. Such a strategy can provide economies of scale. It also reduces risk. If one brand is struggling to grow, profits can be diverted to brands or categories with greater growth potential.
One of today’s biggest cultural dynamics is so ever-present that it is hiding in plain sight. It is the culture of Both-ism, or lifestyles populated by opposites. It’s a phenomenon of two minds about everything, with no merging or resolution. Rather, it is both at once.
