Marketing budgets cut again
Russell ParsonsMarketing budgets have been cut for the second consecutive quarter as companies uncertain over the state of the economy keep a tight rein on spending, according to the latest Bellwether report.
Month: October 2012
Customers crave more than the right price
Jonathan BaconRetailers are giving manufacturer brands a run for their money with wider ranges of own-label products but research shows that consumers’ buying decisions are rarely guided by price alone.
Bringing up baby chains
Michael BarnettThe kidswear market is booming and specialist retailers are setting up premium online offerings to rival Tesco and Asda.
Mark Ritson: Thumbs up for BAA’s rebrand strategy
Mark RitsonAt first sight, the news that BAA – the much derided airport operator – was about to attempt both a rebrand and a significant shift in brand architecture at the same time might have led many to expect an imminent marketing disaster.
Bodyform shows a masterclass in social
Rosie BakerBodyform’s now viral video is a masterclass in using social media to create great marketing that no brand could plan, if we accept that the original post on Bodyform’s Facebook page by Richard Neill was genuine, and not planted. It should also act as a wake up call to marketers working on other brands in the category.
Nike drops Armstrong in U-turn
Seb JosephNike has dropped Lance Armstrong, just days after supporting the athlete, citing the “insurmountable evidence” that he participated in doping and misled the sportswear business “for more than a decade.”
Olympics legacy: High morale and a boost in brand perception
Mindi ChahalThe wide reporting following the London 2012 Olympics lists improvements to public transport, urban regeneration and the boost in sport engagement as the most powerful legacy, but new research shows that the Games have done the most for the perception of big brands and morale.
Beats by Dr Dre looks to Facebook for TV stars
Seb JosephHeadphone range Beats by Dr Dre is inviting Facebook fans to star in future television advertising campaigns.
BA takes aim at low-cost rivals
Lara O'ReillyBritish Airways is again taking aim at Ryanair and Easyjet with a campaign that attempts to contrast the value of its all-inclusive fares with the add-ons of low-cost carriers.
Newcastle fans ask for Wonga logo to be dropped
Seb JosephNewcastle United fans are calling on kit maker Puma to drop Wonga’s logo from replica shirts.
Asos steps up US efforts
Rosie BakerAsos hopes to accelerate growth in the US with the creation of a marketing director role within the region, its most senior marketer outside of the UK.
Utilities firms adopt low key marketing approach
Seb JosephThe energy suppliers that have announced price hikes are adopting a low key approach to countering the swell of negative perception that followed news of the increases, a tactic tipped to be short-lived as the big six turn to data-driven marketing initiatives to rebuild trust.
O2 trumpets local businesses in Priority push
Lara O'ReillyO2 is launching a £2.5m marketing campaign to promote the fact that it is extending its Priority Moments loyalty scheme to independent businesses – even those who are not O2 business customers.
Industry handed ad spend fillip
Russell ParsonsAdvertisers exploiting the sales opportunities offered by the Jubilee and European football championships led to a better than expected 3.8% increase in spending during the second quarter, according to industry data.
Boots censured for misleading organic claims
Rosie BakerBoots has been rapped by the advertising watchdog for making misleading claims about a range of organic baby products on its website.