Branding

The top five retailers in the U.S. recorded nearly $230 billion in revenue last year ($228.4 billion to be exact). They must be doing something right. Walmart, Amazon.com, Costco, Walgreens, and Home Depot have each built strong brand identities, and all benefit from powerful household recognition and brand equity. As I wrote previously: A brand is the sum…

The value of a strong brand is undisputed among consumer-facing businesses. The runaway success of high-growth businesses such as Away, Glossier or the recently acquired Harry’s clearly demonstrates the positive bottom line impact, but they're by no means unique. As a consequence, consumer-focused brands invest billions every year to win over and retain customers. Often informed…

Sears unveiled a new logo earlier this month on its social media channels, and it's generating mixed reviews from consumers. In addition to the logo, Sears debuted a new slogan as well: "making moments matter." The new slogan was featured in a video the company published on Facebook in late April. Sears said the new logo was…

In my last article, I discussed how the retail model which gave brands insight into their customers in the past has shifted. This has changed the demands placed on brands to show up in meaningful, personalized ways. The challenge presented was this: How can brands express themselves and message their products dynamically and continue to…

The North Face said this week that it will close its global headquarters and its 113 stores in the U.S. and Canada on Earth Day, April 22. The action is part of a campaign to make Earth Day an officially recognized holiday. The VF Corp.-owned brand said closing its doors on Earth Day will provide its employees ample opportunity…

Now that the dust has settled from the storm that is SXSW, I've had the chance to reflect on some of the key themes coming out of this year’s event. The retail industry in particular made waves with a higher profile presence than usual, with companies like Walmart, Patagonia, Away, lululemon, and Amazon.com just several…

Within the past year, brands like Williams-Sonoma and Wayfair’s Perigold have introduced access to in-house design experts and 24/7 design concierges for customers who want to furnish their homes. According to a 2018 report from Alliance Data, 43 percent of millennials and baby boomers now expect retailers to offer these conveniences. As a result, more companies are using new technological…

Using the right language has the power to foster long-term connections with customers that keep them returning for more.

In a bold, buzzed-about move at the end of September, American accessories giant Michael Kors acquired Italian luxury brand Versace for a whopping $2.1 billion. This acquisition represents one of the first attempts by a U.S. fashion company to run an elite luxury brand, and not everyone is convinced that the merger was a good…

When it comes to launching a brand and building a company, it can be easy to get swept up in the excitement of making a big impact in the marketplace. However, it's important to understand that you're not alone in this goal. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 300 out of every 100,000 adults launch new…