Spring?

I have a bone to pick with Punxsutawney Phil! You lied that spring was coming in six weeks! It is two days from Easter and I am still layered up wearing winter socks, thermals, and sitting by a fire. It is hard to even find warm clothes since it is so unseasonably cold. According to weather.com, there are supposed to be snow showers in Keene tonight. Gross.

Despite the cold weather, companies cannot help but advertise spring and summer items. There are spring sales at clothing stores such as Forever 21 and TJMaxx, and Easter sales at seasonal stores like Pier 1 Imports and Macy's. My question is, are people even in the mood to shop for spring and summer when they have to still dig our their winter clothes? How can companies be making money on their seasonal items when the atmosphere is not right? Companies are being forced to start the sales and discounts earlier than normal just to maintain a normal business flow as well as keep their financial statements out of the red.

There is marketing evidence that consumers do not purchase as much when other characteristics are off, such as the weather, severe economic change, or a natural disaster. At this moment in time, all three of these are true. What do you think companies should be doing at times like these?

In Response to Laurie Whalen

"Both the constant marketing and uniqueness of the product are extremely important.  Is there anything else that make a product successful?"

Laurie brings up a good point that, is a logo what really makes a company successful? She uses Shell gas station as an example. Gas stations are constantly trying to sponsor non-profit organizations and sports teams. By sponsoring organizations, not only is the logo used, but purchasers also realize that the company is not just looking for a quick dollar, but rather to give back to the community.

Another way that a product is successful is by constantly changing for different times. For example, Coke and Pepsi both just launched a flashback of their product with real sugar in it instead of a reduced sugary mix. This reminds consumers of the nostalgia behind these beverages and jogs their memories of days past.

Is there anything that you as the reader think that Laurie and I missed?

How to: Market on Twitter

I found an article on Social Media Explorer regarding how exactly to market on Twitter. Twitter is such a great social media site because it allows normal people to communicate with other normal people and celebrities alike. I personally find Twitter to be a unique outlet to voice opinions and to catch a quick laugh since in my circle of friends, not many people have accounts.

With that said, I came across this article Four Styles of Marketing on Twitter. The styles are as follows:

• the conversationalist
• day to day conversation
• used by small business consultants
• the conversational marketer
• posting more directly about other websites and personal pages
• the sales person
• zero conversation
• the marketer
• zero conversation, just facts

If you are familiar with Twitter and follow different types of people, every account user can be identified into these four types of marketers. Do you think that there is another type of marketer to be included in this list?

Groupon

It is a brilliant idea to me to think that there is websites now available that advertise deals to each individual city across the United States. Essentially Groupon is a free website that sends personalized emails to your account about local deals. If you like the deal and would like to use it, just print it off and bring it to the vendor. Groupon's vendors offer up to 90% off of the merchandise.

The confusing part to me is how the website makes money. I think that the company has partnered with the companies that advertise on the website and receive a commission for the purchase. It is common that websites do this. Groupon is more or less a main website for the web of sites that are on it.

Another perk that the website offers is referral appreciation. For each friend that you invite to the website, Groupon will give you $10 to your next purchase. It is a great incentive for the individual to share these deals with friends, thus spreading the word about the vendors.

I have only heard good things about this website and how convenient it is to use. However, the one negative piece is all the emails that are sent to your account. Depending on the size of your local city, the amount of companies that have daily deals is outrageous. Each email brings in awareness for Groupon as well as the vendor.

Here is a direct link to Groupon. What challenges do you see this company having in the future?

Pier 1 Imports; No Longer a Rip Off

I do not think it is a big secret that Pier 1 Imports has a reputation for having an outrageously priced, yet pleasing inventory.  How can anyone afford decorative throw pillows starting at $25 each? I have to say that I have had a change of heart since September.  For example, this pillow to the left is currently on sale for $8.68, marked down from $34.95. Even though that still may be pricey for some, it is a grand improvement and somewhat affordable.

After moving into my own place off campus, I went into the local Pier 1 to see what goodies I could pick up to make my space more festive and unique. What I found was a larger variety of inventory as well as much of it with slashed prices. They now offer gift supplies, jewelry, children's toys, and bath items.

The jewelry that they have to offer is awesome. The pieces are really interesting, unique, and quirky, but can help jazz up an outfit and make for great gifts. I recently went into Pier 1 looking for a nice vase or mirror for a friend of mine. Even though I browsed those departments, I walked out with over $45 in accessories and gadgets for her, which she absolutely loved. This ring was so cheap it was laughable. I actually had to ask one of the sales associates if it was marked wrong. It was originally $7 which is great as it is, but marked down to $0.68. Awesome.

I find it very clever of Pier 1 to have children's toys since it is primarily a place a parent may bring their young child. Instead of having a tantrum, just hand the child a sparkly yo-yo or a book to help pass the time. The toys also will not break the bank if one so chooses to purchase it.

Pier 1 has now turned into a one stop deal. Do you know of any other stores that have recently changed their inventory to make it more suitable for a larger client base?

Here is a direct link to Pier 1 Imports

Buy One, Get One

This day in age, it is hard to find a company that willingly want to give to others.  It is common however to find companies that are mandated to pay fines due environmental issues or harm to a culture.  Another hard thing to find today is items that are reasonably priced.  Many families have to cut back on luxury items such as clothes and charity.    

My friend, Melissa, is also always hunting for deals. She admires fashion, beauty, art, and the unique. (Check out her blog www.melissaboccanfuso.blogspot.com) A staple in her wardrobe is TOMS Shoes.  Not only are TOMS really comfortable, affordable, and practical shoes, but the company also has a great motto; One for One.  Essentially for every pair of TOMS purchased, another pair goes to a child in need in a developing country.  Blake Mykoskie, founder of the company, chose developing countries because many children grow up barefoot causing for cuts and infections.  At the end of 2006, within one year of launching the company, 10,000 pairs were given to children in Argentina.  This business idea could have been a complete bust.

 TOMS has found that selling the shoes at roughly $50 each, all costs can be covered including donation, production, and overhead but yet still make a profit.  The newest addition that they have added to the brand is Wedding.  Not only can men, women, and children enjoy day to day shoes, but now there are ones designed for special occasions such as weddings and proms.

Another feature that is on the website is "Design."  Customers who purchase the shoes will then create and individualize theirs to make it more unique.  Anyone can upload their images and be placed on their website.

I find TOMS Shoes to be an admirable and fascinating business.  They make being an honest and successful company a possible feat in these current economic times.  Do you know of any other companies that have a similar mission statement?

In Response to Kayle Crowley

"If we start sticking puppies and lions on Kashi and bran,

will our younger generation catch on to a healthier lifestyle?"

With the increase in health awareness lately, it is no wonder that children choose the right snack and actually enjoy them. There are alternatives to almost every snack that have less sugar, less fat, less calories, but more fiber, more vitamins, and more protein. 

One vitamin that I take daily is fish oil. The taste of it repulses me, but I know it will keep me healthy and there are many benefits. I take the children's type of fish oil that come in a chewy form. They taste better, and I no longer dread it. Yesterday while I was at work at a local doctor's office, there was literally a boy that threw a tantrum because his mom would not let him have another chewy fish oil because he already had his at breakfast. It could be because the package has brightly colored fish on them or it could also be because they taste so darn good.

If cartoon characters encourage kids to want to eat their healthy food, why would a parent refuse it? It makes their job easier.