Crate name
Everyday naming brilliance: “The Goddagidda-way” micro-shelter (aka “The Homeless Hut”). Not to mention the description: “a micro homeless shelter, pre-fab treehouse/treefort, and/or indoor escape cube all-in-one.” Read more about the creator here.
Dishing dirt
Somewhere on a shady neighborhood street in the East Village you’ll find a vegetarian restaurant called Dirt Candy. I haven’t tried the food; the only thing I’ve sampled is owner Amanda Cohen’s marketing but that’s tasty enough (even when it isn’t always sweet)—for a couple of reasons. First, it reminded me quickly again how the […]
Trader Joe’s knows
Anyone pondering the challenges of differentiation should check out a recent blurb in Reveries about Trader Joe’s. It’s full of nuggets. Like a really simple, clear customer profile that instantly clicked: “…people who are well-educated, well-traveled, and underpaid.” Or products from all over the world with unique stories, ultimately chosen for their potential to become […]
Taking a position
Meanwhile out there in the more mundane universe beyond the universe-unto-itself we know as Google, a couple of other things recently caught my attention. Specifically in the retail arena. “OK, I’m heading out to the store,” I announce last week, grateful for a break from the PC screen. The shopping list I’ve jotted has “Costco” […]
Beta thoughts
Meanwhile, the Google Video story led us to think more about the “Beta” trend, and especially its deeper implications for branding. Maybe we are witnessing a sea change in the classic art of brand building? It used to be axiomatic that a company’s products had to create definite assurances, and reinforce trust and satisfaction in […]
A store is a store is a store. Except when it’s the Google Video Store.
Why is there so much trash talk about the newest kid in the cyber mall? My first take was that it was because Google had gone ahead and launched a half-baked product, rather than holding off until it was ready for public consumption. It’s an easy impression to get, especially since so many things about […]
