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Emily Prellwitz

Will Whole Foods Dilute the Brand With a Lower Cost Chain? - 4 views

www.adweek.com/...-brand-lower-cost-chain-149955

mk473 stp segmentation

shared by Emily Prellwitz on 30 Sep 13 - No Cached
  • Emily Prellwitz on 30 Sep 13
     
    This article discusses how Whole Foods is trying to position itself as a go-to grocery store. Do you think this is a good move for Whole Foods? Do you think their position as a organic and higher end health only grocery is a better position for them?
  • ...3 more comments...
  • Sarah Jacobsma on 02 Oct 13
     
    I think that this positioning strategy is a great move for Whole Foods -- especially if they are successful. It seems more and more consumers value companies that have a positive impact on society and Whole Foods is doing just that.
  • Sarah Wesp on 03 Oct 13
     
    Personally, I think this is great! Though the new Whole Foods in Detroit may not be in the best location or have the best reputation, I do think it is very important for everyone to have access to healthy food. I do believe this is a good move for Whole Foods and could have a very positive/successful outcome.
  • anonymous on 03 Oct 13
     
    This article is really interesting because I was thinking the same thoughts about Whole Foods marketing strategy by establishing new stores in these areas. Since Whole Foods is thought of as a high-end grocery store, it is intriguing that they even want to expand into these low-income areas. I think this will definitely be a challenge for Whole Foods, but if they ultimately have success I think it will further strengthen Whole Foods' brand more so than any other grocer.
  • meganbos on 03 Oct 13
     
    I think loyal customers will recognize that the brand is capitalizing on helping a community grow. I think it will help the brand because it's consumers are interested in helping the community and creating sustainable environments.
  • anonymous on 03 Oct 13
     
    I think this article is very interesting because I had the same thoughts when learning that Whole Foods was expanding into these new areas. Since Whole Foods is considered a high-end grocery store, it really made me question what its marketing strategy actually is and if they are making the right decision by entering into these markets. I truly think this will be a challenge for Whole Foods because they are dealing with a market that is not truly its target market, but if they succeed I think this will strengthen Whole Foods' brand more than any other grocer.
Camille Sampson

Surviving Whole Foods | Kelly MacLean - 0 views

www.huffingtonpost.com/...ing-whole-foods_b_3895583.html

mk473 consumer behavior simplicity environment whole foods promotion

shared by Camille Sampson on 24 Sep 13 - No Cached
  • Camille Sampson on 24 Sep 13
     
    Effective simplicity to capitalize on consumer behavior: Although specialized grocers like Whole Foods provide limited product options to appear "simple" and avoid overwhelming consumers, does the lack of familiar items available intimidate the consumer and alter their decision making process?
  • Kate King on 24 Sep 13
     
    A FUNNY look at Whole Foods - please be advised that the author is a stand up comic!
Lina Goens

EBSCOhost: 'Misleading' Tesco horse meat ad banned - 5 views

web.ebscohost.com/...detail

environment 2 legal ethical regulatory

shared by Lina Goens on 14 Sep 13 - No Cached
    • Lina Goens
      Lina Goens on 14 Sep 13
       
      Crazy to think that one company can affect the way a whole industry is viewed.  Makes you reassess the repercussions of a marketing decision and the future ones we will make in our jobs!
    • Lina Goens
      Lina Goens on 14 Sep 13
       
      When the Ad said "It's about the whole food industry." I completely associate every brand of meat with making the same mistake. It makes me forget that Tesco made a mistake but rather everyone made a mistake. As a consumer, I feel misled. 
  • "implied"
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • "our meat" and "the problem we've had".
    • Lina Goens
      Lina Goens on 14 Sep 13
       
      I think that the Advertising Standards Authority made the right decision by saying that this ad "implied" all the retailers. ASA is a legal firm that I had never heard of before. They keep a close eye on ads to ensure that the rules are being followed. 
    • Lina Goens
      Lina Goens on 14 Sep 13
       
      The play on words "our" and "we" seem to be pushing an ethical issue.  It is easy for one to be confused and consider the "our" and "we" as referring to the whole industry. Does this confuse you guys?
  • "unfairly denigrated
    • Lina Goens
      Lina Goens on 14 Sep 13
       
      It is reasonable that the company was not accused of further "unfairly denigrated" charges however I do think they should have been punished. The legal aspect did what was just. 
  • Lina Goens on 15 Sep 13
     
    Tesco released a questionable apology ad because they used horse meat in their products which led to some legal and ethical issues.
  • ...1 more comment...
  • meganbos on 16 Sep 13
     
    I grew up riding horses- so naturally I didn't enjoy this article- but like Lina said above, I think it is important to recgonize how one brand image can really effect the whole industry. Because Tesco made this big error other brands are hearing the effects of their mistake- and I bet Chipolte is benifiting from it based on there new ad!
  • Sarah Jacobsma on 16 Sep 13
     
    After reading this article it made me think -- gee more and more companies that sell food need to focus on where their products come from! It is safe to say articles like these are sure to influence customers to be more conscious about where their food comes from.
  • anonymous on 17 Sep 13
     
    I remember hearing about the horse meat scandal when I was in Spain, and I would have to agree with their point of how it affected everyones view of packaged meat. I am not even sure if Europe had problems with this, but the uproar from family and friends in the US made me think this was a world wide event. To piggy back off of Chipotle, I think the meat industry needs to look to better ways of improving meat quality and especially make an effort to voice these changes in product quality to consumers so there is trust again.
meganbos

McDonald's Wins Over French Chef With McBaguette Sandwich - Bloomberg - 7 views

www.bloomberg.com/...-with-mcbaguette-sandwich.html

mk473 environment 1 socio-cultural factors

shared by meganbos on 11 Sep 13 - No Cached
    • meganbos
      meganbos on 12 Sep 13
       
      McDonald's has really altered there menu, like the have in other countries like Spain to really fit the local tastes. France is a great example of changing the bread and the toppings in order to appeal to more French customers- including high ranked chefs. 
    • meganbos
      meganbos on 12 Sep 13
       
      This paragraph really highlights McDonald's motivation and adaptation strategy. They are willing to change the way they do business in order to succeed in more markets internationally. 
    • meganbos
      meganbos on 12 Sep 13
       
      Not only are they appealing to the taste of the country but they are also responding to the economic needs of the country by meeting the French's picky tastes with a low cost option. 
  • ...4 more annotations...
    • meganbos
      meganbos on 12 Sep 13
       
      Even warming the bread? McDonald's has clearly done there local research and know that warm bread is popular and comparable to local favorites.
    • meganbos
      meganbos on 12 Sep 13
       
      i'm glad they included this bit, but of course the famous baker is not going to like the fast food version of there local favorites and it probably does not compare to some local favorites but it is a good cheap alternative. 
    • Camille Sampson
      Camille Sampson on 12 Sep 13
       
      If using the word baguette is so terrible, would there not be public backlash from this? I would imagine that many citizens would see along the same lines of this baker which may hurt McDonald's image in France. At the same time however, many people in other regions of the world may not have the same "standards" for the word baguette, and thus McDonald's may have better feed back in other cultures that are not so familiar with french traditions.
    • meganbos
      meganbos on 12 Sep 13
       
      McDonald's has been seen as an American option and favorite- but adapting to more consumers wants and needs in the French Market will make the brand more appealing to customers who wouldn't have originally eaten at McDonalds 
    • Camille Sampson
      Camille Sampson on 12 Sep 13
       
      Various flavor options/drink selections may be a safer route to appeal to local markets. By bringing in the tradition of the "baguette" McDonald's runs the risk of offending potential consumers-like the baker for example.
    • meganbos
      meganbos on 12 Sep 13
       
      People learn that there is a lot of consistency with the McDonald's brand and that is attractive to consumers because they know that they can expect the same experience every time. 
  • meganbos on 11 Sep 13
     
    Really interesting article about how our favorite fast food restaurant really responds well to the socio-cultural environment and adapts there products and presentation to win over the population- including famous chefs in this case.
  • ...6 more comments...
  • rteufel on 11 Sep 13
     
    This fits quite well in McDonald's global strategy as they do things like that in almost every country. In the Netherlnds for example, they sell the McKroket (http://www.mcdonalds.nl/sites/default/files/produits/477x355_0005_mckroket.png) and in Germany something like a "Bratwurst Burger" (Sausage Burger) ( http://www.burgerbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/McD_Germany_Nurnburger.jpg ). Trying to adapt to local tastes might also have a downside, though, as people from that country might be disappointed by the McDonald's copy of a dish they are very proud of (e.g. it worked well in the Netherlands but didn't in Germany).
  • anonymous on 12 Sep 13
     
    I think this article is really interesting because consumers do see McDonald's trying to expand into certain niches with their stores. Most McDonald's around the world have the same products, but the stores in Spain for example featured the McIberica which is similar to the McBaguette, but with a Spanish twist. I think that it is really interesting how the McBaguette is seriously taking off and am wondering if it will be featured at McDonald's in the US
  • Emily Prellwitz on 12 Sep 13
     
    I found this article especially interesting because I studied abroad in France last semester and I have actually tried this sandwich. I can attest to the fact that French people eat baguettes daily and you can literally see people walking down the street gnawing on a huge baguette so I can see how the McDonald's Baguette sandwich would be insulting to local bakeries. On the other hand I can see what Koffmann is saying when he says that the McDonald's sandwich seems fresher just because at local bakeries they make a bunch of sandwiches then set them out on display all day and if you go to get a sandwich later in the afternoon chances are it is not going to be extremely fresh. Which is also strange to think about...McDonald's having fresh food. I think this is a great move for McDonald's because it gives them a chance to delve into other cultures.
  • Brock Naylor on 12 Sep 13
     
    McDonald's innovation has always been astonishing not only to myself, but to the industry as a whole. It's quite interesting to take notice of its place as the clear industry leader, as other companies in its genre seemingly put as much effort into adapting to the market McDonalds has shaped to keep up with the titan as they have into development of innovative product campaigns to differentiate themselves. The introduction of the McBaguette is a clear example of this dynamic company's ability to mould themselves to cater to specific demographics in dramatically different cultural groups. Yet it still leads me to ask.. How did McDonalds become such an iconic brand in a way that Burger King, Wendy's and others did not?
  • Kara Blakley on 12 Sep 13
     
    I've been to a few international McDonalds locations, and I think what McDonalds is introducing with the "local" spin is important for the company. They need to stay fresh and appeal to French palettes. I believe the intriguing part of international McDonalds locations is the spin on our favorite, American items. I'm a shareholder in McDonalds and from a profitability standpoint, it's important to expand the French market if it's the second leader behind the United States. I wish they offered the item here - it looks good! I have an idea Prof. King - Retailing field trip to France! We need to try this!
  • Sarah Jacobsma on 12 Sep 13
     
    McDonald's always seems to amaze me, I think it is very important to realize that any business that enters a global market needs to cater to that cultures needs and wants and McDonald's had done just that. I have been to a couple international McDonald's locations in the UK and Spain. What really stood out to me was the menu in Spain -- they offered beer and more chicken options! Although the McBaguette isn't a traditional baguette it seems that McDonald's as always caters to what the customers want.
  • Lina Goens on 12 Sep 13
     
    What stood out in my head was the woman who was offended by the breading. Rather than taking this new food item as an insult, I think that the she should realize the efforts McDonald's makes to accommodate peoples' needs. Yes, it is not the same as homemade or some bakeries, but it is up to the French people to know the difference. McDonald's is only trying to create a low priced food that appeals to people considering the hard times that they have had.
  • Camille Sampson on 12 Sep 13
     
    Fantastic article. One important thing to remember for their new campaign however, is to remember the relevance of those commenting on their products. It's awesome that they were able to have the acceptance of a world-famous baker, but it would be even more influential if they could analyze cultural trends within France to see who really has an impact on the people. Is it this world known baker? Or, the friendly baker down the street. If they could grab a combination of positive expressions about their baguettes and other products, McDonald's could produce a positive message that would be received throughout various demographics of their target markets.
meganbos

2 Reasons Consumers Can't Help But Waste Money On Brand-Name Drugs - 4 views

www.businessinsider.com/ric-vs-name-brand-drugs-2013-6

product mk473

shared by meganbos on 21 Oct 13 - No Cached
  • meganbos on 21 Oct 13
     
    This article talks about the tendency for consumers to buy name brand drugs. It references the similarities between generic and name brand products, and about how people "believe" in the name brand products and do not trust the generic branded drugs despite the fact that they have exactly the same ingredients in them. In terms of product this article stresses the importance of a brand name and brand image in the consumer's eye. It highlights the fact that consumers are more likely to purchase products that they trust simply because of a logo or a name, even if the product costs substantially more. The article draws the point of how consumers first believe and then are conditioned to only buy name brand products. It brings to light that consumers need to consider the price quality perception and recognize that they are paying much more for exactly the same product.
  • ...5 more comments...
  • Kara Blakley on 23 Oct 13
     
    I found this article really relevant to my own life. I almost always buy the brand name product, especially with medications. My brother has just started to buy the Equate or Up&Up versions of Ibuprofen because he looked at the back of the bottle and found both products are made exactly the same. I completely agree with the point Megan pointed out about how we are "conditioned" to buy name brand products. My whole life, my family has always purchased brand name everything - from peanut butter, to toilet paper, to milk - because we perceived better quality with the higher price and brand name to back it up. I do agree with this to an extent that some items are made better or are of higher quality. I have been raised on these products and trust them, but I am definitely going to re-examine some of my product purchases in the future so I can save money but not trade down on quality and effectiveness.
  • Sarah Jacobsma on 24 Oct 13
     
    I agree with Megan's statement: "It brings to light that consumers need to consider the price quality perception and recognize that they are paying much more for exactly the same product." As a consumer we typically go for name brands but what we need to realize that some products -- like medication are the same. I agree that "brand names" mean a lot to people and sometimes I don't get why. I usually go for a generic brand especially when the ingredients are the same as the brand name - it just depends on the product and a consumers willingness to stray from what they know. It would be interesting to do a blind fold experiment on many brand name products versus off brand products and see what consumers prefer.
  • Lina Goens on 24 Oct 13
     
    I'm not a sucker! Always buy generic.
  • Sarah Wesp on 24 Oct 13
     
    It often depends on what I'm buying, but if I can get the generic, knowing it works the same, I will buy that product over the brand name. For this example specifically, it is often a mind game with patients, just like the article said. If you have the attitude that you are going to get better by taking Advil instead of Ibuprofen, then you probably will get better. On the other hand, if you have the attitude that you are not get better by taking Ibuprofen, then chances are you may not because people get it in their head that they will not get better with the certain medication even though it is the same thing. Seems pretty crazy, but it's true. So I can see where people are more apt to buy the brand name products due to that perception they have of that product.
  • Paige Laughlin on 24 Oct 13
     
    I totally agree with what Sarah said about it depending on what I'm buying. If I'm just getting ibuprofen, I will almost always get the generic brand from target or cvs. However, if I'm getting really any other sickness medications, I will get the brand name. Somehow it's always been in my head, like the article states, that those brands are better and will be more effective. I also think, for our generation, it depends on what we've grown up with. My parents normally buy brand name medicines (other than Advil), and I know my grandma will always get the brand names, no exceptions. It's interesting to see how people feel about this kind of thing.
  • Thomas Holmes on 24 Oct 13
     
    Having dealt with migraines most of my life I was always used to grabbing Excedrin when I was at home because that is what my Dad kept around for his migraines. After coming to college and really being budgeted I found myself trying the off brand migraine relief medicines. I was hesitant but when it came down to it I found comparable relief with each and now get to enjoy the extra few dollars in my pocket. I think a lot of it was that I just grew up with a certain brand in the house so I think it matters what your parents buy because when it comes to you buying on your own it is often what you remember using. If my Dad had used off brand medications then I am sure I would have just continued that trend right off the bat and not hesitated on getting them.
  • Emily Prellwitz on 29 Oct 13
     
    This trend shows through with not only brand name drugs vs. generic drugs, but also with just about every kind of consumer product. It shows through with different kinds of food and drinks as well. It is very hard to tell the difference between Diet Sam's Club soda and Diet Coke, however we all tend to go with the brand name Coke product instead. This shows how consumers stick with what they trust even though the other option might be the same.
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