Penelope Candles
Sales of candles have skyrocketed, in the past decade, to become an over $2 billion industry here in the United States. They’re sold everywhere- through gift, specialty, drug/mass retailers, and purchased almost exclusively (90%) by women. Candles are a go to gift for many of us, often an indulgence that we won’t justify for ourselves […]
The 80’s Called, They Want Their Brands Back
There’s comfort in the fact that pop culture is cyclical. What’s old is new, what’s new is old- the beat goes on decade after decade and consumers soak it all up quite nicely. Right now, the volume level on 1980’s brands is increasing like a Venice Beach ghetto blaster on a hot summer day. With the […]
Surdyk’s Flights Re-Imagines Airport Eats
Airport food is, typically, passable at best. There’s an overabundance of chicken wings and nachos to accompany a bland array of pre-packaged salads. So many airport food options come with minimal inspiration. That’s where Surdyk’s Flights just smashes the competition. Creating a memorable experience is paramount for the team at Surdyk’s Flights and it’s parent […]
Beachy Cream- Pinups and Pints
Enjoying an ice-cold treat on a hot summer day belongs on life’s greatest hits list, for sure. The whole experience makes me giddy with delight. The mind-bending flavor selection process, watching the cone be packed full of goodness and then the delectable race to the finish before any melting occurs. It’s all good. Americans enjoy […]
Licensing Expo- A Recap
Brand licensing is a massive, and quite profitable, global empire. Worldwide sales of licensed goods soared to $241.5 Billion in 2014, the United States and Canada generating 59.8% ($144.3 Billion) of that total. Yes, those of us living in North America really love our branded merchandise- from food to fashion, sports and music, the licensing industry […]
Love. Lust. Liberator.
Over and over we hear the phrase “sex sells”. It’s certainly one of the tools in a marketers toolbox, whether overt or flirtatious, it always proves provocative. But how about actually marketing adult toys, that’s got to be pretty in your face, right? Wrong. Liberator is branding sex in a whole different way, for a […]
Hawaii Travel- An Insider’s Experience
Hawai’i has always been a special place for me, magical even. I, like many other visitors from around the globe, have flocked to the 50th U.S. state for leisure, family weddings and to honeymoon. Hawaii travel is unlike any other vacation, tropical or otherwise. And that’s exactly how the Hawai’i likes it. For those of us […]
Hollywood Bowl’s Marketing Magic
Every year, around this time, you can find me pouring over the Hollywood Bowl events schedule to plan my summer’s entertainment. It’s a bit of an obsession, really, and I look forward to each Bowl season with enthusiasm. The warm nights, bottles of rosé and sense of community we rarely unearth here in Los Angeles, are all […]
Jessica Beattie of HACIENDA
Developing a successful lifestyle brand is no small task. Mastering many diverse categories is tough for even the sharpest marketing minds. The biggest key to success is identifying a market niche and growing it organically in ways that stay true to the core brand. Holding true to a unique point of view is essential no […]
Commodity Fragrances- Behind the Brand
We discovered Commodity fragrances via an article in Fast Company in early 2014, then experienced the brand’s Fitting Kit, and have had a high school-like crush on the scents ever since. And what’s not to love? Simply beautiful packaging, sophisticated fragrances and a fresh approach to marketing. After a late 2014 relaunch by two London based entrepreneurs, Konstantin Glasmacher and Ash […]