Cannibals in New Guinea prefer eating Japanese people. They find Caucasians too salty. (source: Harper’s 2/09)
I see…I see a shelf-talker
According to a survey by Instore Marketer, half of marketers have not taken any significant steps to develop their expertise in shopper marketing. Most admit they still rely primarily on instinct and experience, not data. (source: Shopper Marketing, 1/09)
Better than a birthday cake
To celebrate their 15th year, Taxi designed a jacket that is helping Canada’s homeless stay warm during their arctic winters, and helping them blend in with their fellow citizens. Stuff its channels with newspaper to adjust the amount of warmth you need. Take the paper out and you’ve got a waterproof windbreaker. Also makes a decent pillow. The creative director who thought it up got to test his creation in a minus-28-degree meat locker for 8 hours before it was approved for production. Until everybody has a home, this is a good start. http://www.15belowproject.org/ (source: Springwise)
Google maps on the road
Too cheap for mobile web? If you’re lost, but within cellphone range, text Google at 466453. Tell them where you are, type in “to,” and then tell them where you want to go. Google will text back the directions. (source: Ideal Bite, 1/20/09)
They’re all crooks
Americans have some trust issues.
- As few as 13% of Americans trust big business
- Only 39% of employees trust senior leadership
- 75% of consumers feel companies don’t tell the truth in their advertising
- 75% of employees in big companies observed violations of law or company standards in a 12-month period. Think about that for your next brief.
(source: Reputation Garage/Trendwatching, 2/09)
Move over low-fat
“Natural,” in all its claim permutations, was featured on 23% of new food and beverage launches globally in 2008 (up from 20% in ’07) and 30% in the US (up from 27%). Fortified claims are holding steady in the US at 6%, but are down 1% to 5% in the rest of the world. According to Mintel, the study’s source: "Food and drink manufacturers today realize that natural and pure have become healthy eating ideals, as people look for holistic, genuine nutrition they can trust."
What recession?
This $75,000 necklace is part of the “Sponge Bob” 10th anniversary celebration. If you can’t swing the bling, there are also $98 T-shirts. (source: Promo Xtra, 1/20/09)
What ad?
Ad recall is 36% lower in lousy economic times, at least for ads run during the Super Bowl. According to a study of the last 12 games, when consumers’ confidence is low, they don’t pay attention to the marketing messages. Perhaps their subconscious knows they can’t buy it anyway. (source: Gallup/Ad Age, 1/21/09)
Basta
More like busted—wallets that is. Sales of pasta, the quick and cheap go-to food, were up 5% last year, despite commodities-driven price hikes. (source: National Pasta Association/Marketing Daily, 1/21/09)
A reminder…
that sometimes the idea you edit out before the meeting is the right one. Don’t burn it. This ad ran during Wednesday’s “American Idol.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNT2LexnswM
I dream of Jeannie
People who grew up watching black-and-white TVs are more likely to dream in BW than those who grew up watching color TV. Will we begin to dream in HD? (source: Discover, 2/09)
Remember those trust issues I mentioned? This Geico ad from the 2/09 National Geographic hits them head on. Who doesn’t trust the Oracle of Omaha? Notice the addition to the logo.
To celebrate their 15th year, Taxi designed a jacket that is helping 
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