Response to Drew's Post

After reading the blog about brand marketing I know that I am one of those people who shops sometimes and looks for specific logos that I know are trendy and popular. At this school we even notice that many college students wear the same things based on brands and logos. Almost everyone has a North Face jacket and almost every girl on this campus has a pair of Uggs. We all have purchased these pieces of apparel because we all wanted to fit in and go with the crowd and wear what is popular. A company having a logo attached to it, it a fantastic idea because it makes the customer links the logo or symbol to the company. This makes them recognize the brand everywhere they go which in my opinion is a phenomenal strategy.

Louis Vuitton Model

I think that everyone is well aware of the one of a kind designer Louis Vuitton. The fashion accessories that this designer puts out are amazing pieces that are sported by celebrities and highly wealthy individuals or at least that is how the company use to be perceived. Now this luxury designer has all accessories made in highly automated factories that literally pops out hundreds of the same bag. This company has lost that hand made feel to simply satisfy the needs of the public. One company that has stuck with the hand crafted model is Hermes. This company is known for designing luxurious scarves and handbags. This company takes the time to individually make each scarf and bag for the customer that is going to purchase it. One bag takes around 13 hours to make. That right there shows commitment to a customer because this company clearly cares about the quality that they put out. Hermes refuses to use highly automated factories to produce their products because they do not want to lose the status of their company name.

Do you think that Hermes is making a smart business decision in not using an automated system? Do you think that them not using the automated system could potentially make them lose money?

In Response to Haley's Post

Whenever you walk into a Barnes and Noble it is standard that a person will see a Starbucks located in it as well. The two are very closely associated with one another because it is the perfect situation who wouldn't want to go browse for books with a nice hot cup of coffee in their hands to sip on. The marketing strategy behind this is fantastic because it seems both companies are benefiting from this relationship. The only thing I  can think of in today's day in age is that Barnes and Nobles has recently had scares of closing because many electronic book devices are taking over, but as long as they can push through both companies will be fine. Another relationship that is similar to Barnes and Nobles and Starbucks is Target and Starbucks. Every single time I come across a Target store a Starbucks is located right inside. It seems that Starbucks is on top of their marketing techniques because they try to reach a variety of people everyday and keep them satisfied.