Remember when you were a kid and your mom or dad first gave you a little responsibility for yourself? Maybe it was the opportunity to hold your own lunch money or the task of sorting your own laundry (you are a big girl now, so you can figure out … Read on >

In my most recent HuffingtonPost piece, I write about the trendiest trend ever: holistic buying. Today’s consumers are taking the “it all matters” perspective, so integrating your marketing channels or emphasizing linear facts or ignoring their environmental expectations won’t work. They are looking for more: more … Read on >

I prefer to steer clear of politics as much as possible, but, Robin Toner’s article (reg. required) in the December 2nd New York Times pointed out a marketing angle that also applies to the consumer realm.  That is, that "feminine values of caregiving" and the perhaps more feminine negotiation … Read on >

I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks the supposed hottest trends have long since peaked by the time they get "buzz."  This makes me wonder: who defines trends and do we need to wait for those trends to become "official" (by being mentioned in three business magazines, for … Read on >

In all cases, brands need to be really clear and careful with their cause marketing efforts, but perhaps especially if yours is but one of many brands under a single multi-national corporate umbrella that might present conflicting messages.  Then you’ve really got your work cut out for you.  If that … Read on >

It is that month again.  The one where you suddenly see pink shoes, M&M’s, vacuum cleaners (?) and, well.. probably lawn mowers.  This just makes me wonder if a cause can be harmed more than helped when a brand attaches itself in this way, going to extreme lengths for some … Read on >

Both men and women, according to a recent Nielsen study, feel pressure to look good.  But, the more interesting finding therein is that women are not the only ones considering their looks these days.  According to the Nielsen press release: "84% of Americans believe that men are more interested … Read on >

It has been roughly a decade since the concept of “marketing to women” first got some attention, and a lot more brands are considering the importance of the women in their markets. (A round of applause goes here.) But, do I still detect a pink tinge in a lot … Read on >

Why does my mom’s 2003 Subaru gleam so bright in my eyes and why do I drool over a friend’s new mountain bike or cashmere sweater?  They may all be shinier and spiffier than what I own, but the reality is my almost 10-year old car works just great, I … Read on >

It isn’t easy being green, especially if you are a retailer conflicted between growing your physical space (in terms of square footage or number of stores) and inefficient use of environmental resources.  There are several ways to go about it.  You can certainly follow the traditional path and grow stores … Read on >