Unlock the Social, Mobile, Local Badge with Foursquare

As of January 2010, Foursquare was averaging more than one check-in per second.

All aboard! We’re hopping back on the SoMoLo (social-mobile-local) train. This week, we’re chatting it up with Foursquare, the go-to mobile application for your inner-social circle and retail therapy needs. Beyond the social status perks Foursquare gives to its users, it also beefs up the bottom line for local retailers by creating new and loyal customers. Eric Friedman, Director of Client Services at Foursquare, shares his perspective on shopper conversion, Facebook Places and the privacy debate.

Check out the three-minute insight to hear why local retailers are favoring the SoMoLo train over traditional retail marketing.



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Want to learn more from Eric? Download the full interview or read the transcript.

Would you forgo all of your traditional advertising in place of offering a free promotion online? Share your thoughts with our LinkedIn Group or below.

*For more information on The Brand Show or Two West, Inc. visit twowest.com.

What's The Deal With Groupon?

Groupon is the largest deal-of-the-day business in the world, relying solely on the virality of social media, email, mobile and world-of-mouth.

This week, it's on with Groupon, the localized, deal-of-the-day website. Forbes.com recently named Groupon the fastest growing business in history based on a valuation of more than $1 billion not even 16 months after startup. Today Groupon truly demonstrated its market power with a nationwide Gap offer that may exceed well over 500,000 purchases. Julie Mossler, Consumer Marketing Manager at Groupon, talks to us about her company's rapid growth, original brand voice and profound influence on shopper culture.

Check out the 3-minute insight to hear about social commerce, the newest trend in retail marketing.



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Want to learn more from Julie? Download the full interview or read the transcript.

Do you use Groupon as a consumer or business? How will social commerce change shopper behavior? Share your thoughts with our LinkedIn Group or below.

*For more information on The Brand Show or Two West, Inc. visit twowest.com.

Designing Your Way Through the Recession

Jay Howard started I.O. Metro after purchasing his first home and discovering a need for high quality, contemporary furniture at a reasonable price.

The Brand Show is excited to introduce a new format, customized for busy marketing professionals like you. Enjoy our condensed 3-minute takeaway from our interviews with some of the most fascinating and successful brands.

The Brand Show spoke to Jay Howard this week, CEO of I.O. Metro, a fast growing furniture retailer that prides itself on being different. The company has opened 21 stores in the U.S. within the past five years and saw an 80% sales increase in 2008 – the largest increase seen among independent furniture retailers. Learn how brand differentiation plays a role in the I.O. Metro growth strategy and why “recession” isn’t a part of this brand’s vocabulary.

Check out the 3-minute insight to hear why an economic downturn doesn’t necessarily equal stagnant growth for retailers.



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Want to learn more from Jay? Download the full interview or read the transcript.

How can you differentiate your brand? What risks are you willing to take to grow? Share your thoughts with our LinkedIn Group or below.

*For more information on The Brand Show or Two West, Inc. visit twowest.com.

A Natural Fit: Burt's Bees and the Conscious Consumer

John Replogle is President and CEO of Burt's Bees.

The Brand Show is excited to introduce a new format, customized for busy marketing professionals like you. Enjoy our condensed 3-minute takeaway from our interviews with some of the most fascinating and successful brands.

In the hot seat this week was John Replogle, President and CEO of Burt's Bees, a leader in natural personal care products. The company has notably grown 40% internationally within the past year and was recently named the #1 Green Brand according to ImagePower. Tune in as John discusses the Burt's Bees brand story, The Greater Good business model, "dumpster diving" and why the conscious consumer is ultimately the ideal consumer.

Check out the 3-minute insight to hear how Burt's Bees attributes much of its success to effectively targeting the conscious consumer.



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Want to learn more from John? Download the full interview or read the transcript.

Who is your conscious consumer? Are they the backbone of your business? Share your thoughts with our LinkedIn Group or below.

*For more information on The Brand Show or Two West, Inc. visit twowest.com.

Who's Kathy Ireland's Real Boss?

Kathy is the CEO and Chief Designer of Kathy Ireland Worldwide.

The Brand Show is excited to introduce a new format, customized for busy marketing professionals like you. Enjoy our condensed 3-minute take-away from our interviews with some of the most fascinating and successful brands.

This week we interviewed global home-fashion icon, Kathy Ireland from Kathy Ireland Worldwide (KIWW), to speak about her philosophy in leading a successful retail empire. KIWW currently ranks above brands such as Harley, Sony and Coca Cola on the Top 100 Global Licensor List.

Check out the 3-minute insight where Kathy explains how empathy can build a $1.4 billion brand.



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Want to learn more from Kathy? Download the full interview or read the transcript.

How does knowing your customer impact your brand development decisions? Share your thoughts with our LinkedIn Group or below.

*For more information on The Brand Show or Two West, Inc. visit twowest.com.

When Can You Ask Your Consumers to Pay More?

Reed Howlett is Chief Executive Officer for Nature’s Variety, a provider of holistic nutrition for dogs and cats.

The latest installment of The Brand Show Roadshow takes us to Orlando, FL, for the APPA Global Pet Expo. Roadshow hosts Justin Shaw and Scott Burditt had the opportunity to discuss trends and challenges with the pet industry’s retail brand leaders. In this episode, Reed Howlett, CEO of Nature’s Variety, offers commentary on how his brand seeks innovation in retail marketing. Nature’s Variety offers it’s core market of pet lovers and health fanatics multiple lines of luxury pet foods, sold at premium price points.

Howlett shares:

• How Nature’s Variety identified their brand’s target market (2:25)
  
  
• The process of communicating their core value to that audience (4:51)
  
  
• The difference between consumer, retail and brand-led industry trends (7:00)
  
  
• How to achieve a higher price point on holistic and natural products (8:58)

How does knowing your customer impact your brand development decisions? Share your thoughts with our LinkedIn Group or below.

*For more information on The Brand Show or Two West, Inc. visit twowest.com.

What is Your Brand Really Worth?

Jez Frampton leads Interbrand as Global Chief Executive and is a thought leader in the practice of brand valuation.

In 1974, the world thought of the word “brand” as just another term for “logo.” That year, global branding powerhouse Interbrand was formed. Since then, they have changed the world’s view of branding and brand management by creating and managing brands as valuable business assets. Interbrand has positioned itself as the world’s largest brand consultancy, each year publishing a list of America’s most valuable retail brands . In this episode, The Brand Show catches up with Jez Frampton, Group Chief Executive for Interbrand.

Frampton explains:

• The history of brand valuation and how it works (1:05)
  
  
• How the practice of brand consistency has evolved (6:07)
  
  
• The “store within a store” concept and the value of cooperative branding (13:30)
  
  
• Trends of the most valuable brands (18:46)

Which of Interbrand’s top 10 most valuable brands is best poised for growth? Share your thoughts with our LinkedIn Group or below.

*For more information on The Brand Show or Two West, Inc. visit twowest.com.