Finally, Some Tobacco Slogans We Can Live With by Thom Forbes

Warren Buffett is reported to have given his rationale for why he "liked" the cigarette business to John Gutfreund, then chairman and CEO of Salomon Brothers, in 1987: "It cost a penny to make. Sell it for a dollar. It's addictive. And there's a fantastic brand loyalty," as Bryan Burrough and John Helyar reported in Barbarians at the Gate. ...Read the whole story

  • beverages Coke's Latest Videos Feature 'Happiness Truck' by Karlene Lukovitz

    The latest twist: a "Happiness Truck" -- a Coke delivery truck converted into a mobile vending machine that dispenses free Coke and other unexpected prizes, such as surfboards and inflatable toys. ...Read the whole story

  • retail Cut, Color & Cappuccino: Small Luxuries Are Back by Sarah Mahoney

    New research from the National Retail Federation shows that Americans aren't just spending again, they're embracing many of the little luxuries they shunned during the worst of the recession -- like trips to the salon and the occasional jaunt to Applebee's. ...Read the whole story

  • sports Brands Get Behind MSG's 'BNP Paribas Showdown' by Karl Greenberg

    The title partner, for the third year, is financial firm BNP Paribas. It will hold a VIP reception at the Garden for 900 guests (up from 500 last year), including appearances by the players. The company has been running signage in Times Square, on New York City buses, taxis and in Metro North trains. ...Read the whole story

  • financial services Study: Banks Still Have To Restore Trust by Tanya Irwin

    National financial services firms continue to suffer from an enormous consumer trust deficit, according to Edelman. Despite some recovery in the U.S. economy, nearly half of Individual Investors trusted financial services companies less in 2010 vs. 2009. ...Read the whole story

  • packaged goods Unilever Dangles 'Dancing' In Contest For Dove by Aaron Baar

    The Dove Close-Up Challenge encourages women to submit a 60-second video explaining why they are ready and deserve a close-up. The winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles for the full "Dancing With the Stars" experience. ...Read the whole story

  • research Study: Gen Y Is Not Inherently Optimistic by Karl Greenberg

    The report's analysts tried to tease out the differences between generation-defining attitudes and those reflecting the joie de vivre of youth. What they found was that, when the lighthearted quality of youth is extracted from cohort survey responses, sanguine feelings about the future fade year by year, from the young end to the older side of the generational bracket. ...Read the whole story

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