The Alfa Romeos Are Coming, The Alfa ... by Thom Forbes

"USA Today"'s Chris Woodyard reminds us that Dustin Hoffman was a squeaky-faced kid in "The Graduate" when an Alfa Romeo last took a memorable spin in the consciousness of the Consumer Republic. Fiat, the parent of Chrysler Group, yesterday took the wraps off its return of the brand to the U.S. by introducing the "sexy new Alfa Romeo 4C." This is "after years of failed promises and delayed introductions," the "Los Angeles Times"'s David Undercoffler points out. ...Read the whole story

  • telecom Virgin Mobile Encourages Pre-Valentine's Breakups by Aaron Baar

    The pre-paid mobile carrier has marked Feb. 13 as "National Break Up Day," encouraging people who are in unhealthy relationships (particularly if those relationships involve a mobile carrier) to get out of them before spending money on something that won't last. ...Read the whole story

  • restaurants Dunkin' Launches Twitter Sweeps For V-Day by Karlene Lukovitz

    Fans who tweet about the sweetest things their sweethearts do @DunkinDonuts, using hashtag #DDSweetheart, earn chances to win a grand prize of two JetBlue travel vouchers. Six other winners will receive $50 Valentine's Day-themed mGifts. ...Read the whole story

  • pets Purina Debuts Spot During Westminster Show by Tanya Irwin

    Purina Pro Plan dog food debuted a consumer-generated TV spot during one of the world's most famous dog shows. Viewers who tuned in Feb. 11 and 12 to the 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show got the chance to see "everyday" dogs prove their greatness alongside the elite "Best in Show" class. Purina Pro Plan, the presenting partner of the prestigious annual dog show, debuted the 60-second spot "How I'm Great," a compilation of consumer-submitted videos celebrating every dog's greatness. ...Read the whole story

  • research Study: Google, Facebook, Walmart Fill Consumer Needs by Karl Greenberg

    Dawn Lerman, executive director of the Center for Positive Marketing at Fordham University, tells "Marketing Daily" that the ranking reflects the center's overall purpose: to focus teaching and research on marketing practice that is transparent, ethical, and empowering to consumers. "We like to cite Amazon as an example." ...Read the whole story

  • apparel Under Armour Holidays, And Largest Global Campaign by Karl Greenberg

    Under Armour is creating its own series of holidays this year to promote five major innovations and programs including a new apparel line called Coldgear Infrared, new footwear and a high-tech workout monitor called Armour 39. ...Read the whole story

  • retail For Consumers, Small Luxuries Are Back by Sarah Mahoney

    "Traditional discretionary expenditures in recent years have fallen victim to tighter family budgets," says Pam Goodfellow, consumer insights director for BIGinsights. "However, there's no question that there are still quite a few things that are off limits for the chopping block." ...Read the whole story

  • perspective 'Made In America': Why It Matters by Andrew Pierce

    Made in America represents a better way -- a trend that smart businesses should be leveraging. A brand that has developed authentic associations with "Made ... ...More

insight Minimalist Design by Tammy Chung

Consumers today need to be able to make purchase decisions more quickly by absorbing less information. Marketers need to restrain themselves and fight the impulse ... ...More

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