Luxury product marketers take note: contrary to previously established popular opinion, you can sell your high-ticket item on the Internet. New research shows that, at least when it comes to expensive jewelry, consumers have apparently overcome their original fears of buying expensive items via the Internet. Those fears were based on security concerns as well as a belief that jewelry is an "emotional sell" and buyers need to hold the item during a one-on-one transaction with an experienced salesperson. But new research from the International Diamond Exchange revealed that online jewelry sales in the U.S. represent 3.5 percent, or $2.1 …

Consumer products powerhouse Procter & Gamble is introducing a new coffee product that promises to be gentle on the stomach, but with the full taste and caffeine blast of regular brew. The goal of the new product, called Folgers Simply Smooth, is to recapture some of estimated 35 million to 40 million U.S. coffee drinkers who have given up the beverage because of its side effects. Despite recent reports touting the health benefits of coffee, including the protection it provides against diabetes, chronic liver disease and some cancers, coffee's roasting process produces phenols, naturally occurring chemical compounds that can irritate …

In marketing circles, the old adage that sex sells has merit, but it's not always true. Just ask fashion retailer French Connection. First the company shocked and offended some shoppers with its FCUK acronym for its French Connection U.K. stores, and now it's paying the price for risqué TV spots depicting sex and violence. Sales and profits at French Connection stores are falling after the spot, which depicts two women beating each other up before being soaked with water and then embracing, provoked outrage from viewers. At its annual shareholder meeting, French Connection admitted that profits would again miss forecasts, …

Domestic brewers are changing the way they market their products. Not long ago, Miller attempted to reposition its Miller Genuine Draft brand to appeal to more mature beer drinkers. The idea was to attract sophisticated 20-somethings who were straying from domestic beers in favor of imports, wine and spirits. The company started targeting drinkers who have grown out of the party scene, might be making more money and now want the better things in life. Now other brewers are also trying different marketing methods to increase sluggish beer sales. For example, Coors Brewing Co. is changing the way it …

Cosmetics marketer L'Oreal Paris has signed Academy-Award-winning actress Diane Keaton to a contract as an endorser for its roster of brands. The actress, known for a wide range of roles, from Kay Corleone in "The Godfather" trilogy to Annie Hall, the endearingly eccentric girlfriend to Woody Allen's character in the movie of the same name, will appear in print and TV ads for two L'Oreal Paris products, Age Perfect Pro-Calcium Restorative Hydrating Cream and Age Perfect Skin Supporting & Hydrating Make-Up. The campaign begins late this summer and is being handled by McCann Erickson, New York. Keaton's list of movie …

The next phase of Smirnoff's unique promotion for its vodka brands is complete. In March, the company said it was looking for an "enthusiastic drinks guru" to serve as an ambassador for the brands and an expert on the culture of cocktails. Now, after considering more than 60 applicants, a winner has been chosen. His name is Cameron Bogue, a Las Vegas resident, and he will be paid a $50,000 salary. He is expected to identify the hottest trends in the world of drinks, culinary fare and entertaining. His job description also includes submitting two Smirnoff Cocktail Trends Reports on …

Corporate advertising seems to be working for General Motors as it continues its efforts to attract new customers in the midst of long-term financial struggles. A corporate ad for the giant automaker that ran during the Winter Olympics resonated so well with consumers that the company has decided to try another. The new spot, dubbed "Now and Then," breaks tonight on CBS' "Survivor" after scoring well among all viewers during testing. GM's Bob Kraut, director-brand marketing, said the spot resonated particularly well with those younger than 35, with 83 percent having a positive response, a statistic that was music to …

Japanese automaker Toyota has chosen the telecast of one of the most American of all sports?football--to advertise what the company says is one of the most important product launches in its history. The vehicle is Toyota's new Tundra pickup truck, and the venue it has chosen to introduce it is the National Football League's Sunday night game halftime shows on NBC. Toyota has signed a deal to be the exclusive sponsor of the show, to be called the "Toyota Halftime Report." "This is import[ant] to us because of the connection we'll be able to make with a male audience," said …

Major marketers are finally trying to speak Spanish. After years of viewing the Hispanic market as a virtual afterthought, advertisers are starting to realize the U.S. Hispanic population is not only huge but growing, and as such it represents a lucrative marketing opportunity. Kellogg, Co., the nation's leading cereal marketer, is one marketer who has seen the light. The company puts ''Tony el Tigre" on Frosted Flakes boxes, offers a Latin-dance exercise video, and says it plans to boost marketing spending to Hispanics by 60 percent this year. Marketers are also taking steps to learn more about the Hispanic market …

If you think the Ford Mustang is as American as baseball and apple pie, and the Toyota Sienna is more reminiscent of sushi and chopsticks, think again. Ford's current advertising campaign carries the theme "Red, White & Bold" and resonates with traditional American imagery. The company is also on record as saying it wants Americans to "buy American." Yet a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that only 65 percent of the content of a Ford Mustang comes from the U.S. or Canada, while the automaker buys the rest of the Mustang's parts abroad. At the same …