The Los Angeles-based architecture and branding firm (M)Arch is run by two architects and a strategic-marketing professional. They have structured their firm into what could be a significant niche in the business of architecture: The three partners concentrate on creating a holistic brand experience for clients that includes good design as part of the strategy and keeps their egos out of the picture. "We are focused on creating significant work, not signature work," says architect Todd Erlandson. Creating significant work means defining a company's values, and maximizing those values into a built environment, whether it be for a corporate …

Led Zeppelin, the Doors, the Grateful Dead and Carlos Santana are suing Wolfgang's Vault, which was launched three years ago as an Internet merchant for the vast trove of memorabilia amassed by the late concert promoter Bill Graham. The Web site ignited considerable fan excitement last month when it began streaming hundreds of rare concert moments that Graham filmed during the glory days of rock. The complaint filed Monday in U.S. District Court in San Francisco claims that the memorabilia sales and streaming of performance footage are clear exploitations of the intellectual property and artistic success of the …

Two wisecracking birds who trick a man into bumping into his patio door because Windex has made it so clean took top honors as the most-liked ad of the 43 TV commercials followed in 2006 by Ad Track, USA Today's survey of consumer's reaction to advertising. The ad makes its point about the product, too, according to Ad Track. It also finished No. 4 among ads the respondents rated as "very effective." Simplicity and humor remain keys to producing a commercial that consumers like. Dairy Queen ranked No. 2 as "most-liked" with two funny ads for Blizzard ice cream …

Every year around this time, Westinghouse Electric Co. spokesman Vaughn Gilbert fends off consumers who call to ask about the company's decorative Christmas bulbs. "I tell them we don't make Christmas lights," says Gilbert. "We make nuclear power plants." The Westinghouse operation, based in Monroeville, Pa., a unit of Japanese conglomerate Toshiba Corp., is a nuclear power company. But several decades after Westinghouse stopped making electrical appliances, there is a lot of confusion about the many products that still carry the world-famous Westinghouse brand. Several companies have purchased licenses allowing them to slap Westinghouse's name on their ceiling fans, …

With fancy bottles and high price tags that often have little to do with the quality of the product inside, the liquor industry looks a lot like the perfume business these days. Hundreds of new choices--from flavored liquors to the new Bong Vodka (named for the bottle's shape)--are popping up to satisfy an apparent growing thirst among Americans to sip more attractive and expensive alcoholic beverages. In the last two years, spirits companies have introduced more than 210 varieties of flavored vodkas, rums and tequilas; and dozens more "superpremium" varieties priced at an average of $25 a bottle and …

Friday marked the end of a 75-year tradition for many American families: Snipping and saving box-top coupons for discounts on silverware and other merchandise sold through the Betty Crocker catalog. General Mills shut down the program as the habit of saving up for a future purchase has faded in favor of buying on credit. Mark Bergen, who chairs the marketing department at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, says the Betty Crocker reward program was remarkable for two characteristics--its longevity and the depth of emotion it inspired among its devotees. It became more than a coupon redemption …

Wealthy consumers across the country are turning to consultants to find ultra-exclusive, money-is-no-object gifts from around the world for clients, employees, children's teachers and even loved ones. Consultants like Donum Elite Gifting of Hollywood are often regional operations; sometimes they're part of large luxury-goods companies. For luxury brands, gift companies can help get their products to the wealthiest customers. Requesting Donum's services are movie studios, independent production companies, talent agencies, Fortune 500 executives, and corporate law firms throughout Southern California. Budgets can start at $1,000 for a single shopper's list to several hundred thousand dollars for a company buying …

Although Procter & Gamble hopes to increase its operating margin from 19.4% last year to around 24% in 2010, it says it will reinvest any savings it makes from marketing efficiencies back into the business. P&G intends to grow its business through cost-cutting, sales growth and shifts to more profitable businesses, like beauty care and higher-value products, executives told a meeting of analysts in Cincinnati yesterday. At the same time, however, the company went to lengths to point out that restraining ad spending doesn't necessarily have to hurt brands. P&G's North American fabric-care business, for example, cut ad …

FAO Schwarz CEO Ed Schmults' strategy to resurrect the fabled New York toy store is a complex formula of razzle-dazzle, exclusive toys and a little bit of magic, combined with a large helping of attention to detail. New hires from clerks to toy demonstrators are drilled in customer service and tested on their knowledge of toys. While FAO is positioning itself as unique in the market, according to industry analyst Chris Byrne, the question remains whether the experience is "worth paying $5 or $10 more for a Teddy bear." Discount chains like Wal-Mart and Target …

As it nears the $1 billion mark in annual sales, the Hooters chain is making over some of its oldest restaurants for the first time, adding more seating and plasma TVs and remodeling with higher ceilings and restroom upgrades. Fifteen restaurants have the new look, and most others will be remodeled in the next couple years. The uniforms of the scantily clad "Hooters Girls" will stay the same, however, according to Coby Brooks, the company's president and CEO. "The girls are what we're all about," Brooks admits, "although we have great food." The company is also into …