Michael Cannell writes that a bit of industry intrigue lies behind a $20 million ad campaign launched yesterday by Ogilvy & Mather that urges Americans to think of their homes as the focus of their emotional lives. (And hence, more than worthy of gussying up with a little spending spree on new couches, drapes or other furnishings.) The campaign was commissioned by the World Market Center in Las Vegas, a.3-million-square-foot showroom and exhibition space that is trying to unseat High Point, N.C., as the furniture capital of the U.S. "None of the individual companies has the ability …

In an effort to help rid homes of unsafe items, all Babies R Us and Toys R Us stores will accept used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards and high chairs regardless of how old they are or where they were purchased, Andrea Chang reports. In exchange, from Friday through Sept. 20, consumers will receive a 20% discount on any new item in those categories. Millions of items have been recalled in the last two years for safety risks, including strangulation, suffocation and entrapment but consumers evidently are not getting the message. Less than 30% of …

In an effort to appear hip to younger customers (and attract their business and brand loyalty), Motel 6 today will announce that it is giving six weeks of free lodging to three touring bands selected by Primary Wave Music, the music publisher and marketer that created the promotion, Bruce Horovitz reports. "It's pretty cool to have a place to sleep that isn't on someone's floor -- or in the van," says the lead singer for Sparks the Rescue, one of the bands chosen. The bands are under no obligation to tweet their every thought or befriend groupies on Facebook. …

DDB has been tapped by A-B InBev to lead an ambitious effort to make Budweiser a ubiquitous global brand in the model of Coca-Cola, Jeremy Mullman reports. "We want the brand to stand for one thing everywhere," says Frank Abenante, A-B InBev's vp-global brands and innovation. DDB could introduce Budweiser into dozens of markets, as well as create campaigns for existing ones. In some cases, its programs and messages will be tailored to local markets by local brand teams and agencies, and local agency assignments are not affected. Bud is currently is available in about 80 markets worldwide but …

Automakers reacting to a 21% drop in luxury car sales last year are designing smaller, cheaper versions of their high-end vehicles, Matthew Dolan reports, just in case conspicuous consumption doesn't make a comeback. And campaigns are emphasizing "sustainability" and fuel economy in a segment that used to tout horsepower and leather interiors. For example, Cadillac is introducing a compact model, ATS, in 2011. Lexus will unveil a new compact concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Toyota's 2010 RX SUV is upgraded technologically but is $900 cheaper than the 2009 version. It's a radical about-face for the …