In an unprecedented whoosh, the business community’s welcoming back social valuation and difference in the marketplace. “Wow it really was starting to stink around here,” said one reputable marketing executive who would rather remain anonymous. “But you know, the reality is that this whole recession may be just what we needed!” The exec went on to say that the whole marketplace had become so overly commodified (lacking social value for the sake of commercial value) and commoditized (lacking any real difference across products and services) that we were really trading and selling stuff of very little value to people. “Now,” he said, “we’re seeing our customers seeking out, finding and demanding social values from what they buy and real difference in the products and services they receive.” He went on to say “It’s marketing 101, I know that. But it’s real breath of fresh air. And ultimately we all win with this new direction.” He finished by acknowledging the shame in the whole process – that it took a painful great recession to set off this new direction. “But at least change is in the air,” he said.
March 25th, 2009 - Posted in Anthropology, Behavior, Consumer Products, Cultural Trends, Habits | |
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So the kids really wanted to to see the movie “Hotel for Dogs”. “Hotel” had long left the theaters, BUT lo and behold the good old bargain theater still had it in its line-up! WOO-HOO! So on a dreary Sunday afternoon (and my birthday) we headed out for the movie (and a follow-up “make-your own pizza” at a nearby restaurant). [Note: I actually like movies like this, so there was little arm twisting AND at bargain prices I could happily drown myself in soda and popcorn somewhat guilt free.] The movie was, well, SOLD OUT. We luckily got in and ended up in the FRONT ROW. It was a funny movie and the kids and the audience went from smiles to tears to smiles. The message was so on point with the recession — all about the importance of family and caring for everyone and everything. And puppies and homeless dogs are always perfect for hurting souls. I’d say all of us in the audience for the movie last Sunday gave that bargain theater experience a big thumbs up as a great “recession concession.”
March 18th, 2009 - Posted in Anthropology, Behavior, Consumer Products, Cultural Trends, Ethnography, Habits | |
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