The New Frugality: Consumer Withdrawal Runs Deep, May Last the Decade
The last tumultuous decade was the 1980s, which opened with hyper-inflation, high unemployment and astronomical interest rates, and closed as the “Me Decade” when dollars flowed easy and greed was good. The decade we just laid to rest – The Aughts – by contrast, will likely be remembered as the “Decade of Benign Neglect.” Coming
Part II: Sports Marketing Proves That a Rolling (Bridge)Stone Gathers No Moss
NYSportsJournalism.com recently interviewed Phil Pacsi, vice president of North America Consumer Tire Marketing for Bridgestone Americas, about the company’s sports marketing eeforts, sports fans and consumers, Tiger Woods and The Who. Part I of this interview appeared yesterday on Tirereview.com. Q: Bridgestone will be title sponsor of the Super Bowl XLIV half time show for
Falken All in With Social Media Push
Falken Tire has launched its new social media marketing efforts on the Internet. Utilizing FaceBook and Twitter, Falken said its goal is “to reach the already dedicated Falken fans and educate and inspire them to spread the word about the Falken brand.” “More than 350 million people are active on FaceBook, with about 50% of
Continental Faces Up With XING Network
The German-based XING business network can be likened to a corporate Facebook, and more than eight million members are already using the Web site to manage their business contacts. The service is very popular in German speaking regions, and to capitalize on this Continental AG has begun a one-year XING trial. “In recent months,
2009 Top Shop Winner: Enger Tire & Auto
Jim Enger is no control freak. When you have 20 retail stores, three warehouses, two parts outlets and associated business interests spread over 10 of the largest and busiest counties in Northeast Ohio, you can’t micro-manage every little thing. He doesn’t even try. But he does want to control his own destiny, and his approach
2009 Top Shop Finalist: Curry’s Automotive
When Matt and Judy Curry opened Curry’s Auto Service in 1998, the couple knew they were taking a risk. With one child at home and another on the way, the Currys opened their shop in Chantilly, Va., with 13 credit cards and $103,000 worth of debt. “Every last penny to our name was in this
Bib Hits the Social Networks
You can now “friend” Bibendum. The Michelin Man now has his own page on popular social networking site Facebook, and has created his own channel on YouTube. The social media marketing moves were part of the launch of Michelin’s new global advertising campaign. New ads, under the theme “The right tire changes everything,” will roll
Bosch Exec Urges Aftermarket to Leverage New Media
Auto parts makers have always relied on traditional media to carry their advertising and PR messages. Now the Internet has become a necessary, and very useful, marketing communications medium. That’s the opinion of David Sholtis, vice president of Bosch’s Filtration Americas business unit. Speaking at the recent Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago, Sholtis
Think You’re Female Friendly? Examine the Basics to see if Your Shop Measures Up
Women account for 85% of all consumer purchases, including everything from automobiles to healthcare, and they spend about $5 trillion annually – about half of the U.S. gross domestic product. It is predicted than over the next decade women will control two thirds of consumer wealth in the U.S. and be the beneficiaries of the
TIA Joins Social Networking Sites
The Tire Industry Association now has a presence social networking sites Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. TIA will use these sites as another channel – in addition to their current publications, member e-mails and Web site – to communicate late-breaking news, information about upcoming events and more. "I had been deliberating putting TIA on these sites