Press

The Voice of Truth
Celebrity endorsers seem to be noticeable everywhere. In ads, making personal appearances, on TV. Sometimes their voices are the only thing in the TV commercial and one wonders whether it really matters to consumers  and, ultimately, to the brand  whos reading the copy. This article examines just that issue. A celebrity face may elevate the presence of a brand, but a voice? Judge for yourself. By Robert Passikoff, Marketing Daily. (3/11/10)

A PR battle for the ages: AT&T vs. Verizon
A look at the PR battle between AT&T and Verizon. Our Customer Loyalty Engagement Index is cited here in regard to the two wireless carriers. Read more here. By John Cook, American City Business Journals.  (2/4/10)

Starbucks, Wells Fargo Surge in Customer Loyalty
For all 518 brands in the 71 categories tracked in Brand Keys' 14th annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index®, attributes and loyalty drivers relating to "brand" have increased dramatically. This article provides additional insights into 2010 consumer loyalty. Noreen O'Leary, Brandweek 01/30/10 (1/30/10)

Retail Stores Modest Gains in December
Last week the nation's retailers confirmed that they indeed had a merry Christmas in 2009, a year after weathering the worst holiday shopping season in decades (which we also predicted, in 2007). Overall the industry turned in a 2.9% increase in December versus the same period a year ago, which makes us right again. (The National Retail Federation predicted a 1% decline, only further proving the significant difference between measuring what consumers say, and measuring how they'll really behave.) Read here for more insights.  (1/8/10)

C-MEEs: Cross-Media Engagement Evaluations
An article that answers the question if more touch points means greater results for a brand? This article answers that question by examining cross-media consumption affects on the basis of medias ability to generate increased level of brand engagement. And also as well as actual consumer behavior in the marketplace. By Robert Passikoff and Don E. Schultz, Advertising Research Resource.  (12/15/09)

Saks Faces Dilemma as Luxury Shoppers Stay AWOL
An article that focuses on struggling sales for luxury retailers. Robert Passikoff comments that "there's been a redefinition of what luxury is now." Read more here. By Phil Wahba, Forbes.com  (12/7/09)

Verizon Opens Fire on iPhone's 'Geek Chich' with the Bad-Boy Droid
Verizon's Droid ads seem to challenge the "geek chic" appeal of the iPhone. Robert Passikoff comments that the Droid is trying to point out the iPhone weaknesses, and that this is the introduction. Read more here. By Sam Gustin, Daily Finance.  (10/28/09)

Could the Droid Be the Device That Finally Dethrones the iPhone?
Verizon introduces a teaser ad for the Droid and many speculate whether this can compete with the iPhone. The iPhone was the top-ranked brand on the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty and Engagement Index this year, and for the first time in 12 years of our survey three cellphone brands made the top 10 list of brands with the most loyalty. Samsung after the iPhone and Blackberry as fourth. Read more here for Robert Passikoff's comments on the Droid. By Rita Chang, Advertising Age.  (10/26/09)

Basement Hopes for Bounce of the Century
Filene's Basement is launching the biggest advertising campaign they've had to celebrate their 100th birthday. Their campaign focuses on the slogan "Where Bargains Were Born." Robert Passikoff comments that it is important for Filene's to showcase their value offerings as many retailers are trying to do this during the recession. Read more here. By Jenn Abelson, The Boston Globe. (10/22/09)

Phone Top List of Most-Trusted Brands
Brand Keys 2009 Loyalty Leaders rankings and an explanation of some of the major shifts that have occurred this year. Read more on the rankings here. By Kenneth Hein, Brandweek.  (10/17/09)

Brain Scans and Beyond: Marketers Tap Science To Stimulate Shoppers
Companies are turning to sensory marketing and neuromarketing during reduced consumer spending. Robert Passikoff comments that sensory marketing is difficult to measure and he comments "So the challenge for retailers and fashion brands is to tap into all the sense and come up with ways to affect consumers through the store experience. The experience becomes the differentiator." Read more here. By Valerie Seckler and Cecily Hall, Women's Wear Daily. (10/14/09)

Advertisers Case Studies Drive Agenda for Second Annual OVAB Digital Media Summit
The Out-of-Home Video Advertising Bureau (OVAB) has their second annual Digital Media Summit. A list and description of the speakers, including Brand Keys, Inc. By Denise Welch, OVAB.  (10/13/09)

Instant Coffee Buzz
Robert Passikoff talks about Starbucks new "Via" instant coffee and their launch. Starbucks has compared this launch to their frappucino launch in supermarkets and stores. Robert talks about the differences and how via is functioning as a replacement for their brew. He also talks about how this trend to in-store packaged goods takes away business from the stores. Read more here about this situation here. By Robert Passikoff, Adweek.com  (10/6/09)

10 Branding Trends: Value is the New Black
An article discussing Brand Key's Top 10 trends for 2010. In Marketing VOX. (10/5/09)

10 Trends For 2010
Brand Keys top 10 trends for 2010 with descriptions of these trends by Robert Passikoff, Media Post's Marketing Daily.  (10/2/09)

Saturn Leaves GM's Orbit; Gravity Will Be Missed
Saturn will no longer be part of the GM brand. Robert Passikoff comments that "Saturn had also reached a point where it was beginning to become a category placeholder" so the demise of this brand may not be for the worst since Saturn had not supported the Saturn name in a meaningful way in a long time. Read more of his comments here and how the car brands rank in the annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. By Karl Greenberg, Media Post News Marketing Daily.  (10/2/09)

10 Branding and Marketing Trends for 2010
Brand Keys examines the top 10 trends for marketers in 2010. By Robert Passikoff, The Loyalty Marketer's Association.  (10/1/09)

Google Fast Flip Relies On Behavior To Serve Content, Ads
Google Labs releases Google Fast Flip which allows people to browse through bundles of recent news, headlines, as well as feeds from individual publishers in order to personalize it. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying that familiarity, in part, attracts people to use products and that tapping into readers behavior to serve up content could provide this experience for people. Read more here. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost News Online Media Daily.  (9/15/09)

Toys 'R' Us Adds KB Toys to its URL Empire
KB toys joins the Toys 'R' Us URL Empire. KB Toys is now part of Toys.com which is owned by Toys 'R' Us. Robert Passikoff comments on this acquisition saying it can't hurt and that "its better than someone going to KBToys.com is redirected to the Toys 'R' Us Website than to a dead page." He also says this is a way for Toys 'R' Us to continue fending off Walmart - which has become the country's top seller of toys. Read more here. By Tim Parry, ChiefMarketer. (9/14/09)

GM Needs To Step On Gas
While auto sales increased in August, GM sales dropped 20%. Robert Passikoff explores what GM has been going through and says "GM was never very good at branding" yet still continues to not present the cars "in any context that is meaningful to consumers." Read more here. By Robert Passikoff, Media Post's Marketing Daily.  (9/3/09)

Is Brand Loyalty a Thing of the Past?
The Wall Street Journal has found that certain consultants and financial institutions aren't worried about consumer loyalty and think after the economy gets better they will come back to dismissed brands. Robert Passikoff disagrees with this saying "this is not going to be a forget-and-forgive society" because now with the web consumers can get much more information about brands before buying them than they could in the past. Read more from Robert Passikoff here. By The Wall Street Journal. (9/3/09)

Getting It Right In Retail
This article explains two competing shops in France and how they battled winning customer loyalty. Robert Passikoff comments on this situation saying "Basically, today, products are all the same. Value is now derived beyond the primary features of the product." By Richard Lewis, Food Business News. (9/1/09)

Whole Foods Attempts to Quell Boycott Cries
After CEO John Mackey wrote an op-ed column on health care the consumers began to protest Whole Foods, some threatening to boycott the store completely. His assertions go against the brand image of Whole Foods. Amy Shea talks about this saying "Of all the topics he could have chose, he chose one that is very, very close to the space in which the brand participates." Read more here. By Alex Palmer, Adweek.com  (8/24/09)

What's In A Hedge Fund Name?
A new hedge fund that is based in Switzerland has named itself Ground Zero Strategic Commodities. Amy Shea comments on this name choice saying "It's not a good decision" and that the "last thing they should have done is evoke images of crumbling financial buildings." Read more here. By Josh Lipton, Minyanville Media.  (8/21/09)

NBR Transcripts: August 19, 2009
Transcript of the Nightly Business Report on August 19, 2009. The Taxman Cometh For UBS's American Clients. Robert Passikoff speaks.  (8/19/09)

Whole Foods Sweats CEO's Health Care Manifesto
John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods has made some personal remarks on the issue of health care reform that is sparking boycotts of the grocery chain. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying while he has the right to his opinion, "from the brand's perspective, perhaps it wasn't the wisest thing to do" since people can't hurt Mackey they can turn against the brand. While some believe this will be short lived Robert Passikoff comments on how this goes against the brand's image and it is now an issue of brand dissonance. Read more here. By Parija B. Kavilanz, CNNMoney.com (8/18/09)

'Making It' In Ad World Doesn't Mean NYC
An article about the advertising world and how one man, David Smith, moved from New York to Baltimore to work in the industry. Robert Passikoff comments that there are a lot of good people who aren't in the city, and that "great work is not determined by the longitude and latitude so much as it is the ability to take your creative talent anywhere." By Liz Farmer, Daily Record Business Writer.  (8/12/09)

How Does A Company Recover From A Tragedy?
After a deadly shooting outside an LA Fitness Club outside of Pittsburgh, the chain is trying to recover itself. Robert Passikoff comments that this isn't something easy to walk away from. He says that regardless of whether or not it was the brand's fault rebranding is usually a "Band-aid remedy, and so you are better off walking away and starting fresh." He also comments on AIG's attempt for a new name. Read more here. By Scott Mayerowitz, ABC News Business Unit.  (8/6/09)

A Primer on Back-to-School Shopping
Students and parents start back-to-school shopping this season. A Brand Keys survey shows that back-to-school sales will decline 10% this year. This is an average spend of $531 per family. By Mark Dolliver, Progressive Grocer.  (8/4/09)

Why Should GM Give Marketing Any Respect?
A look at the marketing world, specifically what is happening with GM. While arguing the problem of commoditization he cites the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty and Engagement Index that shows on average "only 21% of all products and services examined had any point of differentiation that were meaningful to consumers." By Jack Trout, Advertising Age. (7/29/09)

School Shoppers Looking Closely At Retail Value
According to a Brands Keys survey during back to school shopping consumers will be spending about 10% less this year, this works out to the average shopper spending $531 during the season. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying that shoppers will still be evaluating retailers on who is offering the best price. By Aaron Baar, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (7/28/09)

If You Don't Take Care of Your Customer, Somebody Else Will
Robert Passikoff delves into the restaurant and retail category describing customer service and how certain categories are cutting back on the things that please customers. He indicates that the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index shows "it is the shopping experience that continues to drive what value in retail is really all about." Read more about this issue here. By Robert Passikoff, MarketingWeb. (7/23/09)

Zappos.com Fits For Amazon
Amazon spent more than $850 million to acquire Zappos.com recently. Robert Passikoff comments on this match saying they are both companies that have a sense of community and foster to its customers, and since Amazon has been trying to expand, this "acquistion is the best way to go" for them. By Tim Parry, Multichannel Merchant.  (7/23/09)

Up Front With Family Planning
This article delves into family planning and consumers feeling more comfortable with the category. Robert Passikoff comments that the category will continue to grow and consumer expectations will increase faster than the brands can keep up with them. By Dan Alaimo, Progressive Grocer.  (7/21/09)

Customer Experience Defining Value In Retail
Robert Passikoff comments on the Brand Keys 2009 Customer Loyalty and Engagement Index saying that customer experience continues to drive value. He also takes a look at the retail department store category. By Robert Passikoff, Branding Strategy Insider. (7/21/09)

Local Cafe? Nope, It's a Starbucks
Starbucks launches a new location in Seattle this Friday, minus the trace of anything that looks like Starbucks, even the name, which will be 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea. Robert Passikoff comments that this attempt at a neighborhood cafe feel doesn't take away from the fact that Starbucks has "processed and re-engineered" their original attempt at a pseudo-European coffeehouse. Read more of his comments here about how Starbucks can provide real added value in the coffee category. By Donna Goodison, Boston Herald. (7/21/09)

Starbucks Goes Back to Its Roots
Starbucks attempts to go back to its premium coffeehouse roots by opening up smaller coffee shops. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying "it feels like the first time they've done something right in a long time" and that Starbucks can offer more community involvement with this. By Emily York, Advertising Age.  (7/20/09)

Our Favorite 11 Infomercials
An article on the growing number of infomercials and the top 11 infomercials. Robert Passikoff says that the increased attention is due to the "perceived discount or more bang for your buck". Read more here as he comments on this trend and point out what is happening with the Snuggie. By Scott Mayerowitz, ABC News Business Unit.  (7/17/09)

Guess Who's Skating Into Town?
Robert Passikoff comments on the current coffee category and the players. Tim Hortons Inc. is entering this marketplace opening 12 new stores in NYC. Read more here to find out what is in store for Tim Hortons Inc. and the category as a whole. By Robert Passikoff, MediaPost's Marketing Daily. (7/14/09)

Real Fashion Brands = Value (Sometimes)
Robert Passikoff takes a look at fashion brands in the Brand Keys Fashion Brand Index, and how 14% of the sample polled decided brands are more important to them when decided what to buy. Read more here to find out what this increased emphasis on brands, names, and logos means for our American apparel labels. By Robert Passikoff, SMM SalesandMarketing.com (7/1/09)

After Sudden Death, What Will Be the Fate of Billy Mays' Ads?
After the sudden death of Billy Mays, marketers tried to pull all of his commercials from airing. Some brands are discussing bringing these ads back. Robert Passikoff comments on re-airing these ads saying "the risk is you end up with a really negative reaction" and that it could backfire on the brand. Read more here. By Jack Neff, Advertising Age. (6/29/09)

Year of the Hyundai
J.D. Power and Associates quality survey released Monday shows that Hyundai trumps Honda and Toyota in quality. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying people used to think of them lowly but now see them as a company that understands their life. They have a policy where they will buy the car back if a customer loses their job. Read more here. By Hannah Elliott, Forbes.com (6/23/09)

Eddie Bauer's Still Up There
A commentary on out-door clothing chain Eddia Bauer, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The 2009 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index shows that J. Crew just moved ahead to the number one spot. Read more on his comments here. By Robert Passikoff, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (6/19/09)

Spiegel Sold Again
Spiegel brands was sold again to Signature Styles, this will be the second time the brand was sold in nine months. Robert Passikoff comments that the brand may need some help, saying "they've been supplanted by catalog brands." Read more here. By Tim Parry and Jim Tierney, MultiChannel Merchant.  (6/18/09)

A Profitable Approach to Online Video
An article about the battle of online video sites Hulu and YouTube. Robert Passikoff comments that because YouTube is known for its user-generated videos people are turning to Hulu for Hollywood-produced ones. Read more here. By Troy Wolverton, San Jose Mercury News.  (6/16/09)

Subway's $5 Foot-long Becomes Yardstick for Fast-Food Meal Deals
Subway emerged among its competition last year with the $5 Foot-long. Robert Passikoff talks about how this set up how other meal specials were "going to be judged." By Emily Bryson York, Advertising Age. (6/8/09)

Time to Spend on Dad!
A Brand Keys, Inc. survey shows Father's Day spending is 5% lower than last year. The average spend for Father's Day for 2009 is $110. Read more here to see how consumers plan on spending on their Fathers. By Mark Dolliver, Adweek.com (6/5/09)

Bing Has Good Bones
A commentary about search engines, including Microsoft's new search engine Bing. This article takes a look at the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index for 2009 in the search engine category. Read more here. By Robert Passikoff, MediaPost's Marketing Daily. (6/4/09)

Why Starbucks Is Sponsoring MSNBC's 'Morning Joe'
Starbucks is sponsoring MSNBC's "Morning Joe" which is the first cable-news deal to occur in decades. Starbucks coffee is seen on MSNBC's show Morning Joe. Robert Passikoff comments that Starbucks' problems have not been about awareness or visibility. Read more of his comments here. By Emily Bryson York, Advertising Age. (6/4/09)

Retailers' May Misery
May is a tough time for retailers. Retailers are hoping for better in June. A Brand Keys survey shows that spending this Father's Day is expected to drop 5% from last year and that four in ten people will buy these gifts at discount stores, jumping up 4% from last year. Read more in this article. By Tom Van Riper, Forbes.com (6/4/09)

What's In The Cards
A look at loyalty and engagement in the credit card category. Robert Passikoff shows and reviews the 2009 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index and the rankings of the current credit card companies. By Robert Passikoff, MediaPost's Marketing Daily. (6/2/09)

Power Women in Licensing
An article that delves into Kathy Ireland's career path, including her apparel designs for Kmart. Robert Passikoff comments that Kathy Ireland's background doesn't lock her into a particular niche and was free to develop a lifestyle brand. He says she has "been around long enough that some resonating values have become attached to her." Read more of his comments on Ireland and her licensing. By Mike Duff, Josephine Collins, License Global.  (6/1/09)

CBM News: Will Bing, Microsoft's Third Try, Finally Knock Off Google?
A look at search engines in 2009. Notes Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index for the search engine category. By David Sims, CustomerThink.  (5/29/09)

Google Tops Search Metrics, But Maybe Not Consumer Intent
While Google tops the amount of searches for a search engine right now, Robert Passikoff comments that the number of searches isn't the only reason people choose one search engine over another. This article takes a look at the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty and Engagement Index for 2009 for search engines. By Kristina Knight, BizReport. (5/29/09)

Retention = Loyalty, and Loyalty = $$$$
 (5/27/09)

Rolling the Dice with a Star-Focused Campaign
There are many campaigns with celebrity names on it. Robert Passikoff comments that there is no guarantee when a celebrity is attached to a brand. That while marketers hope there will be a halo effect most celebrities attached to a brand don't have any values associated to the brand. Read more here. By Valerie Seckler, Women's Wear Daily. (5/27/09)

Amid a Media Firestorm, a New 'Jon & Kate' Season
With rumors of infidelity of both Jon and Kate from 'John & Kate Plus 8" talks have been circling the TLC new season. This raises the must-see stakes for the new season. Robert Passikoff comments that while a big audience is desirable it can't be at the expense of the brand/network or the audience. Read more here. By Frazier Moore, AP Television Writer, SFGate.com. (5/22/09)

Most Fuel-Efficient Cars For The Buck
A list of the most fuel-efficient cars for the cost. Two of Hyundai's cars were on the top list. Robert Passikoff comments on Hyundai surpassing themselves in terms of construction in the beginning. With this in place he says "I think that they're ones to watch." By Hannah Elliott, Forbes.com  (5/19/09)

Hulu and YouTube Compete for Online Video Audience
Hulu and YouTube compete for online video audiences. While YouTube has dominated the online video world Hulu only shows Hollywood-produced content. YouTube is trying to expand on this for their website. Robert Passikoff comments that it will be hard to get people to think of them in a different way than only having user content and says "when your brand is so deeply entrenched in that kind of milieu, it's real hard to turn around." Read more about this competition here. By Troy Wolverton, Philly.com. (5/13/09)

Consumers Embrace American Fashion Brands
A Brand Keys study shows that consumers are becoming more brand-conscious from 3% of consumers saying brands and logos were "more" or "much more" important in clothing purchases five years ago as compared to now which is 14% of consumers. Robert Passikoff comments that this has to do with more and more clothing looking alike and that brands need to differentiate themselves so "brand meaning has become a surrogate for product differentiation." Read this article to see the Top 10 brands for men and for women. By Sarah Mahoney, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (5/12/09)

Ad Track: Kraft, FTD, Western Union Adjust Ads for Recession
Many marketers are trying to focus on basic values during this recession and some, specifically Kraft, FTD, and Western Union are marketing for a new consumer mind-set to try and boost sales. Robert Passikoff comments that a new look takes time for consumers to buy into it, "and the more classic the brand, the more difficult it is." Read more here about what brands are trying to do and what this could mean for them. By Theresa Howard, USA Today.  (5/10/09)

Polaroid Getting New Shot: Buyers Bet on Licensing, Digital 'Instant Camera'
Polaroid is planning a relaunch for the 72-year-old company. Robert Passikoff comments "I don't think the brand has the level of resonance that it had 20 years ago." He compares Polaroid to GM stating that "longevity is not a substitute for engagement or profitability." By Donna Goodison, Boston Herald.  (5/10/09)

Mother's Day Spending Down: What Presents Can Mom Expect?
A Brand Keys study shows consumers are expected to cut back on presents for Mother's Day by about 4% since last year. Robert Passikoff comments that it's not about moms being shortchanged because of the economy but that consumers are shopping at discount stores instead of department stores to save money. Read more here to see what kind of presents people intend to buy this season. By Kathryn Elizabeth Tuggle, FOXBusiness. (5/8/09)

Social Media: The Ashton Kutcher Effect
Celebrities are using social media networks to promote themselves and the social media networks win as well when they participate. Robert Passikoff comments that celebrities used to seek out promotions in People magazine or Vogue but now have turned to social networks like facebook. Read more in this article about how these social networks benefit celebrities and vice versa. By Douglas MacMillan, BusinessWeek.  (5/3/09)

Yankees Slash the Price of Top Tickets
Twelve days after opening the new Yankee Stadium, the Yankees slashed their top ticket prices. Robert Passikoff comments that this isn't about them being good to the fans but realizing they've priced the tickets too high. Read more here. By Richard Sandomir, The New York Times. (4/29/09)

Bank of America drops Countrywide Name
Bank of America Corp. has dropped the Countrywide name, a 40-year old brand. The bank has renamed it Bank of America Home Loans. Robert Passikoff comments that now Bank of America must "make a higher level of engagement with the consumer, beyond the advertising." By Jonathan Stempel, Reuters. (4/27/09)

Still Spending on Mom
A Brand Keys survey on consumer's spending shows that Mother's Day spending is only down by 4% since last year. The survey also broke down the gifts, those who would buy cards, flowers, etc. Read more here to see what other gifts people are planning to buy this Mother's Day season. By Mark Dolliver,  (4/23/09)

Seeking Value, Women Cast Closer Eye on Brand; Women's & Men's 10 Top Brand to Wear
According to the 2009 Brand Keys Fashion Brand Loyalty Index, nearly one in five women place increased emphasis on wearing specific fashion names and logos - and American apparel labels. Despite this Chanel topped the Women's favorites. Read here to see the top 10 brands for Men and Women. By Valerie Seckler, Women's Wear Daily. (4/22/09)

Not Daffy or Donald, but Still Aflac's Rising Star
Aflac brings back their duck to a new campaign where he urges consumers to "Get the Aflacts." Robert Passikoff comments on this saying that he has become a part of popular culture and at first the duck needed to call attention to itself but now he is being used for engagement and understanding. Read more here. By Stuart Elliott, The New York Times.  (4/22/09)

Brand Keys: Mom Won't Get Fewer Flowers
Despite the economy, the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index reveals that Mother's Day spending will remain strong. The average spend is $135.00 this year, which is down only 4% from last year. Read more about this and Robert Passikoff's comments here. By Karl Greenberg, MediaPost's Marketing Daily. (4/20/09)

Something for Everyone; Family-Friendly Retail Brands
In a recent survey, Brand Keys lists specialty, discount, and department stores considered to be the most "family friendly." Macy's ranked number one. Read this article for the list of top retailers. By Cecily Hall, Women's Wear Daily. (4/15/09)

Nationwide Reviews Classic Tagline in Bid to Show its Comforting Side
Nationwide brings back their tagline "Nationwide is on your side." Robert Passikoff comments on bringing back the tagline saying "from a strategic brand perspective, but from a creative engagement perspective, it's probably the right positioning for the current environment." By Emily Bryson York, Advertising Age.  (4/13/09)

Marketers Use Ads to Remind Customers of Their Longevity
During these economic times, marketers are using ads that focus on the brand's longevity. Robert Passikoff comments that parading this image is not what people are looking for. He says people look for things that are up to date and not the heritage behind things. By Theresa Howard, USA Today.  (4/12/09)

MLB's Fan Loyalty Trails NFL's, NBA's
The annual Brand Keys Sports Fan Loyalty Index shows that Major League Baseball has fallen below the NFL and NBA. Regardless of the celebrations for the start of the season Robert Passikoff says that the ongoing steroids scandal tops the list of factors of why the sport's popularity has decreased. Read more about the sport team rankings and how sports have changed rankings through the years. By John Jeansonne, Newsday. (4/8/09)

Red Sox Serve Up Fenway Changes
The Red Sox are making many different changes to Fenway. Among these changes are new food choices and even options for the health conscious as well as major seating renovations. Robert Passikoff says "this is confirmation what they're doing is resonating and paying off." By Edward Mason, Boston Herald. (4/3/09)

Bankin' Made Funner with Different Skins
There is a new bank in Oklahoma called The Redneck Bank. Robert Passikoff comments on this "fun" name saying "historically people didn't like you joking about their money" but trying to create a doorway for a particular group makes sense. By Anthony Malakian, U.S. Banker. (4/1/09)

Can Your Brand Survive a Recession?
An article discussing whether a brand can survive a recession. They look at Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index and Robert Passikoff comments that "Value matters more than ever, and for brands that have something real to offer, this may just be the event they have been waiting for." Read more here.  (4/1/09)

Baseball's Back: Can It Reverse The Curse?
Major League Baseball is running a new marketing campaign trying to underscore the historical connection baseball has with Americans. The Brand Keys Sports Fan Loyalty Index for 2009 shows the MLB is in third place. Robert Passikoff says that baseball loses to other sports in terms of entertainment value and is most vulnerable in one of the key drivers, "Fan Bonding". By Sarah Mahoney, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (3/30/09)

Banker Questions CEO Bonus, Banker Is Handed a Pink Slip
A banker claims he was fired after criticizing his chief executive's request for a bonus. Robert Passikoff comments on this case saying that it could hurt Citizens' image no matter the outcome. He says "Right now, it is guilty until proven innocent in the financial industry." By Robert Barba, American Banker.  (3/27/09)

How to Evolve Like Barbie
Robert Passikoff's commentary on Barbie and the celebration of her turning 50. Where Barbie has been and how the brand has changed and evolved during this time. With categories changing all the time, toys are no different and Barbie is now competing with other toys and dolls. Read more here. By Robert Passikoff, Chief Marketer  (3/24/09)

P&G Reaches Into Retail Despite Rough Economy
P&G makes the move to open car wash stations, even though this is a business in decline. Robert Passikoff comments that it is different than an ordinary person starting a new car wash business as opposed to a Mr. Clean P&G car wash. Since people like the P&G products it makes sense that the company is trying to bring in a new income stream. Published by The Associated Press.  (3/21/09)

NPR Morning Edition
Radio interview on NPR Morning Edition. Robert Passikoff is interviewed on corporate names that used to be logical. These days company names are much less logical. Robert is questioned about this and General Motors ads. Listen to this radio interview here.  (3/20/09)

The Most Dependable Cars on the Road
Consumers are buying cars they see as more reliable during the pressing financial times. In a J.D. Power survey, Automakers from Asia topped the individual 8 categories. Toyota had 5 wins. Robert Passikoff comments that "Toyota's reputation for both reliability and eco-mindedness makes it highly valued by consumers in a down market" so this makes sense. By Hannah Elliott, Forbes.  (3/19/09)

Report: Discounting Damages Brands
An article about brand value and pricing within this economy. This article comments on the annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index and that it shows brand value increased by 20%. By Kenneth Hein, Brandweek.com (3/11/09)

America's Strongest Automakers
An article that looks at a combination of automotive assessments, including quality, safety, and eco-friendliness. According to the review, the main factor that goes into building an auto brand admired by consumers is an intangible combination of them all: emotion. And Robert Passikoff agrees. He also comments on the emotional versus rational decision making in purchases. By Hannah Elliott, Forbes.com (3/11/09)

The True Value of Cosmetics
The cosmetics industry is trying to prove to customers that their beauty products are worth the value. The Brand Keys annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index shows that consumers will place greater emphasis on value than price. The loyalty and engagement rankings for cosmetics (luxury and mass) and moisturizing skin care are shown here. By Rossella Frigerio, Chic Today. (3/6/09)

Brand Loyalty Doesn't Come Cheap
Even though the economy may be pushing prices lower, consumers still have high expectations. Robert Passikoff comments that brand value is more than just brand pricing. In the annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, consumer expectations regarding brand value increased by 20%. Read more of Passikoff's comments here. By John Gaffney, Econsultancy.  (3/4/09)

Skittles Favorites Facebook Over Twitter
The fiasco between twitter and skittles opening up their homepage consumers comments took over and had to be shut down. Robert Passikoff says "if we have any doubt that the consumer is in control, this is the perfect case study that proves it" and that brands need to resonate with their consumers. Read more of his comments about this issue here. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (3/4/09)

Brand Keys: 'Value' Is New 'Price' In Customer Loyalty
The 2009 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index was released with 441 brands and 62 categories. It shows that consumer expectations regarding brand value increased 20% this year. This year 69 brands won with the highest levels of loyalty and engagement assessments from 26,000 respondents. See the winners now. By Karl Greenberg, in MediaPostNews, Marketing Daily. (3/2/09)

Leveraging Behavioral Targeting In A Bad Economy
In the declining magazine advertising market people have begun to use behavioral targeting that looks at web-browsing history to display specific ads. Robert Passikoff comments that BT is not a predictive tool of consumer behavior. He says that BT is not being used properly since it is always based on what people did previously, therefore unable to show what will actually occur in the marketplace. By Iris Dorbian, MinOnline.com (3/2/09)

Study:Value Trumps Price Among Shoppers
This year, the results of our 'Customer Engagement Loyalty Index' finds that shoppers will still pay more for top brands provided they feel they are getting good value for their money. By Ken Hein, Brandweek. (2/28/09)

Brands Poised for Engagement During Oscars
Female viewership for the Oscars has been on the decline. Robert Passikoff reports the results of the annual Academy Awards Engagement Survey which quantifies the level of engagement created by the media environment and the advertised brand. Read more of this commentary here. By Robert Passikoff, Media Post's Marketing Daily.  (2/20/09)

Ten Stores Americans Can't Give Up
Robert Passikoff comments on one of the top-stores, Amazon.com and why they continue to succeed. This includes Amazon building up a community early on. Read more on his comments on Amazon.com's success. By Lauren Sherman, Forbes.com (2/19/09)

Via Brand Will Be Starbucks Minus the Baristas - and the Brewing
Starbucks is launching an Instant coffee named Via to reach consumers in another way. Instant coffee has a bad reputation so Starbucks may have some trouble with their line. Robert Passikoff comments on this launch saying the "new formulation isn't going to fix the chain's brand issues" but will give them a new income stream. By Emily Bryson York, Advertising Age. (2/16/09)

Average Joe
A commentary by Robert Passikoff on Starbucks attempt to convince customers, even having their barristas telling customers that the average price of a drink there is $3 and not $4. Yet again Starbucks is focusing on value when there are other values to leverage. Read more about this here. By Robert Passikoff, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (2/12/09)

Love for Sale, 15% off
Based on the Brand Keys annual survey, the average price placed on love is down 15% from last year. Read more about the economic pinch on Valentine's Day this year. By Allison Linn, MSNBC.  (2/10/09)

Salmonella Scare Sends Peanut Butter Sales Diving
With recent the salmonella scare customers aren't buying peanut butter. Sales have fell 24% since the salmonella outbreak. Robert Passikoff comments that brands need to do much more to make consumers less fearful. He says "the issues have been so unclear. People are not willing to take a chance." Read more in this article. By Theresa Howard, USA Today. (2/10/09)

Hilfiger: Out-of-Touch Or On The Money?
Hilfiger is running new luxurious ads during a difficult economic period and although they have been ranked in the Top 10 of fashion brands there may be some trouble for them. Robert Passikoff comments that he expects Hilfiger will be dropped from the top tier fashion brands as people "shift their loyalty toward value" and why this may be the case. By Sarah Mahoney, MediaPostNews' Marketing Daily. (2/10/09)

Consumers Cut Back on Valentine's Day
A Brand Keys Survey shows that the average respondent expects to spend $108.00 this year on Valentine's Day Shopping, which is 15% less than last year. Read the breakdown of what males and females plan to spend this year. By Mark Dolliver, Adweek.com (2/9/09)

In Campaign Wars, Apple Still Has Microsoft's Number
Amy Shea comments on the Apple and Microsoft ad campaigns and how both companies should be playing up their strengths. A Brand Keys study researched four of the current ads running and users perceptions of the company after viewing. By Brad Stone, The New York Times. (2/4/09)

Michael Phelps Regrets
After some photos of Michael Phelps with a marijuana pipe emerged, Phelps apologized for "regrettable" behavior. Robert Passikoff comments that with a narrow talent he can't be valued into too many categories and the categories he can be valued in are jeopardized with this kind of behavior. By Karl Greenberg, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (2/3/09)

E-Trade, Kellogg's, Cash4Gold Score Big On Integration
This article goes over the winners and losers in advertising during Super Bowl XLIII. Robert Passikoff comments that even though a campaign can integrate itself online does not mean it is engaging people, because there is more to engagement than just putting a link on an ad. By Gavin O'Malley, MediaPost's Online Media Daily.  (2/2/09)

TOPIC Cultural Exchange
The Whopper taste test campaign had many people talking about the cultural insensitivity of the campaign. Amy Shea comments on how companies can avoid this by testing such issues that could be culturally sensitive. She talks about her own experience with IBM who tested their ads and use of a dragon to see if it was culturally sensitive. By Christine Clarke, Brunico Communications Ltd.  (2/1/09)

Super Bowl Advertisers Seek Balance
Superbowl advertisements is a high-stake this year for advertisers. Robert Passikoff comments on how the entertaining ads don't do anything for ROI if it's just a laugh and not true engagement. By Allison Linn, MSNBC.com  (1/30/09)

Super Bowl Isn't Right Ad Vehicle for All Brands
Robert Passikoff talks about the Brand Keys findings in the seventh-annual Super Bowl Engagement Survey and how users may be tuning out to brands during the Super Bowl. He also says that consumers will judge companies based on whether or not they think the advertiser understands how bad things are. By Teresa F. Lindeman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  (1/28/09)

No - Save Your Money
Robert Passikoff talks about companies spending money on advertising for the superbowl. The subtitle of this article being: If you can afford $3 million for an ad, you should be smart enough to spend it elsewhere. Read an expansion of this here. By Robert Passikoff, Adweek.  (1/26/09)

Tabasco Lands on Pizza
Tabasco is using a sampling effort to put hot sauce on pizza. The pizza boxes will also include a $1 off coupon. This effort is also tied in with the Super Bowl. Robert Passikoff comments that while this is not a new idea it will likely result in wider distribution, since the Tabasco brand is "creating new applications for the product." By Elaine Wong, Brandweek (1/16/09)

The Demise of Full Price
Within this economy there has been deep discounts which makes buying full price items a thing of the past. Robert Passikoff talks about how people want to be wise with money right now and these discounts give them a sense of being wise shoppers. By Valerie Seckler, WWD Issue. (1/14/09)

Bargain Stores Defy Economic Downturn
Consumers look for bargain stores during this economic climate. Robert Passikoff comments that during this time "the store that offers up a better price-value equation for consumers along with variety is in a better position." By Meg Chang, Taiwan Journal (1/9/09)

Update: Goody's Liquidation First Big Name Bankruptcy of 2009
Goody's Family Clothing Inc. is now the first high-profile retailer to go under this year. Robert Passikoff comments that companies like Walmart, JC Penney and Target can benefit from this retailer going down but does not forsee them picking up any of the Goody locations. Read more about this here. By Karen Talley of Dow Jones, CNN Money  (1/6/09)

Technology Marketer of the Year: HP
Hewlett-Packard increased quarterly sales and is exceeding their competitors. Robert Passikoff comments that HP doesn't get enough recognition, as they have been a company who has worked on internal development, a critical area for the category. He also comments on their green initiative and how they are addressing consumers. By Nina Lentini, Marketing Daily (1/2/09)

Starbucks' Union Blues
The National Labor Relations Boards found that Starbucks illegally fired three baristas in an effort to cut off a union effort. Robert Passikoff talks about this bad news for Starbucks, a company that has been deemed socially responsible in the past. By Moira Herbst, Business Week (1/2/09)

Nivea Invites Consumers to 'Kiss and Be Kissed'
Nivea Lip Care launched a sampling effort at Times Square to try to get consumers to use their lip products New Years Eve. Robert Passikoff comments that the challenge is to change consumer perception that their products are more than just functional, being that the lip care category is traditionally more rational than emotional. By Elaine Wong, Brandweek.com (12/31/08)

Top Search Keywords Reflect Spirituality
The most clicked-on holiday keywords for 2008 were those having to deal with holiday spirit, as opposed to material goods in 2007. Amy Shea comments that with the economy people gave more thought into their gifts and reevaluated what they gave. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost News Online (12/29/08)

Retail Roundup: Private Labels Could Boom in 2009, Frugal Shoppers Become Procrastinators, More
An article exploring major retailers private label brands. Some retailers with their own label brands include Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying that retailers have the advantage of controlling costs. By Danielle Novy, BNET Industries. (12/17/08)

Phelps 'Game' For New Partnership
An article on new partnerships in the works for Michael Phelps, including video games to attract more people to swimming. These video games will have swimming themes. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying that Phelp's values resonate most when endorsing products related to swimming. He also says that the further you move him from this the less value his endorsements will have. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost News.  (12/16/08)

Controversy Is Just What BK's 'Whopper Virgins' Is After
An article about the talked about controversy of the "Whopper Virgin's" taste test ad campaign. Robert Passikoff comments on the campaign and questions why Burger King would antagonize any customer base in their process of advertising. By Emily Bryson York and Rupal Parekh, Advertising Age.  (12/8/08)

Nine for '09: Loyalty and Engagement Trends
Brand Keys nine "major trends" for 2009 about customer loyalty and engagement. By Robert Passikoff, in Chief Marketer.  (12/8/08)

Capturing A Market: With its Golden Rules, Roche Bros. Fosters Faithful Food Shoppers
Even within a falling economy supermarket owners won't compromise on certain goods, including Roche Bros. bread and butter. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying that the decision to behave positively to one provider over another is much more emotional than rational. By Ric Kahn, Boston.com (12/7/08)

What's In A Name? A Mets-Citi Bond
An article about Citi's financial bond to the Mets and their stadium. Robert Passikoff comments on this partnership and on Citi. By Richard Sandomir, The New York Times.  (12/4/08)

More Than Ever, Customer Looking For Safe, Sound Banks
An article about how customers top choice in choosing a bank is financial stability. Robert Passikoff comments that because of the financial market the past few months customers now have less confidence. By Robert Barba, American Banker.  (12/1/08)

Just How Low Will Prices Go?
Many retailers cut prices this year for Black Friday but shoppers are looking for more discounts. Robert Passikoff says that discounts will "last longer and get better" and the market is going to be competitive. By Dana Hunsinger, Erika D. Smith, and Jill Phillips, indystar.com  (11/29/08)

Citibank Needs More Than A Catchy Phrase
An article by Robert Passikoff about Citibank and their changing slogans through the years. They now have the slogan "The Citi Never Sleeps," which was the slogan they used to bring about 24 hour banking and ATMs. Read more about Citigroup's troubles and comments on their strategy. By Robert Passikoff, in MediaPost's Marketing Daily. (11/28/08)

Sneak Peek: 15 Black Friday Bargains
Stores set up discounts for Black Friday to lure more customers into their store in hopes of them spending more. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying that although more customers may visit the stores spending will still be down. By Lauren Sherman, Forbes.com  (11/24/08)

Loyalty, Engagement And The Hispanic Vote
Leigh Benatar writes some insights on what drives loyalty and engagement in the Hispanic/Latino segment, specifically in the 2008 presidential election. Leigh Benatar, MediaPost's Engage: Hispanics.  (11/20/08)

Citysearch Geo-Targets Locations, Ads
An article about Online geo-targeting. Amy Shea comments that this is a dream for advertisers to metric and target through click-through ads online. Read more of her comments about what this means for companies and the newspaper industry. By Laurie Sullivan, Media Post.  (11/19/08)

Campaign: Close-Up: Live Issue - What Can Obama Teach Marketers?
In the 2008 Presidential Election, Obama ran the most expensive presidential campaign in history, changing how candidates are marketed. Robert Passikoff comments on Obama's choices during the election saying that the issue was having resonating meaning to the voters and leveraging that, which he succeeded at doing. By Caroline Lovell, Factiva.  (11/14/08)

As Seen on (M)TV
Teen TV and the fashions seen on shows is part of the teen retail success. Robert Passikoff comments on this success saying this generation is very brand-literate. He says these retailers have done it right by finding entertainment venues that reinforce the values of their brands. By Marisa Rindone, Portfolio.com (11/13/08)

GM's Poor Brand Loyalty Complicates Chances of Survival
The Democratic Congress is considering a bailout for the struggling General Motors. Robert Passikoff says that surviving a bankruptcy is harder when a brand has low brand loyalty like GM. Read the list Brand Keys provides of brand loyalty among the major car companies. See where General Motors falls. By Alan Stewart Carl, Donklephant  (11/13/08)

Holiday 2008 Sales To Fall 5%
Read about the Brand Keys survey which predicts a 5% decrease in sales this holiday shopping season and the breakdown of purchases. Also, read about the most popular holiday purchases for this year. By Robert Passikoff, Marketing Charts.  (11/11/08)

Wake Up Call
With all of Starbucks efforts they are still struggling. The 2008 Customer Loyalty Engagement study showed that both McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts are above Starbucks in Quality and Taste category but Starbucks comes second to McDonald's in Service/Surroundings. In 2006 Starbucks met or exceeded all of these expectations. Read more on Robert Passikoff's comments on this shift and what Starbucks did during this fall. By Michael Applebaum, Brandweek.com (11/11/08)

Nets To Give Free Tickets To Jobless Fans
The nets new promotion gives free tickets to the unemployed with the submission of their resume. They will also invite them to a career fair wand distribute their resumes to its sponsors. Robert Passikoff applauds this and how the Nets are acknowledging people don't have the same incomes as they used to. Read more about his comments. Maura McDermott, NJ.com (11/11/08)

Why Starbucks Has Ground To A Halt
Starbucks blames their 97% net income drop on the economy. The major reason for the decline is not the economy. It is almost entirely brand-based, and reflects a failure of the company to look at Starbucks through a consumer lens rather than taking just a category view. For details and predictive insights read the article by Robert Passikoff. In Brandweek.  (11/10/08)

Retail Consumers Cutting Corners
Robert Passikoff comments on this year's Holiday Shopping. Brand Keys is predicting a 5% decrease in holiday shopping sales. He says that the economic depression has led to a consumer depression and people are cutting back where they can. By Dana Hunsinger, Indystar.com  (11/10/08)

Don't Be Like Starbucks And Lose Sight Of Customers' Brand Ideals
An article by Robert Passikoff about Customers' Brand Ideals and the importance companies should take in them. Passikoff explores the "Rule of Six" and offers examples of companies that have ignored customers' brand ideals, such as starbucks and what it has cost them. Read more about brand loyalty in this article. By Robert Passikoff, Admap.  (11/8/08)

Starbucks Hands Out Free Coffee to Voters
Starbucks launched a major TV campaign to try and drive in customers on Election Day. The incentive is a free coffee if you say you voted. Robert Passikoff says this is a "win-win strategy for Starbucks" since it will bring in customers and generates good will. By Elaine Wong, Brandweek.com  (11/3/08)

Reaching Consumers at Work Could Be Next Great Frontier
An article discussing how Americans consult their co-workers before making a purchase in different categories. Robert Passikoff comments on the Brand Keys Brand-to-Media Engagement Assessment and said that of the 30 different medias, word of mouth had the highest contribution for automobiles. In other categories though, this may not be the case. For instance, in the financial services TV plays the biggest role. By Marissa Miley, Advertising Age. (11/3/08)

'I voted' Sticker Will Get You a Treat Tuesday
An "I voted" sticker can get you many different treats on Tuesday. Robert Passikoff comments on companies doing these incentives saying it is "easy and generates good will." By Sue Stock, The News & Observer.  (11/1/08)

Mellow Yellow
An article based around the color yellow and all things yellow. Cindy McCain wore yellow to the Republican National Convention. Amy Shea comments that "yellow lacks sophistication, yet adds nostalgia." This is why yellow is not used for luxury brand ads or to target men since they associate yellow with cheapness and caution. By Laurie Sullivan, Media Post Publications.  (11/1/08)

Brand vs. Brand: Attack Ads on the Rise
There has been a number of attack ads between brands, some of the companies using these types of ads include Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, and Microsoft. Robert Passikoff comments on the Pepsi taste test, which he says forced Coke to change its formula so as not to be beat in the marketplace. He says this "literally shifted the paradigm of competition." By Emily Bryson York, Advertising Age. (10/27/08)

Interwoven's Adaptive Targeting Personalizes Ads, Contents
The Optimost Adaptive Targeting service provides code and instructions for individual visitors. Robert Passikoff comments on personalization and that engagement and personalization increases turning targets into customers. By Laurie Sullivan, in MediaPost's Online Media Daily.  (10/21/08)

Google Tops Brand Loyalty List
Read about the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Leaders List and how Google tops the list this year. By Kenneth Hein, Brandweek.  (10/17/08)

ANA Masters To Fly In Face Of Economic Times
An article discussing the Association of National Advertisers conference and the companies involved. Robert Passikoff comments on the banks right now and consumers trust with them and how they must focus on consumer values. By Karl Greenberg, in MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (10/16/08)

Who Has Taken A Hit, And Who Has Remained Strong
Consumer trust is changing in the financial services category. A Brand Keys Survey shows the changes in the top four loyalty drivers for banks. Read more about this shift and Robert Passikoff's comments on this. By Bonnie McGeer, American Banker, Factiva.  (10/14/08)

Men Love Chocolate As Well
A Brand Keys Study shows men are eating more chocolate and shows the top 10 brands that men are reaching for most. Find out which candy bars/brands rank top of the list in this article. In Mornings with Chris & LaRae.  (10/10/08)

Passikoff: Obama Wins Second Debate 116 to 110: A Look at Voter Engagement
An article by Robert Passikoff discussing the Brand Keys research about the presidential election and how voters view the Ideal president and the candidates against this Ideal. Read more on this update after the second debate. (10/8/08)

Predicting A President
Read the article by Robert Passikoff discussing how people vote for a candidate. Read about the Brand Keys research and break-down.  (10/7/08)

Duracell Taps Maggie Gyllenhaal for 'Power A Smile'
Duracell uses Maggie Gyllenhaal as their spokeswoman for the search to find young ambassadors to deliver presents this holiday season and win other prizes. The whole campaign is taking place online and Robert Passikoff comments that this is "incredibly less expensive than doing a TV campaign" for Duracell. By Elaine Wong, brandweek.com (10/7/08)

AT&T Reaches Through 3D Web Site To Grab Consumers
Robert Passikoff comments on AT&T's use of a 3D site and says that this is a way to differentiate the brand but that they need to continue to reinforce their brand engagement. Read more about this in an article by Laurie Sullivan in MediaPost's Online Media Daily. (10/6/08)

Brand President And (Sub-Brand) Vice President
A look at the current presidential election in terms of loyalty and engagement assessments. By Robert Passikoff in MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (10/3/08)

Focus Is On Value In Bottled Water
A Brand Keys survey shows that in the bottled water category the number one attribute has changed from "purity" to "value". Read more about the bottled water category and this shift in this article. Chain Drug Review, in Factiva.  (9/29/08)

After Bailout Deal, Financial Brands Twist In The Wind
With the $700 million bailout plan, Robert Passikoff talks about measures of consumer trust falling in the financial world. He also says that it will take time, "between 5 and 10 years," to rebuild that consumer trust. By Sarah Mahoney in MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (9/26/08)

Apple Nano Spots Seek To Put Color Back In Sales
Amy Shea comments on Apple and their new Nano-chromatic ad. She goes on to talk about how Apple has marketed and set themselves apart from the competition. The new commercial is an extension of this. By Laurie Sullivan in MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (9/26/08)

Banking on Trust: What Builds Loyalty?
On Bank brands and customer loyalty. Read this posting by Robert Passikoff, Seeking Alpha.  (9/24/08)

Bargain Hunting: Luxury Retailers Find an Outlet
This article explores luxury retailers who also have discount outlet stores, sometimes even with different names, that help their sales. Robert Passikoff comments on the easy maintenance of an outlet store stating that consumer expectations are lowered for things like customer service. Read more in this article by Pallavi Gogoi in Businessweek.  (9/24/08)

Seventh Generation Demystifies Cleaning Products
A new application for cell phones allows consumers to look up definitions of cleaning chemicals while they show in order to understand the ingredients. This is targeted to young moms. Robert Passikoff questions whether such an application will actually be used in store by busy moms. Read more on his comments in this article. By Elaine Wong, brandweek.com  (9/23/08)

For Foxborough and Fifth Avenue, this marketing tool carries weigh
With the increasing reuse of bags the Patriots ProShop is creating the first personalized shopping bag to resemble a Patriots jersey. This is a trend on the increase and Robert Passikoff comments on the Patriots decision to create a bag. By Jenn Abelson, boston.com  (9/22/08)

Curtains For 'Bill & Jerry'
Robert Passikoff comments on Microsoft's statement that Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates only did two ads as a teaser and to attract attention. By Jennifer Fermino in the New York Post.  (9/19/08)

America's 100-year love affair with the car often put to music; Spotlighted in songs, movies and TV, GM vehicles have become part of pop culture
This article talks about car commercials using popular songs and how cars are now used in shows and movies as well. Robert Passikoff comments on this saying "authenticity trumps paid sponsorship" and that consumers have gotten smarter about product placement and talks about what brands should do about this. By David Kushma, Automotive News.  (9/15/08)

Dairy Council, NFL Team For Healthy Kids Kick-off
The National Football League (NFL) and National Dairy Council(NDC) team up to market fitness and nutrition to combat against childhood obesity. Read Robert Passikoff's comment on how "the campaign has a better chance than traditional public service ads" and why. He also comments on how having good health has increased in importance for children as young as 13. By Laurie Sullivan in MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (9/8/08)

Has The Bottled Water Well Finally Run Dry
With the decline in water sales a report by Brand Keys shows that "Value" was the number one attribute for consumers buying bottled water. Robert Passikoff talks about the cutting of prices of bottled water. By Kenneth Hein, Brandweek.com  (9/7/08)

Brand Keys CEO: Gap's Soft Comp Store Sales Indicative Of Wider Branding, Cross-Channel Failures.
Read this article with Robert Passikoff talking about the 11% same store sales drop for Gap and what this means for the store. He explains how Gap is trying to identify customization in their store but how and why they are failing. By Senior Analyst John Gaffney in X-Channel Retail. (9/4/08)

Parlez-Vous Gap?
In another attempt for Gap, a new partnership called Colette targets Fifth Avenue shoppers. Robert Passikoff comments on this as being an interesting idea but one that does not address the bigger issues. Gap has lost a sense of who they are and the new collaboration is an example of borrowed equity. Read more about this in this article. By Lauren Sherman, Forbes.com (9/4/08)

Hot Today, Not Tomorrow: Retailers Face the Terrible Teens
An article about targeting teens. Robert Passikoff comments on the Digital Mall saying that Brand Keys research predicted an increase in online sales for back-to-school shopping. Also comments on the Abercrombie brand and Kohl's. In Knowledge@Wharton.  (9/3/08)

AT&T Kicks Off 'Player Of The Week' Campaign
As AT&T starts their 2008 All-America Player of the Week campaign, Amy Shea talks about how text messaging is "an intimate form of communication" and what this means for marketers. By Laurie Sullivan, in MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (9/2/08)

Mass. Consumers Spending Less, Seeking Bargains
Due to recent economic pressures Brand Keys survey shows that people are more price-conscious this year. Robert Passikoff talks about how consumers are approaching the market this season. By Donna Goodison, Boston Herald.  (9/1/08)

Customisation and Customer Expectations
Robert Passikoff explains why more and more brands in more and more markets are having to customise what they offer. In Admap.  (9/1/08)

Making Sense of Scents: Using Engagement Metrics to Identify and Leverage Emotional Bonds Between Consumers and Fragrances
Read this article by Brand Keys Robert Passikoff and Amy Shea who talk about consumers emotional engagement with fragrances. This correlates to brand loyalty, sales, market share, and corporate profitability. They explain more about this emotional engagement and a study that shows the importance of attributes in an Ideal fragrance. By Robert Passikoff, Amy Shea, and Kerry O'Connor. In QRCA Views (Ideas & Tools For Qualitative Research) Fall 2008.  (9/1/08)

UPDATE: Sears Results Renew Questions Of Retailer's Future
With Sears Holdings Corp. dropping 62% in second-quarter earnings Robert Passikoff compares them as "now the Acme of the 21st Century" as they have not diversified their offerings and that "Sears is like a big warehouse." Read more on how Robert Passikoff explains Sears current status. By Karen Talley of Dow Jones.  (8/28/08)

Specialty Retails Stores Feel Pinch From Softer Sales
Robert Passikoff talks about the Gap's continued failed attempts at borrowing equity by using celebrities. He also goes on to explain what the Gap is doing wrong and how their "mix and match what we have available" approach is not dealing with the customer's need for customization. By Karl Greenberg, Media Post's Marketing Daily.  (8/25/08)

Bad Hair Days
While the hair product category is suffering in sales, Robert Passikoff talks about how men will begin to make up a larger share of the market, for instance in the sales of two-in-one hair and body washes. By Kelly Gates, Supermarket News.  (8/25/08)

Young Jeezy and T.I.: Brand New Day?
Robert Passikoff talks about Hip-hop artist T.I. being dropped from the General Motors campaign. Passikoff talks about how more and more brands are trying to distinguish themselves with celebrities, and how a criminal record won't hinder the hip-hop artist T.I. for long and why GM pulled him from the campaign. By Hillary Crosley for Billboard.  (8/23/08)

The Creeping Commoditization of Categories
A Brand Keys study found that only 21% of all products and services that they examined had meaningful points of differentiation. Read about this and what makes a brand a commodity, category placeholder, a differentiated brand, or human brand, and what a lack of differentiation means to brands. Posted on Livemint.com (The Wall Street Journal).  (8/23/08)

Seinfeld to Shill for Microsoft. Not That There is Anything Wrong With That.
Microsoft brings on Jerry Seinfeld to their campaign in attempt to counter Mac's attacks on their image. Robert Passikoff comments on these ads saying Apple is considered cool and that no one can really recall Microsoft ads. By Meghan Keane, Wired News.  (8/21/08)

Microsft Enlists Jerry Seinfeld In Its Ad Battle Against Apple
Robert Passikoff sums up his thoughts regarding Microsoft's ad spokesperson, Jerry Seinfeld. (8/21/08)

Study Slams IOC Sponsorship Policies
Read about how Commercial Alert and Multinational Monitor argue that marketing junk foods, sodas, fast-food chains, and alcoholic beverages should be eliminated from the Olympics because it goes against it's purpose to "celebrate healthy living." Robert Passikoff talks about the over-commercialized games but that the companies, and consumers, are all entitled to judge for themselves what is right or wrong. By Steve McClellan, AdWeek.com  (8/18/08)

Fatburger Expands, Thanks to Kanye West
Kanye West has rights to open 10 Fatburger restaurants in Chicago. Robert Passikoff comments that this is not an ordinary celebrity-restaurant pairing. By having Kanye open stores in his hometown people will attribute the reason as being real instead of for another check. By Emily Bryson York, Advertising Age.  (8/15/08)

Brands Playing Major Role In Election
This article talks about the presidential campaign and the rising interest and corporations attempt to cash in on the interest through their marketing campaigns. Robert Passikoff comments on brands marketing the election as they do with the Olympics. He goes on to comment on how economic pressures influences this as well. By Ted Johnson, Variety.  (8/15/08)

Olympic Stars Struggle in Showbiz
As Michael Phelps sweeps up Gold medals at the 2008 Olympics, corporations try to get Phelps on their marketing campaigns. Robert Passikoff comments on whether Phelps' success can translate to sales since people and the Olympics traditionally feel the glory of the games is enough for one person. By Steven Zeitchik and Paul J. Gough, The Hollywood Reporter. (8/13/08)

Endust Intros Achoo-Free Cleaning Spray
Endust, a brand of Sara Lee, now has a hypoallergenic spray to the aerosol cleaners. Robert Passikoff comments on this and says that if people see an added value then they will pay for it. By Elaine Wong, Brandweek.com  (8/13/08)

Back-To-School Shopping Tips
An article on Back-to-school shopping. A Brand Keys survey shows that 85% of households prefer shopping in discount stores. By Jeanine Poggi, Forbes.com  (8/12/08)

For BTS, It's the Must-Haves
Read about the upcoming back to school season and results from a Brand Keys survey predicting an average spending on school apparel. Robert Passikoff discusses this more in the article. By Valerie Seckler, WWD.com  (8/8/08)

Image is Everything
An article when brands use celebrities. Robert Passikoff comments on celebrity partnerships and why certain celebrity brand duos of the past did not work. By Kellie Hush, theage.com.au  (8/7/08)

Retailers May Flunk Back-to-School as Costs Soar, Sales Stall
This back-to-school season has less anticipated shoppers and rising prices. A Brand Keys survey looks at parents who will be doing their shopping at discounters instead of retail stores. By Heather Burke and Zahra Burton, Bloomberg.com (8/6/08)

Experts: Strong Product Portfolio Helped P&G's Q4 Profits
Robert Passikoff comments on Procter & Gamble's fourth Quarter profits. Read about the strategies Robert Passikoff shows P&G have used to stay strong. By Elaine Wong, Brandweek.com  (8/5/08)

Subway Pushes Wendy's Out Of The Big Three In QSRs
Robert Passikoff discusses how Subway has been ranked number one on Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index prior to this announcement and explains this shift. By Nina M. Lentini, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (8/1/08)

Will Cuil be a Cooler Search Engine Than Google?
Robert Passikoff writes about a new search engine called Cuil (pronounced Cool). He writes about Cuil and their attempt to compete with Google and the Ideal. Read about the new search engine and his comments on Cuil. By Robert Passikoff, Chief Marketer. (7/29/08)

Return to Profitability
Read Robert Passikoff's commentary on Apple's return to profitability. In MediaPost's Marketing Daily. (7/23/08)

General Motors Hits the Brakes
Robert Passikoff talks about how GM recently announced changes in order to avoid disaster. He goes on to explain how a consumer's buying is much more emotionally based than it is rational, especially with automobiles. In Chief Marketer.  (7/22/08)

T-Mobile Makes Its Point In Distinctly Different Ways
T-Mobile's latest UK ad may be humorous, but Brand Keys EVP, Amy Shea, questions whether or not it will actually drive sales. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (7/22/08)

Close Look Shows Kanye West Ad Is for Absolut
Recent advertisements appear to be selling pills that can transform the taker into Kanye West, but a closer look reveals that they're actually promoting Absolut. Robert Passikoff explains, "What you are really doing is borrowing equity from the people who are doing the ads." By Margaret Ho, The New York Sun. (7/21/08)

Sony Campaign Illustrates Technological Birth Process
Read about Sony's use of visual effects to create a metaphor in their latest campaign. Amy Shea, EVP at Brand Keys explains the potential hazards of such a technique. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost's Marketing Daily. (7/18/08)

It's Academic
See the top 10 apparel and footwear retailers that consumers plan to shop at for their back-to-school needs. By Cecily Hall, Women's Wear Daily.  (7/17/08)

Why Avon Is Going Hollywood
Avon is using celebrities in their ads in an attempt to revive their image. Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys believes their problem is their lack of association with anything in particular. By Pallavi Gogoi, BusinessWeek.  (7/17/08)

More Marketing Agony of Defeat In InBev/A-B Deal
Anheuser-Busch is now under InBev and the sports marketing may be cut down. Robert Passikoff talks about the lack of proven ROI that has come from A-B's Super Bowl advertising and their other sport marketing strategies. By Karl Greenberg, Media's Marketing Daily (7/17/08)

Starbucks Sashays Into Smoothies
In attempt to increase sales, Starbucks is jumping on the smoothie bandwagon. Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys,comments. By BusinessWeek.  (7/15/08)

Most airlines shun marketing as way to fly through storm
As airlines continue to cut down on loyalty program rewards and increase fees, expert marketers question whether or not this is the best way to go about offsetting the rising cost of fuel. By Mary E. Morrison of BtoB Magazine.  (7/14/08)

Teen Retailers' Back-to-School Blues
Read about the decrease in sales many popular retailers are expected to have during the back-to-school season this year. Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys, predicts, "The ones that are going to survive are the ones that recognize customer loyalty means an emotional association with a brand." By Lauren Shermen of Forbes.com. (7/14/08)

Skechers Pins Turnaround On American Idols' Cook
Read about American Idol star David Cook's recent deal with Skechers, and why marketing experts like Robert Passikoff doubt his ability to greatly increase the brand's sales. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (7/10/08)

Starbucks Offers More Samples, Discounts
Starbucks is offering prolonged sampling and discounts for summer beverages. Robert Passikoff was asked if this promotion is a smart marketing move for Starbucks. By Emily Bryson York, Ad Age.  (7/9/08)

Long Island Potatoes Get Second Life As Premium Vodka
A new Long Island distillery recently shipped out its first cases of LIV, a potato vodka. Costing around $40 a bottle, whether or not it will survive the competition is questionable. As Robert Passikoff explains, "If you think potatoes, you think Idaho," and this is quite an advantage for Idaho vodka, Teton Glacier. By Ambrose Clancy, Long Island Business News. (7/3/08)

Struggling Starbucks' Woes Could Get Worse
Robert Passikoff comments on Starbuck's decline, with recent announcement of closing 600 stores, and customer's growing awareness of other coffee outlets. By Allison Linn, MSNBC.com  (7/2/08)

Q&A- Why Starbucks Got Dunked
Robert Passikoff talks about Starbucks' upcoming shuttering of 600 stores. By James Bernstein, NY Newsday  (7/2/08)

Old School Bling Comes To MySpace
Robert Passikoff compares Cartier's use of MySpace to Wal-Mart's recent use of Vogue Magazine. "You know what they got? Laughed at," he explained. Read more about how Cartier plans to use the online social networking site to attract the younger generation. By Gavin O'Malley, Online Media Daily.  (6/27/08)

Cross-Platform Ads: What's Working?
At the ARF's Audience Measurement 3.0 Conference in New York this week, ABC and Brand Keys presented a recent ABC case-study done to quantify ad recall and audience reach across their linear and digital channels for advertisers. The study was able to demonstrate how ads that ran on multiple ABC platforms ultimately boosted sales. By Andrew Hampp, Advertising Age.  (6/26/08)

Why Doesn't Father's Day Matter More?
Robert Passikoff talks about the decrease in consumers planning to celebrate Father's Day and explains why consumers spend more on Mother's Day. By Sarah Barmak from thestar.com  (6/15/08)

Army Imitates Apple To Draw New Recruits
The U.S. Army plans to test a center that uses simulators to do the recruiting for them. Their hope is that such interactions will interest young men and women, resulting in an increase of recruits. By Timothy Fields, Brandweek.  (6/13/08)

Ten Auto Gifts For Dad
References results from Brand Keys on the percentage of consumers planning to celebrate Father's Day this year. Goes on to list different auto gift ideas for Father's Day. By Jacqueline Mitchell from Forbes.com  (6/5/08)

McDonald's Kicks Off Latest Round Of Kung Fu Marketing
McDonald's latest worldwide, multi-faceted marketing campaign: a movie tie-in with Dreamworks' "Kung Fu Panda" and the Beijing Olympics for which McDonald's is the official restaurant/food service sponsor. "One thing you can't say about McDonald's is that they're not extremely savvy marketers," commented Robert Passikoff. By Karlene Lukovitz of Marketing Daily.  (6/5/08)

'Sex/City' Poised To Become Era's 'Feel-Good' Movie
Read about how movies such as "Sex and the City" will cause a rise in fashion sales. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost's Marketing Daily. (6/2/08)

Tossing Stone
Robert Pasikoff comments on Christian Dior's recent troubles with celebrity spokesperson, Sharon Stone. By Lacey Rose and Tom Van Riper from Forbes.com  (5/29/08)

Dell, Virgin Mobile Launch Grads, Dads Promotions
Dell and Virgin Mobile focus on marketing electronics to college graduates. Robert Passikoff comments on these marketing and advertising campaigns. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (5/28/08)

GE Planning To Unplug Appliance Wing
Robert Passikoff comments on GE as a pioneer in the appliance market and their plan to auction their appliance sector. By Ashley Milne-Tyte for Public Radio's Marketplace.  (5/15/08)

The Research Trap
Jack Trout, an expert in identifying insights, and Robert Passikoff share some thoughts about what they call the research trap, and offer some advice about how to avoid some research pitfalls. From Jack Trout's column, Tales from the Marketing Wars" on Forbes.com.  (5/14/08)

Excellent Answers to Meaningless Questions
Robert Passikoff explains how studies aren't needed to uncover some of the obvious facts that they reveal. In Chief Marketer.  (5/13/08)

Baskin-Robbins Scooping Out New Territory: Soft Serve
Baskin-Robbins plans to sell soft-serve ice cream in all of its U.S. stores by spring of 2009. Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys states, "It may be a great marketing opportunity, but it's a lousy brand strategy." Click here to read more. By Bruce Horovitz, USA Today. (5/7/08)

Mother's Day Becomes Universal-Men Spend More than Women on Mom
According to a Brand Keys survey an average of $140.00 will be spent on Mom this year. Click her to read more on what Brand Keys says men will spend versus women. In eBrand Marketing.  (4/28/08)

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts of Dallas is Branding Its Spas
"Brand can add value to a property," commented Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys on the Ultra-luxury hotel owner, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts adding Spas to their locations. Click here to read more. By Suzanne Marta of the Dallas Morning News.  (4/26/08)

Trying to Connect in a Crowd
Now-a-days you need something more! For years, if you needed to go up a hill covered in snow, the only one you'd think about was Subaru," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. "But that kind of single-value ownership is not that leverageable anymore." Click here to read more about Brand Leverage and Subaru's new Love is all you need declaration. BY Stuart Elliot of The New York Times.  (4/24/08)

WOM, Banner Ads Support Disney Radio's Mobile Version
Commenting on Disney's choice to hold back on traditional marketing and advertising campaigns, Amy Shea, EVP/global director of brand development at Brand Keys, states "Brands don't feel as enthusiastic about television or online as they once did, because they are not sure if they work." Read more. By Laurie Sullivan, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (4/22/08)

Starbucks' New Brew Lacks Bite
Robert Passikoff talks about how Starbucks' attempt to increase sales by introducing a new signature blend wasn't the best approach. He explains, "All increases in brand loyalty are welcome but "Variety and Selection" is the least important driver and it is where Starbucks is already strong." In eBrand Marketing.  (4/22/08)

Starbucks Seeks Jolt From Another Mass Tactic
"I think it's desperation," said Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys. Read more on Starbucks and their recent need to coupon. By Emily Bryson York of Advertising Age.  (4/21/08)

start:Engineering A Marketing Strategy
Brands that address the problems of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology and consumers' fears about privacy and protection may be the brands that end up differentiating themselves from their competitors. (4/14/08)

Airline's Marketing Disaster Exacerbated By Low Safety Regard
"One of the loyalty laws is that people who are loyal to brands are six times more willing to give the brand the benefit of the doubt in just this kind of situation," says Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc, on American Airlines past week of canceling some 2,400 flights. Read more on customer loyalty in the airline category. By Karl Greenberg of Marketing Daily.  (4/11/08)

Customers seek more
"Customization" has become on of main brand differentiators according to the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index list. Click here to read more. By Robert Passikoff for theWisemarketer.com  (3/31/08)

Offseason's steroids stories don't dampen fans' love of baseball
After the shock of the Mitchell Report, the love of baseball and the level of athlete expectation has fallen. According to the Brand Keys "loyalty index" baseball's loyalty level dropped from 109 to 101, with the ideal rating at 119. Click here to read more. By Larry Stone of The Seattle Times.  (3/29/08)

J.C.Penney's First-Quarter Plight
According to Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, "Penney's is trying to create a unique identity and is counting on Ralph Lauren - but that's not going to work now," he said. Due to an exacerbating consumer spending slump, J.C. Penney will miss it's sales again. By Pallavi Gogoi  (3/28/08)

Bad Penny
"Consumes haven't bought it," said Robert Passikoff, founder and president of Brand Keys Inc. So much for ambition, despite J.C. Penney's introduction of hip new brands, the retailer still reported negative comparable-store sales. Click here to read more about the cause of slumping sales. By Kelly Nolan of Forbes.com.  (3/28/08)

Amway Taking Back Its Name In Multimillion-Dollar Campaign
AMWAY is revamping the brand for its 50th anniversary in 2009. Read Robert Passikoff's suggestions. By Karl Greenberg, MediaPost's Marketing Daily.  (3/28/08)

Starbucks Paved Way. and Now It Must Pay
According to the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index, for the second-consecutive year, Starbucks fell, now trailing after McDonalds, said Robert Passikoff. Click here to read the real threat Starbucks faces in the coffee category. By Emily Bryson York of Advertising Age.  (3/24/08)

Lysol Looks to Clean Up In Hand Sanitizer Space
"Not all brands are as flexible as others," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys on Lysol's conversion into the hand sanitizer space. Click here to read more on what Robert thinks of Lysol's conversion into a new category. By Eric Newman of Brandweek.  (3/16/08)

Lenders Labeled New Marketing Villians
"There's something within the consumer that lies dormant for a while with low-interest categories like insurance or banking--until something goes wrong," said Robert Passikoff on the House of Representatives consideration of a bill of rights for credit-card holders. Click here to read more credit card issuers regulations. by Matthew Creamer of Advertising Age.  (3/10/08)

Keeping an Eye on Celebrity Design Collections
Of celebrity product lines, Robert Passikoff says there is a big difference between a line of clothing or jewelry 'borrowing' equity from the celebrity and the celebrity actually having real credibility as a designer. Click here to read more. By Robert Passikoff.  (3/6/08)

News Outlets Fixate on Starbucks' No-Joe Play
Starbucks closed its doors for three hours, was it smart? Did they get anything out of it? Robert Passikoff disagrees with most. "One of the big rules in the business is never drive customers into a competitor's arms, and that's exactly what they did," he said. Click here to read more. By Advertising Age.  (3/3/08)

Blue Man Group Flies With Allegiant
"Bizarre and expedient," said Robert Passikoff of the merging between Allegient Air and the quirky performance troupe, Blue Man Group. Was this a risky business decision for Allegient air? Click here to read more. By Maurna Desmond of Forbes.com (2/27/08)

The Brand That Ties Us
"Ties between brands used to be the exception, but there are more ties than there have ever been. This speaks to commoditization." said Robert Passikoff. "Many brands are now just placeholders." Click here to read more and see some of the ties that appeared in the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index. By Seana Mulcahy of onlineSPIN.  (2/25/08)

The top US brand and the loyalty challenge
For the first time in eleven years, the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index survey has shown changes in the main drivers of loyalty and brand engagement. Could this be because consumers now, have more control of what messages reach them and which they decide to engage in? Click here to read more on the loyalty challenge that brands will soon face. By The Wise Marketer.  (2/25/08)

Dunkin' Joins The Crowd, Offers 99-Cent Coffees Tuesday
How interesting! Dunkin' Donuts plans to offer 99-cent coffee drinks to customers on Tuesday from 1 to 10 pm, while Starbucks closes to retrain employees. Click here to read more. By Nina Lentini of Marketing Daily. (2/25/08)

Tim Horton's Toughest Foe; With 2,100 stores in the region, New England is Dunkin' Donuts turf
A lack of brand recognition could hurt the Canadian Tim Horton brand. The coffee-and-doughnut franchise bought 42 New England Stores out of Bankruptcy, hoping to break into the New England market. But Dunkin Donut's being No.1 in the coffee category could stop Tim Horton from being a success. Click here to read more. By Janet Whitman of Financial Post.  (2/23/08)

Pepsi Wins
The Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Winners are those brands that are best able to engage consumers, thus creating, loyal customers. Pepsi was amongst those winners within the Soft Drink category. By scout.com (2/22/08)

Starbucks Retraining Strategy: Is It Rash Or Brash move?
Brand guru Robert Passikoff called the closing of Starbucks "a wonderful idea for the competition." Does a shift in the category put more pressure on coffeehouses to deliver more quality and taste? Click here to read more. By Nina Lentini of Marketing Daily.  (2/22/08)

Analysts: Lack of focus caused Wendy's to end up on sale block
"First, the trend in quick service was quality, and Wendy's was kicking the heck out of everyone," said Robert Passikoff. "Second, it was Dave Thomas. He was a very comfortable fit with the audience." Could years of placing first have caused Wendy's to lose site of competition? (2/21/08)

2008; The Year Of 'The Perfect Marketing Storm'
"The fusion of consumer empowerment, media complexity, and brand genericism is about to cause tsunami-like changes to cellphones and wireless services," said Robert Passikoff. When 'plan pricing trumps 'service,' that's one dangerous signal, he said. Click here to read more on the change in consumer needs and who makes the best cellphones. By Wireless Business Forecast. (2/21/08)

Starbucks-dominated category wakes up and smells McD's espresso tollout
"Success for both Starbucks and McDonald's hinges on appealing to a customer who has developed a sophisticated pallet for coffee," said Robert Passikoff. Will the burger giant have a chance with their "McCafe's"? Click here to read more. By Gregg Cebrzynski of Nation's Restaurant News.  (2/21/08)

Customer Loyalty Engagement Index Underscores Commoditization
According to Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc, brands are more indistinguishable than ever. Click here to read more. By Karlene Lukovitz of MarketingDaily.  (2/20/08)

Wal-Mart: Fashioning a New Growth Track
"It's similar to a strategy where Hyundai starts producing a luxury car--" said Robert Passikoff of Wal-Mart's attempt at high-end apparel. "Would people believe the brand?" Click here to read more. By Pallavi Gogoi of BusinessWeek.  (2/20/08)

For Apparel Brand Loyalists, the Fundamental Things Apply
Read about a Brand Keys survey that shows customers second biggest reason for returning to a store is the experience they have when shopping. Robert Passikoff talks about how there is an increase in the number of loyalty rating ties among brands and what this means for companies. By Valerie Seckler, wwd.com (2/20/08)

A New Playbook
"Playboy isn't about sexuality so much as it's about power-an economic power," says Robert Passikoff, of Playboy's expansion away from magazines and towards luxury clothing and gambling hot spots. "Having the economic means to live extremely well...That travels well." Click here to read more. BY John Intini of Canoe Network.  (2/19/08)

No Polo Pony, but Penney's New Label Is Pure Ralph Lauren Americana
JcPenny and Ralph Lauren team up to produce a new line of clothing and home furnishings called American Living. "Are people willing to believe it," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. "It's a great idea, but you're likely better off putting something like that into a Macy's." Is there a future for the American Living Brand? Click here to read more. By Stuart Elliott of the New York Times.  (2/19/08)

McD's, Sam Adams in Line With Shifting Loyalty Drivers.
"Certain products and services have lost their brandness," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. Click here to read which top brands did best at meeting or exceeding consumer expectations. By Kenneth Hein of Brandweek.  (2/17/08)

Love is All Around
Valentine's Day is now the third largest among retailers. Valentine's Day "has massively spread to encompass others," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. Click here to read more on what is being purchased and how much is being spent this year. By Joseph Pisani of CNBC.com (2/8/08)

Research Desk: What's the Price of Love? Average of $128 Spent on Valentine's This Year, and Men Lead the Charge
What's the price of love? "On average, $128" says Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. Click here to read more on the break down of who will spend what this Valentine's Day. By BrandMediaWeek (2/5/08)

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
What drives engagement and loyalty for your brand? Click here to read what Robert Passikoff, PhD and Amy Shea have to say.  (2/1/08)

The Retail Game
What us to be "you're not a brand until you're sold everywhere," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, is now "you're not a brand until you have retail outlets." Would you agree its a smart move by Under Armour to open its own retail stores? Click here to read more. By Neil Janowitz of International Council of Shopping Centers.  (2/1/08)

Sprint- A Brand In Crisis
"Everyone knows Sprint, but no one knows them for anything in particular," commented Robert Passikoff on one of Sprint's branding problems. "This is, they are a brand in serious need of a story." click here to read more on Sprint and its comparison to competition. By Brand Story. (1/28/08)

Advertising Chaos
in respond to the digital age and advertising via the internet Robert Passikoff comments, "With no one single 'decent' predictive integrated model out there," he said. "It's not a matter of consumption. You need a reaction and a brand engagement model in order to be able to know what is happening." Click here to read more on Advertising and the digital t.v. age. By Carol Wilson of Telephony. (1/28/08)

Ihop: Let them Eat Pancakes
"The brand is a classic brand, classic," says Robert Passikoff, founder of Brand Keys Inc. "They only do one thing, they do it well and they never falter," he said of the successful company that has a 50-year tenure in the industry. Click here to read more. By Sarah E. Lockyer of Nation's Restaurant News.  (1/28/08)

Venture Capitalist from Seattle Makes Forbes Midas List
STARBUCKED: "This cheapens the brand. It says they're scared as hell about the 14,000 McDonald's coffee Bars about to open up, said Robert Passikoff of the discounted "short" cup of drip coffee. Click here to read more on "venture capitalist" ideas. By Seattle Post-Intelligencer. (1/27/08)

Starbucks tests $1 Dollar coffee at Some Seattle Stores
"This cheapens the brand," said Robert Passikoff of Starbucks $1-a-cup test. Could this test harm the Starbucks brand image? Click here to read more. By Bruce Horowitz of USA Today.  (1/23/08)

How to Secure Loyalty in a Competitive Market
"What really drives loyalty in the Coffee Category?" If you guessed convenience, guess again. Convenient Locations is not strictly the dominant driver. Click here to read more. By Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc., for Utalkmarketing.com  (1/23/08)

Just How Super is the Super Bowl?
Click here to read what Robert Passikoff has to say about the effects of the Super Bowl and how much awareness really is created on that Monday-morning, post-game. By Robert Passikoff for Chief Marketer.  (1/22/08)

Marketers make Friends With Savvy Online Consumers
"you're dealing with a different consumer base== the bionic consumer of the 21st century," said Robert Passikoff of the new concept of Companies using Facebook to help build consumer trust in brands. Click here to read more. By Kelly Shermach of MediaPostPublications.  (1/21/08)

Investors Run From Sprint
Gloomy outlook for 2008. Click here to read more on plunging shares and job cuts for the Sprint Nextel Corporation.  (1/19/08)

Starbucks CEO Aims to Return to Brand Roots
Starbucks has a new strategy, committing to in-store customer experience. However, their commitment to positive change is under speculation. Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys is skeptical. Mr. Passikoff thinks Starbucks could fall further, with a surprise appearance from a new brand. Click here to read more. By Emily Bryson York from Advertising Age.  (1/18/08)

Quality of Brand Awareness On Super Bowl Is Winning key
"What you want to see is a minimum of plus-seven points to your brand to ensure you're getting a real return on the effort," commented Robert Passikoff of New York based Brand Keys Inc., on advertising and the resulting brand awareness. By Karl Greenburg for Marketing Daily.  (1/17/08)

Marketers Brace For Fallout From Vytorin Report
Merck and Shering-Plough's admission that Vytorin works as well as the generic Zocor instills a "how can I trust them" form of emotional terror in the Pharma marketing world. Click here to read more on what Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys has to say about problem. By Nina M. Lentin of MediaPostPublications.  (1/16/08)

McD's Grande Plan: Become Java Giant
"Starbucks is going to have to step up to the counter," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. "McDonald's will be there with the coffee bar ready to go, and consumers don't want to make two stops." Do you think consumers are ready for specialty coffee by McDonald's? Click here to read more. By Emily Bryson York of Advertising Age.  (1/14/08)

Hey Ease Up On The Clown
Does advertising brainwash children? Does it aid in making a brand a commodity or a category placeholder? Click here to read more of Dr. Robert Passikoff's comments on the effects of advertising and marketing. By Robert Passikoff for Brandweek.  (1/7/08)

Research: Client Discontent Wreaked Havoc On Ad Agencies in '07; A historic $27.5 billion in business went into play in 2007.
"No[agency] really does it any better than the others, but they all claim to have their secret sauce," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. Click here to read more on client discontent in 2007 and the cause of agency switch. By Steve McClellan of Brandweek.  (1/7/08)

Who Will Win The U.S. Coffee War?
McDonald's, Starbucks, or Dunkin? Who will pull ahead in the U.S., winning loyalty numbers for all category drivers? Click here to read more. By Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys for UTalkMarketing.com  (1/7/08)

Happy Endings
"It is a really neat way to co-brand, without officially co-branding," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys on the practice of merchandising complementary items together. Click here to read more by Christine Blank of SuperMarketNews.  (1/7/08)

Restaurant Market of the Year, Dunkin Donuts
In the new, more complex marketplace populated by Bionic consumers, just putting it out there (no matter how large your budget) just isnt enough any more. You need to resonate with authentic and believable values if you want your brand to really engage consumers. How believable do you need to be? click here to read more by Nina Lenteni of MediaPost.  (1/2/08)

'Desperate' Discounts for Retail
"It's wishful thinking to assume all can be recovered post season," commented Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys on retailers attempt at dramatically slashing costs to increase more spending. Are consumers "all shopped out?" Click here to read more on desperate retail discounts. By Moira Herbst of Businessweek.  (12/28/07)

Gold's Gym Flexes Muscles
Gold's Gym plans a major expansion of its chain in metro Detroit. By 2010 they plan to add 200 new locations throughout the U.S. "They have a certain heritage that is a little tougher," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. Click here to read more on the "heavyweight heritage" of Gold's Gym and the odds of its success. By Greta Guest of the Detroit Free Press. (12/27/07)

Energy Costs Can Cause Strain on Holiday Shopping
Consumer spending is estimated at only a 2-percent increase over last year, according to a Brand Keys survey, could energy costs be the reason? Is this why retailers are competing for fewer consumer dollars? Click here to read more by Cadillacnews.com  (12/21/07)

Target Tones Down Presentation for Holiday
"To a certain degree you allow the marketplace to set the boundaries and requirements," said Robert Passikoff on Targets down-played presentation for the Holiday's. Click here to read more. By Katerine Bowers of Women's Wear Daily.  (12/20/07)

Wal-Mart Playing Value Card for Yule
Robert Passikoff said in a recent study, 30% of the 16,000 surveyed, will spend less this holiday season. Wal-Mart took this information to heart, giving it's customers more value for their dollar. Click here to read more. By Katherine Bowers of Women's Wear Daily.  (12/20/07)

Is Baseball Bulletproof?
History and Tradition take a "hit." After the release of the Mitchell Report Major League Baseball took a big hit in its consumer loyalty. Click here to read how. By Tom Lemke of The Washington Times.  (12/19/07)

Major League Baseball's Loyalty Index Reaches Nadir
MLB's Loyalty Index is just one point above the benchmark--100-- "It's the first time Major League's numbers have been that low," said Robert Passikoff. Could this have to do with the recently published Mitchell Report? Click here to read more By Karl Greenburg of MediaPostPublications.  (12/18/07)

Eight Major Brand Marketing Trends for 2008
During 2008, there are eight major marketing trends that will affect marketers. Click here to read Robert Passikoff's explanation of these trends and how to benefit from them. By Robert Passikoff for thewisemarketer.com  (12/17/07)

Unilever to Unveil Dove Ad Winner During Oscars
"The minute you open it up to commentary, it becomes less than a campaign and something more like social networking," commented Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, Inc., on the consumer-made Dove ads that will be voted on during next years Oscars. Click here to read more. By Karl Greenburg of MediaPostPublications.  (12/17/07)

Grooming Pains
Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys believes in a turn around for men's grooming products, but warns marketers not to move too far out of the box. Click here to read more. By Kelly Gates of Supermarket News.  (12/10/07)

Respite in the Razor Wars
"Shaving is such a chore, and there isn't a man alive who's completely happy with hsi current shaving equipment or products," says Robert Passikoff on the trials of shaving. Click here to read more on lack luster razor sales, and why total razors, and razor blade sales are down. By Kelly Gates and Dan Alaimo of Supermarket News.  (12/10/07)

Why Everone Wants Wii
"It's not the next Cabbage Path doll," Robert Passikoff said of the hot-hard-to-find-selling item, Nintendo Wii. Click here to read more on this years holiday spending. By Wayne T.Price of Florida Today.  (12/9/07)

Paris-based Mobile Marketing Firm Expands in U.S.
"Everyone's looking for something new and wonderful now, o there's a lot of shifting going on in mobile," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. Click here to read more on mobile expansion in the U.S. By Gavin O'Malley of MediaPostPublications.  (12/6/07)

Any Other Label
Is one of the hottest brands, AOL, fading into the distance? Is Robert Passikoff right? does AOL come with too much baggage. Click here to read more. By Holly M. Sanders of New York Post.  (12/2/07)

Nintendo Wii Scarce Again This Year
"The Wii is something that will appeal to entire families, not just typical gamers," Said Robert Passikoff. So how much are you willing to pay for this years hot, hard-to-find products this holiday season? Click here to read more. BY Troy Wolverton of The Mercury News.  (11/29/07)

Follow the Leaders
Fickle Consumers? Consumers are being awarded a greater variety of brands at different price points than ever before. Click here to read the top specialty and department store retailers, ranked by Brand Keys' Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. By Women's Wear Daily.  (11/29/07)

Help Yourself
"Customer expectations regarding convenience have increased faster than any of the brands have been able to keep up with," said Robert Passikoff. Click here to read more. By Christine Blank of Supermarket News (11/26/07)

The Line Between Homage and Parody
"Losing a bit of the preciousness keeps these franchises relevant and alive," said Robert Passikoff of the new Walt Disney Musical "Enchanted." Click here to read more on why mocking classic Disney characters is no longer treason in the Magic Kingdom. By Brooks Barnes of The New York Times.  (11/25/07)

Online race with local shopping off to fast start
Is online price optimization affecting consumer behavior? If so, what does this mean for the brick-and-mortar retailers? Click here to read more. By Daniel Wagner of Newsday.com  (11/23/07)

US Survey identifies the leaders in brand loyalty
Consumers are turning to catalogue's and the internet to save money this year. Why you ask? Click here to read the Brand Key's Loyalty Leader's List. By thewisemarketer.com  (11/21/07)

Target: Cheap Chic Out of Style
"People are waiting for good news, and not getting it," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc. Click here to read why consumers are rejecting higher-margin, designer offerings. By Pallavi Gogoi of BusinessWeek.  (11/20/07)

Consumer products companies double down on brands
"It's kind of one-plus-one equals three," said Robert Passikoff of companies that are increasingly teaming up with other brands, combining two familiar names to create a new product. Clever? Click here to read more. By Dan Sewell, AP Business Writer (11/16/07)

Food Firms Prep For Salt-Free Wave
"Less salt, its a mandate from the doctor," said Robert Passikoff. Will subtracting salt add up to more sales? Or will fickle consumers tastes get in the way? Click here to read more. BY Vanessa L.Facenda of Brandweek.  (11/12/07)

Into The Abyss
Category after category is being to slide into commodotization, click here to read more on behavioral targeting as opposed to basing pitches on consumer attitudes, opinions pr perceptions. By Jack Trout of Forbes.com  (11/7/07)

Clorox: Bleach. Charcoal and... Burt's Bees: Company Pays $950 Million for Leading Natural Personal-Care Brand
Will consumer "Bee" happy about Burt's Bees being bought by Clorox Co? "It's likely not many of the consumers or category targets for Burt's Bees products are even going to know that Clorox has acquired the company," said Robert Passikoff on Burt's Bees becoming a division of Clorox Co. By Jack Neff of Advertising Age.  (10/31/07)

Can Good Marketing Get the Pacers out of the Doghouse?
"The Pacers have slipped from second in the league in 2002 to No. 13 in last months index. That's out of 30 teams in the NBA." said Robert Passikoff according Brand Keys' Sports Loyalty Index. Click here to read more on the low attendance and bruised image of the Indiana Pacers. By Mark Alesia of Indystar.com (10/31/07)

Reinvented Better Homes Sates Idea- Hungry Readers
"Trends come and go and things like that, but the fact is that they have had a very stable brand," says Robert Passikoff of Better Homes and Gardens. "They've just been consistent in what they've done and how they've managed the brand--and that's what 's important." Click here to read more. BY Nat Ives of Advertising Age.  (10/29/07)

Firing Your CMO? Read This First
The presence of a CMO has no impact positive or negative, on a company's sales growth or profitability. Curious? Click here. By Robert Passikoff for Brandweek. (10/29/07)

Dylan Touts Caddy Escalade's Standard XM Radio
"Brands continually look to borrow equity from celebrities," says Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc.,"Consumers have become very sohpisticated about these things and realize who gets paid to say what," he says. Click here to read more about Bob Dylan and his influence with XM radio and Cadillac. By Laurie Sullivan of Media Post.  (10/23/07)

Strategy: Seiko Fashions A Timely Message With $20M Effort
"Style is the driver for watches and people are willing to pay for style," said Robert Passikoff. Click here to read more on Seiko's new vision of image and lifestyle as well as technology and reliability. By Vanessa L. Facenda of Brandweek.com (10/22/07)

AT&T Rebranding Effort 'A Failure of Epic Proportions'?
"From a brand perspective, there was probably a logic to what they did," said Robert Passikoff of AT&T's rebranding and take over of Cingular Wireless. Click here to read more. By Alice Z. Cuneo of Advertising Age (10/22/07)

Marketing Madonna: Industry Mulls Prospect of Pop Star Fragrance
"Madonna was a disaster for Versace," Passikoff told WWD last December. Click here to read more on why Madonna might face some challenges breaking into the fragrance industry. By WWD Staff, WWD.com  (10/12/07)

Martha Stewart Center for Living Does a Mother Proud
"It's an extraordinarily consonant donation, and a consonant name," said Robert Passikoff, President and Founder of Brand Keys Inc. "That kind of coginitive reinforcement is a think that only makes a brand stronger," on the Martha Stewart's Center for Living. Click here to read more. By Amanda Gordon of The New York Sun.  (10/8/07)

Licensing Deal: Home Run-- or House of Card?
Better Homes and Gardens has created an "extraordinarily interesting" concept said Robert Passikoff. Will it be a guaranteed success? Click here to read more. By Nat Ives of Advertising Age.  (10/8/07)

Advertisers Seem Unfazed By Issue of Sexual Predators on Social Networks
On the home front, parental concern over online safety has risen more than 30% since last year, according to Brand Keys. Click here to read more on the pressures relating to social networks. By Gavin O'Malley of MediaPostPublications.  (10/8/07)

Loyalty Suffers When Consumers Pinch Pennies
This year, brands that saved their customers money or were perceived to have good value got the highest rankings in Brand Keys 2007 Loyalty Leaders List.  (10/8/07)

Consumer Brand Preferences Grow Stronger (Top brands 2007)
"There really are brands that have managed to confront to find ways to engage and create an emotional bond with consumers," said Robert Passikoff on consumer appreciation of brands and how they continue to change. Click here to read more of what Dr. Passikoff has to say about growing brand preferences. BY Mike Duff of Retailing Today.  (9/24/07)

Stylish Green Kitchen Gear
"Some sense of added value is what consumers are responding too," says Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, on The Sub Zero 601R, an energy saving fridge that requires less energy to run than a 100-watt light bulb. Click here to read further. By Lauren Sherman of Forbes.com (9/12/07)

Who's True? The Image-Makers Rate Authenticity
"When you're thinking about authenticity, you're thinking about classics, the things that endure," Says Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. Click here to see what brands Robert considers "classic." By Women's Wear Daily.  (9/12/07)

Luxury at your fingertips Middle-class women are scrimping and saving for the priciest handbags. Who says fashion must be beautiful?
All in the name of luxury and status, women will go to great lengths for a bag. Click here to read why. By Lisa Anderson/Booth Moore/Melissa Magsaysay of the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times.  (9/9/07)

A Brand Tries to Invite Thought
"They're the Kmart of automobiles," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. "They've got everything, everything cheap," he says. Click here to read more of why the Hyundai Brand ranked 10th among the 13 automotive brands tracked by the 2007 Brand Keys Loyalty Index survey. By Stuart Elliott of the New York Times.  (9/7/07)

Chain No Longer Just About Doughnut
"Dunkin' Donuts doesn't have a great presence, but they have the right values that resonate with the coffee-drinking public," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc,. Click here to read more of Dunkin' Donuts new attempt at opening up 75 new stores in the San Antonio area. By Melissa S. Moore of Express- News.  (9/7/07)

Drivers Size Up Fords (Unknowingly) in New Campaign
"It's the sound of a brand dying" said Robert Passikoff of Brand keys, on the Ford brand and what people think it stands for. Click here to read what Ford is doing to change their image. By Claire Atkinson of the New York Times (9/4/07)

Do Your Want Tunes With That? Music Marketing Shakes Up The Fast Good Game.
"Brands are using music to emotionally connect with today's youth," said Robert Passikoff. "That hope is that brand loyalty will follow." Read why hopeful fast food restaurants are using 'tunes' to draw in customers. By Michael Paoletta of Billboard.  (9/1/07)

Banks Reinforce Core Message Amid Turmoil
JP Morgan Chase mortgage ads were described as a "smart move" by Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. However, consumers still only have a preliminary idea of what has happened to mortgage rates in recent weeks. By Matthias Rieker of American Banker. (8/28/07)

U.S. Weakly: American Brands Take Hits
Country-of-origin, does it matter in today's society? If a brand does well, do people consider it American? "I am not sure people look at brands like Yahoo! and Google and necessarily think it's an American brand, given the kind of media ecology that exists," states Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. Click here to read more on the importance of brand country-of-origin. By Emily Bryson York of Advertising Age.  (8/27/07)

Mark Dolliver's Takes: A Data Cocktail
Click here to read Mark Dolliver's take on American drinking, spending, and entertainment. By Mark Dolliver of ADWEEK. (8/20/07)

Toymakers Ballyhoo 'Made in America'
"Every parents bubble bursts when the possibility exists that- because of a toy-their kid might die," Said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, Inc. Read more about why small AMERICAN toymakers and sellers are gearing up to emphasize 'Made in America.' By Bruce Horovitz and Laura Petrecca of USA Today. (8/16/07)

Wal-Mart's Earnings Warning; The retail giant reported record quartlerly numbers, but cut its profit forecast for the rest of 2007, citing troubled operations and economic pressure on consumers.
Despite Wal-Mart's concerns for a difficult second-quarter, the one area where the move upmarket has worked out well is consumer electronics. "There is a halo- effect from these well-known brands," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc., "These brands are already category placeholders." Click here to read more on Wal-mart's move upmarket. By Pallavi Gogoi of BusinessWeeek Online. (8/15/07)

Battered-Brand Sundrome: Will Consumers Blame Mattel Or China?
How forgiving are consumers? "Not Very," comments Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys. He predicts that consumers will hold Mattel accountable for the expanding list of safety concerns on Mattel toys, instead of China. Click here to read more By Sarah Mahoney of Media Post.  (8/15/07)

McBrainwashing? Not so McFast...
Click here to read what Robert Passikoff has to say about why most 3-to-5 year olds, who taste-tested a variety of foods, preferred those that came in a McDonald's wrapper; Even though the foods were exactly the same and included non-McDonald's foods, such as carrots. By Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc.  (8/14/07)

Players Get Arrested, But the NFL Rolls On
"One player can't submarine a football team," commented Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc, as to why the NFL has weathered its behavior problems better than the NBA, much of it has to do with how the NFL markets itself to fans. Click here to read more by Matt Woolsey of Forbes.com (8/13/07)

IKANYECLAST; Kanye West Has Become a Pop Icon By Marching to his Own Beats. But Will his Risks Pay Off Again?
What is the cost of being a headstrong artist who is ahead of the curve? "Refreshing," commented Robert Passikoff, of the outspoken artist. There is risk involved but desperate advertisers are willing to take that risk for engagement purposes. By Hillary Crosley.  (8/11/07)

As Cultural Icon, Elvis Has it All
"People tend to focus on the things and values and persona's that resonate best with them," Said Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys. That is why for every person, there is an Elvis persona. Click here to read more about the man that became not only larger than life, but rather, larger than death. By David Williams. (8/10/07)

Martha's Star is Rising and Across the Triangle, Brand will be Inescapable
Everything seems to bear the Martha Stewart seal of approval, is her presence in more than one market too much of a "good thing?" Click here to read Robert Passikoff's opinion on the Martha Stewart Brand. By Sue Stock.  (8/7/07)

"Graduation"day nears for Kanye West
Click here to read why Robert Passikoff believes working with "risky" artists is exactly why advertisers, ones desperate for engagement, are willing to take that risk. By Hilary Crosley for Reuters.  (8/6/07)

Can a bitter taste find sweet life again?
"Someone who has the moxie, the spunk, and the courage to go after the big brands can do it," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, of Moxie's reappearance in the market. Will it succeed in running up against other soft drink brands? By Jenn Abelson of the Boston Globe.  (8/5/07)

A Storied Union Takes on Starbucks
The Industrial Workers of the World is taking on the coffee giant and its much-praised workplace practices. Would you rather talk worker solidarity or a lattes? By Moira Herbst. (8/1/07)

Back-to-School Shoppers Studying Direct Channels
A survey conducted by Brand Keys shows considerable increases in the percent of consumers who plan to use catalog and online channels for their back-to-school shopping this year. Click here to read why. By Tim Parry.  (8/1/07)

Drinking Makes Such Fools of People
Is there such a thing as Luxury Water? Would you pay $90 for a bottle? Click here to read Robert Passikoff's blog in The Luxury Letter.  (8/1/07)

Making the Brand: Behind Closed Doors; Music Figures Heavily In Voyeuristic HBO Campaign.
"Sure an interactive campaign can be extraordinarily powerful, but what will it do for HBO's bottom line," wonders Robert Passikoff, of the new era where Interactive Marketing is becoming more high-concept- and more of a crucial piece in the promotion process. By: Michael Paoletta.  (7/28/07)

Harry Potter and the Magic Brand
Disagreeing with brand consultant Martin Lindstrom, "Harry Potter resonates with children, as well as adults," says Robert Passikoff in his July Chief Marketer column. Click here to read Robert's column. (7/24/07)

Money Bags-A Survey of Wealthy Shoppers Reveals Their Favorite High-End Handbag Brands
"The essence of luxury today, is to 'be even more luxurious.'" Click here to read more on this years top luxury handbags, and what makes them so "luxurious." By Cecily Hall of Women's Wear Daily. (7/23/07)

Branding Times
For brands looking to outperform the competition in the chase for young consumers, geographic boundaries are less relevant than they once were. However, in a few categories, origin still matters, comments Robert Passikoff. Click here to read which categories still count to the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty and Engagement Index. BY Marketing Trendz (7/23/07)

Is Your Brand the Best? What Polls Really Mean.
Is there any value in polls? Do poll results give you a sense of WHY? Robert Passikoff, Founder and President of Brand Keys Inc., agrees with Harris Interactive's "Best Brand" poll, in their annual study, the survey doesn't help a marketer answer the question of purchase intent. By Matthew Creamer of Advertising Age.  (7/23/07)

Pipeline
In the perception of mortgage products, Do polls really matter? According to Robert Passikoff, the founder and president of Brand Keys Inc., a New York based consulting firm, cautions against reading too much into the polls, because so few respondents actually belong in the poll group; in this case mortgages. By Kate Berry and Harry Terris.  (7/19/07)

Consumers Name (Favorite) Brands
"At this point, only a handful of brands have a place in the consumer's mind" said Robert Passikoff, Founder and President of Brand Keys Inc. Most Brands seem to represent one of two things, either upscale or downscale. Click here to read which brands are on the consumers mind. By Valerie Seckler of Women's Wear Daily (7/11/07)

The Smartest Movie Marketing Ploys
"It's becomes tougher to actually reach out and touch the people," says Robert Passikoff, of the movie industry's ploy to gain moviegoers attention, especially during the very crucial first weekend of release. By Rebecca Winters Keegan of Time Magazine.  (7/11/07)

Liz Claiborne Boss Plots Comeback Bid
Liz Claiborne's "Power Brands" are starting to perform more like a Kia, suffering from slowing sales as well as sinking brand recognition. Click here to read how other brands fair in the Brand Keys Loyalty Index. By Suzanne Kapner of the New York Post (7/11/07)

Herbal Essence Snags 2007 ReBrand 100 Global Award
"Companies too often believe that 'If I repackage it, they will come," says Robert Passikoff. However, in the case of re-branding Herbal Essence this was not the case. By Kariene Lukovitz.  (7/11/07)

Signs of the Times: Fading Ads Hint at the Future of Marketing
"Advertising is not the future of Makerting," pronounced Bob Garfield. If this is hard to believe, flip through the pages of Ben Passikoff's book "The Writing on the Wall." Also click here to read more of his, as well as Robert Passikoff's ideas on the use of Advertising. By Lenore Skenazy of Advertising Age.  (7/5/07)

IBACKLASH
Many iPhone buyers and AT&T customers are ready to throw in the towel due to "Shady AT&T service." Click here to read more of Holly M. Sanders IBACKLASH story. (7/3/07)

Women's Golf Clothes Work On and Off the Course
"Women are looking for broad-use clothing in all aspects of their wardrobe," says Robert Passikoff of the new trend in women's golf fashion that is changing the looks of the links. From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.  (7/3/07)

Life Imitates Bart: 7-11 now a Kwik-E-Mart
"They would have been better off doing a tie-in with Ratatouille," Said Robert Passikoff of the new 7-Eleven advertising push that turned 7-11 into a replica of "The Simpson's" Kwik-E-mart.By A.J.Miranda of the Denver Post.  (7/2/07)

Netflix Turns on Star Power in DVD rental War
"Borrowed Equity" is how Robert Passikoff, founder and president of Brand Keys Inc., described Netflix's efforts to team up their product with actors. Will using their celebrity help bolster their name? By Gina Keating.  (6/27/07)

Levi's Tops in Customer Loyalty
According a Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement index, Levi's is the most engaging jean band in the U.S. market. By Chain Store Age.  (6/22/07)

McDonald's Lets Mom Bloggers Into The Kitchen
McDonald's is creating a "Field of Dreams" theory approach to address the child obesity and food market issue. Robert Passikoff doubts its success. Click here to read why he thinks it will not succeed. By Karl Greenberg.  (6/21/07)

Apple Builds Hype for iPhone with Less
"These days you don't over-promise if you are going to under-deliver because consumers are just going to be totally unforgiving," said Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc. Click here to read more of the Apple iPhone unveiling, from The New York Times.  (6/21/07)

Country-of-Origin Still Important in Luxury Categories
Click here to read more about what Brand Keys thinks of the importance of origin when buying luxury items. By Design and Detail Magazine. (6/15/07)

Macy's Margins
Macy's continues to spend millions of dollars to create a national brand through advertising and store renovations, however Macy's sales continue to lag. By Suzanne Kapner, New York Post.  (6/12/07)

Values, Experiences outweigh product attributes in driving loyalty and engagement
Robert Passikoff talks about the shift in drivers, of customer loyalty and engagement, having to do more with experience, service, and customer interaction. From BtoB Magazine.  (6/11/07)

Which Retailers Gain Most From Father's Day?
This year, Brand Keys conducted a consumer survey and found that 77% of fathers will be celebrating Fathers day, and that they will be spending an average of US$125 each! From the WiseMarketer.com (6/8/07)

Fathers Day Spending to increase
Fathers Day is expected to be a $9 billion dollar retail holiday this year. Robert Passikoff comments on a near 12 percent increase over last year and represents an enormous retailing opportunity for brands. From Display and Design Magazine.  (6/7/07)

Making A Difference
Companies need to do more to create solid brand identities and match consumer expectations. Robert Passikoff wonders "where is the consumer input and insight?" From the International Cosmetic News. (6/1/07)

Wal-Mart Lets Up On The Gas
The retailer scales back its U.S. expansion plans as it struggles to get profitable growth back on track. Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc. talks about the strength of the Wal-Mart brand. By Pallavi Gogoi, from BusinessWeek. (6/1/07)

Who Beefed Up and Who Pared Back in '06
When it comes to advertising, the biggest players are not spending like they used to. Robert Passikoff discusses this change with Maria Raab of American Banker. (5/31/07)

A Dollar Saved is a Customer Earned
KeyCorp's ads nudge consumers to designate a "Saveday" each week when they buy nothing, adding money they might have spent on coffee or music to their savings instead. By Bonnie McGeer, from American Banker. (5/31/07)

All Caught Up In Blue
Click here to read Valerie Seckler's article from Womens Wear Daily that discusses denim in the 2007 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index.  (5/24/07)

Drug Wars at the Big-Box Stores
Robert Passikoff discusses generic drugs in this BusinessWeek article. By Pallavi Gogoi. (5/24/07)

Making The Brand: Pepper Pop; Will Cartel's Bubble Burst?
To push through the piles of new releases and get noticed, an act might need a bit of assistance these days. You've got to make yourself stand out from the pack. But no one said that's always going to make for a smooth ride. By Michael Paoletta, from Billboard.  (5/19/07)

Buyer - And Seller - Beware
Robert Passikoff talks to Womens Wear Daily in this week's update on consumer attitudes and behavior based on ongoing research from Cotton Incorporated.  (5/17/07)

The Shlog
Robert Passikoff talks about the rise of the blog, and it's inevitable evolution, in his monthly column for the Chief Marketer. (5/15/07)

Why Engagement Is Becoming The New Differentiator
For the first time in a decade, customer loyalty and engagement expectations have levelled off in each of the 55 categories tracked in the annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. From the WiseMarketer.com (5/10/07)

An Engaging Shopping Experience
In this Womens Wear Daily article, Robert Passikoff discusses consumers in fashion. By Valerie Seckler. (5/9/07)

McDonald's Unveils Global 'Shrek' Movie Promotion
What effect will such a large scale movie promotion have on the brand image of McDonalds? By Kate Macarthur, from Advertising Age.  (5/8/07)

The Key To California? Wal-Mart Said Eyeing Gottschalks
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. may have found a way finally to enter the Northern California market; buy the Gottschalks chain of department stores. Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc. talks to Women's Wear Daily about Wal-Mart and it's brand image. By Vicki M. Young (5/7/07)

Falling Into The (Sales) Gap
Robert Passikoff discusses the continuing decline of sales at retail giant the Gap, in his article from Marketing Trendz.  (5/7/07)

Custom Kleenex
"I think it's fair to say that innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth." Click here to read the rest of Robert Passikoff's article from Marketing Trendz that discusses the new Kleenex packaging. (5/7/07)

P&G Primes Its Pinpoint Marketing
Elva Lewis (P&G) pulls back the curtain to reveal how she plans to build 60 million relationships. By Matthew Creamer, from Advertising Age.  (5/7/07)

The 'Rule of Six'
In this MediaPost article, Emily Burg examines Robert Passikoff's widely accepted 'Rule of 6' theory with regards to the loyalty bond between a customer and a brand.  (5/1/07)

Closing Arguments
As Brand Keys announces the results of their 2007 Customer Loyalty Engagement Index, Kenneth Hein discusses their implications with Brand Keys President, Robert Passikoff. From Brandweek  (5/1/07)

Geico, NY Life Rank High in Brand Loyalty
This article from the Insurance Journal highlights the results from the Insurance Company category in this years Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. From the Insurance Journal. (5/1/07)

Honor Thy Mother
Click here to read about the results of a recent Brand Keys survey concerning consumer behavior this Mother's Day. From Retail Design Diva. (4/30/07)

Brands Americans Embrace
Click here to see Robert Passikoff's opinions on American brands today, in light of the 2007 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index results. By Tom Van Riper, from Forbes. (4/30/07)

Gap: Decline Of A Denim Dynasty
The inside story of how the Fisher family turned Gap into one of America's top retailers - then pulled the strings as it unraveled. Click here to see what President of Brand Keys, Robert Passikoff, has to say about the retailer's downfall. By Jennifer Reingold, from Fortune. (4/30/07)

Burger King Beating Up On Wendys?
According to Robert Passikoff, Wendy's is losing out to Burger King due to its lack of "catchy brand identity and new menu variety." From the Florida Sun Sentinel, by Jaclyn Giovis.  (4/29/07)

Rite Aid In, Eckerd Out
Robert Passikoff discusses the Rite Aid brand, in light of its recent expansion. By Sue Stock, from The News & Observer.  (4/28/07)

An 'Absolut World'
After 25 years of running the same ad campaign, the brand Absolut is changing advertising approaches - seeking to recapture lightning. In this New York Times article, Robert Passikoff discusses this decision. By Stuart Elliott. (4/27/07)

Mark Dolliver's Tales: Mixed Blessings
In a recent Brand Keys survey, it was found that men are planning on spending more than women this year on Mother's Day. By Mark Dolliver, from Adweek (4/23/07)

Here's What We Won't Do
Click here to read what Robert Passikoff, President & Founder of Brand Keys, Inc., has to say about one banking company's internal documentary film. By Matthias Rieker, from American Banker. (4/13/07)

The First One's Free
More companies give away food to hook customers, potentially for life. By Sue Stock, from The News & Observer. (4/13/07)

What Drives A Car Buyer To A Specific Brand?
When it comes to automobiles, a brand is bought based on the association it invokes in the buyer, according to branding expert Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc. From the Wise Marketer  (4/11/07)

The Fable of the Misinformed CMO
Click here to read Robert Passikoff's latest Chief Marketer column.  (4/10/07)

Amex Gets Specific And Asks, Are You A Cardmember?
American Express has decided there is no more life left in "My life. My card." Robert Passikoff discusses this decision in Stuart Elliott's article from the New York Times.  (4/6/07)

Why The Hype Just Keeps On Coming
For many in a rapidly growing line of foods, beverages, and cosmetics, that's the underlying message when it comes to selling medicinal or therapeutic benefits. But grandiose health claims may soon be facing more challenges. By Pallavi Gogoi, from BusinessWeek. (4/5/07)

Mars To Give Uncle Ben Ad Icon Greater Role
Robert Passikoff discusses Uncle Ben's recent promotion. By Stephanie Thompson, from Advertising Age. (3/30/07)

Starbucks Competition Heats Up
As Starbucks Corp. investors met in Seattle for the chain's highly anticipated annual shareholder's meeting, coffee drinkers around the country lined up on Wednesday for a cup of joe from one of the coffee giant's competitors. By Lauren Shepherd, from BusinessWeek.com (3/21/07)

Corporate Branding Oops
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., comments on some of the biggest marketing missteps over the past year. By Parija B. Kavilanz, from CNN Money. (3/19/07)

One Tough Customer
Despite growing by leaps and bounds to become a $90 million giant, and overall No. 2 retailer brand behind Wal-Mart, Home Depot is now in the awkward position of acknowledging it must put the focus back on the needs of its customer, not its shareholders. By Michael Applebaum, from Brandweek. (3/19/07)

Carriers Locked In Content Land Grab
Robert Passikoff states that "the impact that mobile content makes at this moment in time, and likely will for the next two years, is tiny." By Kenneth Hein, from Brandweek.  (3/12/07)

TrimSpa Prepares Post-Anna Nicole Smith Ad Campaign
Robert Passikoff comments on the TrimSpa brand image in the aftermath of Anna Nicole Smith's death. By Jack Neff, from Advertising Age.  (3/12/07)

Saturn Goes Back To Warm And Fuzzy
General Motors is borrowing a tradition from an unlikely source - the National Hockey League - to help recreate the warm and fuzzy feelings consumers had for its Saturn division more than a decade ago. By Stuart Elliott, from the New York Times. (3/9/07)

Geico's Cavemen Evolve
Geico stands to benefit from the possible cavemen TV show. "It could turn into a weekly, half-hour reminder about the brand." By Joshua Lipton, from Forbes. (3/6/07)

Dunkin' Humbles Starbucks In Customer Loyalty
Dunkin' Donuts may be smaller than Starbucks, but it no longer plays second fiddle when it comes to customer loyalty. By Donna Goodison, from the Boston Herald. (3/5/07)

Geico Cavemen In Talks For Own TV Show
Can a sitcom based around the Geico caveman really work? Robert Passikoff believes that there are positive and negative elements to this idea. By Brooke Capps, from Advertising Age. (3/5/07)

The Lot Of The Consultant: Explaining What You Do
For the growing number of independent consultants, going solo can offer greater flexibility, better compensation and more family time than would generally be possible in corporate America. By Hillary Chura, from the New York Times.  (3/4/07)

Give Me A Double Shot Of Starbucks Nostalgia
Robert Passikoff says that Starbucks has taken its eye off the brand. By Joe Nocera, from the New York Times. (3/3/07)

Trouble Brewing
Robert Passikoff talks to The Economist about the similarities between Pepsi and Starbucks - and the brand image problem they are currently sharing.  (3/1/07)

When Oscars' Glow Rubs Off On Ads
For advertisers at this years' Oscars, the big prize up for grabs was the potential to benefit from the telecast's aura of elegance and glamour - one that made 2 beauty brands the most likely winners, according to Brand Keys, a specialist in consumer loyalty and engagement. By Valerie Seckler, from Womens Wear Daily. (2/28/07)

Dunkin' Donuts Teams With P&G For Distribution Deal
Robert Passikoff, President & Found of Brand Keys, Inc., agrees that "it's true these days that America Runs On Dunkin'." This was said in light of Dunkin' Donuts' recent overtaking of Starbucks, in the Brand Keys annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index (in the Coffee & Doughnuts category). (2/28/07)

P&G, Pringles Tap Into Power of 'Idol'
According to Robert Passikoff, "contests and interactive promotions are good ways to build interest with today's multimedia consumers." By Dan Sewell, from Associated Press. (2/27/07)

Dunkin' Donuts Edges Starbucks
This Forbes article looks at the parallel that Brand Keys have noticed developing between Starbucks and Krispy Kreme. By Tom Van Riper (2/27/07)

Experts Handicap Yum Brands PR Fallout
What are the dynamics when a brand is faced with 2 public crises in rapid succession, exacerbated by the relatively new phenomenon of Internet video? Robert Passikoff discusses this problem, currently being faced by Yum Brands Inc., with regards to the Taco Bell and KFC scandals of late. By Karlene Lukovitz, from MediaPost. (2/26/07)

Starbucks Smells The Death Of Its Brand Experience
Robert Passikoff says that Starbucks have "taken their eye off the brand " - one of the possible reasons for their drop from first to second place (unseated by Dunkin' Donuts) in the 2007 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. By Matthew Creamer, from Advertising Age. (2/26/07)

Pringle's will make its pitch with "American Idol"
Proctor&Gamble attempts to make Pringle's a bigger brand, will they be successful? Robert Passikoff believes that "contests and interactive promotions are a good way to build interest with todays multimedia consumers." By Associated Press.  (2/26/07)

Survey: L'Oreal Will Top Academy ROI
Robert Passikoff discusses the key values of the L'Oreal brand that will earn them the highest ROI award on Oscar night. By Kamau High, from Adweek. (2/23/07)

Can JetBlue Keep Soaring?
Could the well publicized problems of the past week ground JetBlue? According to Robert Passikoff, "to fail so miserably affects the strength of the brand." By Tom Van Riper, from Forbes.  (2/21/07)

Genius May Have Its Limitations
In his monthly Chief Marketer column, Robert Passikoff discusses how innovation in the field of marketing can sometimes go wrong. (2/20/07)

Cashing In On Cupid
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., discusses the growth in recent years of Valentines Day. By Annalisa Burgos from CNBC. (2/14/07)

Citigroup To Be Known As Citi, Dumps Umbrella
According to Robert Passikoff, Citigroup "has had a schizophrenic image. It needs to bolster technology and customer service, and adopting a new brand gives it a foundation from which it can launch these values in a believable way. By Jonathan Stempel, from Reuters.  (2/13/07)

TrimSpa's Future In Doubt After Smith's Death
Robert Passikoff discusses the effect that Anna Nicole Smith's sudden death may have on TrimSpa, the brand. By Jessica Dickler, from CNN.  (2/8/07)

Barclay's Quietly Conquering America
Barclays recent plans to name an arena after themselves in Brooklyn is a sign of how important America is to the company's growth strategy. By Phil Wahba, from the New York Sun.  (2/6/07)

Mark Dolliver's Tales
In a recent Brand Keys study, it was found that men are planning to spend an average of $161 this Valentine's Day, whilst women are expected to spend $90. By Mark Dolliver, from Adweek. (2/5/07)

Building Your Special Brand Identity
Robert Passikoff discusses brand identity with Newsday. By Jamie Herzlich. (2/5/07)

P&G, Unilever Sit Out The Super Bowl
Robert Passikoff comments on Super Bowl 2007 advertising strategies. By Jack Neff, from Advertising Age. (1/29/07)

Qwest, Comcast Talk Trash In Ads
According to Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., "directly calling out a competitor by name in advertising is a good strategy because it eliminates vagueness and generalities for consumers. By Kimberly S. Johnson, from the Denver Post.  (1/25/07)

Will Coach Become Too Popular?
The stylish handbag maker had a blowout quarter. But rapid expansion may jeopardize its upscale image. By Pallavi Gogoi, from BusinessWeek. (1/24/07)

The New Four Ps
In his monthly column for the Chief Marketer, Robert Passikoff outlines the new four Ps: Promoting Predictive Promotion Planning. By Robert Passikoff (1/23/07)

NY Retailers Translate Success To Both Brick & Click Stores
Read this NY1 article to see how some New York CEOs have conquered the problem of translating success from their 'brick' stores to their 'click' stores. By Annalisa Pergament. (1/22/07)

Death Of The Rock Star CMO
Robert Passikoff comments on the demise of some Fortune 500 companies "marketing rock stars." By Matthew Creamer, from Advertising Age.  (1/22/07)

Super Bowl's Ad Clout Could Grow
The Super Bowl has long been considered the pre-eminent television event of the year, not just because millions of Americans tune in but because many of those viewers stay put specifically to watch the ads. According to Robert Passikoff, the high price tag isn't dissuading tradtional Super Bowl advertisers such as PepsiCo and Anheuser-Busch. By Allison Linn, from MSNBC.  (1/18/07)

Wal-Mart's New-New Adman
After a difficult month that saw Wal-Mart sack a star marketing executive and fire the ad agency that exec had helped select, the retailer has decided who will handle its roughly $580 million annual advertising budget. By Burt Helm & Pallavi Gogoi, from BusinessWeek.  (1/16/07)

Wal-Mart Picks Interpublics Martin For Ad Account
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, selected Interpublic Group of Co.'s Martin Agency to handle its $580 million US account, a month after firing DraftFCB. By Lauren Coleman-Lochner & Tim Mullaney.  (1/12/07)

Wal-Mart Targets Critics With New Image Ads
Image experts don't expect much from Wal-Mart's two new corporate image ads, which are now running on national TV. Although dealing with the defense of its employee benefits, Passikoff says that "unless you were somehow personally affected by Wal-Mart's labor policies, most people just don't care, at least not enough to leverage behavior." By Sarah Mahoney, from MediaPost. (1/9/07)

Idol Juggernaut Passes $2.5 Billion In Value; Keeps Expanding
Already vying for the title of the most lucrative multimedia property of all time, 'American Idol' is involved in a whirlwind of negotiations to further expand itself. Are you ready for 'Idol' chocolate bars, 'Idol' ice cream and 'Idol' Monopoly games? By Claire Atkinson, from Advertising Age. (1/8/07)

Disney.com Goes Social To Boost Brand Engagement
Less than a week before the scheduled launch of Disney's social network, analysts are wary of whether Mickey's club can achieve MySpace's success. But Robert Passikoff believes that Disney's online presence is on the rise, according to new data from Brand Keys, Inc. By Gavin O'Malley, from MediaPost. (1/4/07)

With Ad Deal, Insurer Wades Into Bridge Traffic
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is expected to announce an arrangement with Geico, the auto insurance giant, that will include the posting of a huge billboard on top of the toll plaza in Fort Lee, NJ, that says Geico Drive Safely. Robert Passikoff discusses this marketing strategy in this New York Times article. By Ken Belson.  (1/4/07)

Marketer of the Year: Apple Computer
Click here to read why Robert Passikoff believes that the current Mac campaign is a clear example of Apples marketing intelligence. The ads are believable and entertaining, and they leave you feeling better about the brand, says the President of Brand Keys, Inc. By, Karlene Kukovitz from Media Post.  (1/2/07)

When Toys Fail to Tickle Kids, Its No Laughing Matter
Despite the super selling powers of TMX Elmo during the Christmas period, the toy industry is still experiencing declining sales. According to Robert Passikoff, the difficulty is that toy manufacturers have generally been pretty remiss in doing any real testing of the things, they throw toys in a room with kids and watch them, but they have been pretty abysmal in terms of monitoring trends and, as a result, there is this kind of field of dreams mentality of If we build it they will buy it. By Nedra Rhone, from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  (12/30/06)

Wal-Mart Mucks Up Holiday Message
It seems like there is more trouble for Wal Mart as the Sams Club stores Head of Marketing, Mark Goodman, has left after only 14 months on the job. According to Robert Passikoff, there is an overlay of schizophrenia in terms of branding and marketing at the company. By Holly M. Sanders from the New York Post.  (12/26/06)

Retail Results Signal Tough Times Ahead
Despite big discounts, pressured shoppers cut back on spending during the holidays, and the New Year may not be much better. By Pallavi Gogoi, from BusinessWeek.  (12/26/06)

Self-Interest Is The Anesthetic
Robert Passikoff talks about the "cruel realities of marketing to the 'bionic' consumer in a multi-touch-point, 21st Century marketplace." By Robert Passikoff, from the Chief Marketer. (12/19/06)

Gap Ads Spur Customer Interest, But What Of Sales?
Gap's new hip-hop-infused TV ad has captured a lot of attention from the young crowd the struggling retailer hopes to attract to reverse its fortunes. By Chelsea Emery and Paul Thomasch, from The Washington Post.  (12/17/06)

Static Ahead For Electronics Retailers
Electronics retailers face trouble in the year ahead because of the recent trend for electronics price wars. By Pallavi Gogoi, from BusinessWeek.  (12/13/06)

Pomegranate Sows Seeds Of Popularity
Robert Passikoff talks to the Boston Globe about the ever-growing popularity of pomegranate juice. By Jenn Abelson. (12/10/06)

How Hot Is Celebrity Fever?
Robert Passikoff discusses the effects on brands in today's celebrity-obsessed culture. By Valerie Seckler from Women's Wear Daily. (12/7/06)

Taco Bell E.coli Outbreak Will Sicken Brand
As a result of its loyalty ranking in the 2006 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index, "what was bad to begin with is being made even worse by the E.coli outbreak." By Kenneth Hein, from Brandweek.  (12/5/06)

More Than A Little Family Rivalry
Robert Passikoff discusses Nickelodeon's brand expansion into hotels, making them one of Disney's biggest threats. By Christopher Boyd from the Orlando Sentinel. (12/3/06)

Elway's Appeal Declines
Robert Passikoff tells the Miami Herald that celebrity endorsements are not as effective as they were in years past.  (12/3/06)

Passikoff's Priorities
As marketers and advertisers work together to develop more precise definitions and metrics, engagement will maintain its emphasis as a top priority in 2007, predicts Robert Passikoff, President & Founder of Brand Keys, Inc. By Emily Burg from MediaPost. (12/1/06)

Seven Key Brand Marketing Trends For 2007
In his monthly Wise Marketer column, Robert Passikoff lays out the main trends for 2007 that will affect loyalty marketers and brand marketers alike.  (12/1/06)

Consumers Design Products Their Way
"Retailers are adapting to the atomization of the buying pubic by giving people more opportunities to design the goods they buy." Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., discusses mass atomization with the Providence Journal. By Paul Grimaldi. (11/25/06)

Calmly Step Away From The Register
According to Robert Passikoff, "more people are giving more things to more people than ever." Does America need to start showing some self-restraint? From the New York Daily News. (11/20/06)

Polishing The Good Housekeeping Seal
"Good Housekeeping" is undergoing a broad-based effort to overhaul the image of its century-old brand. By Katharine Q. Seelye from the New York Times. (11/20/06)

Wal-Mart: Back To Basics For The Holidays
This year, Wal-Mart has tried to appeal to more upscale shoppers with more high-end products. According to Robert Passikoff, "altering Wal-Mart's image is like turning the Queen Mary around." By Pallavi Gogoi, from BusinessWeek. (11/16/06)

Tyco Name To Survive Company's Break-Up
The scandal-tainted Tyco name will survive the company's planned break-up, following the decision by Tyco Electronics, one of US conglomerate's 3 main units, to retain the brand despite its association with recent corporate excesses. By Francesco Guerrera and Christopher Bowe, from MSNBC. (11/15/06)

Celebrity Scents Overflow At US Stores
2006 is shaping up as a record year for celebrity scents. Robert Passikoff discusses how a celebrity's image can effect the brand they represent. By Rachelle Younglai, from Reuters. (11/15/06)

The Mets' New Marquee Name
Sports marketing, corporate identity and brand building experts, including Robert Passikoff, offer their opinion of the value of the huge deal that will name the new ballpark of the New York Mets for Citigroup. By Stuart Elliott, from the New York Times. (11/14/06)

7 Brands And Marketing Trends for 2007
In his monthly Chief Marketer column, Robert Passikoff details trends for the upcoming year.  (11/14/06)

Chic Apparel to Accompany Cycle's Return
Can the Indian motorcycle brand make a comeback? Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys predicts Indian will benefit from being "typically American, and a little bit different. It's not a suzuki or a Harley" he said. Click here to read more of the future of the Indian motorcycle brand. BY Melissa Allison and Amy Martinez of The Seattle Times.  (10/26/06)

Disney Ditches Unhealthy Licensing Deals
In light of Disney's recent announcement, Robert Passikoff agrees that "brands need to be more careful about where they put their mark and who they are associated with." From the Advertising Specialty Institute.  (10/25/06)

Brand Loyalty Study Shows There's No Place Like Home
Click here to read Kenneth Hein's article from Brandweek about the 2006 Brand Keys Loyalty Leaders List.  (10/23/06)

Tigers Gear A Hit
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., comments on building sports fan loyalty. From the Monroe News. (10/20/06)

AT&T Brand Will Dominate After BellSouth Merger
Robert Passikoff and Jack Trout comment on the effects of the AT&T/BellSouth merger - and what it means for Cingular. By Emily Burg, from Marketing Daily. (10/18/06)

Swords, Bandannas Are Hot For Halloween
This year, Brand Keys predicts that Halloween sales will approach $5 billion, making this the 6th largest spending holiday. By Samantha Critchell, from the Detroit Free Press. (10/18/06)

Consumer-Generated Content: Let Yourself Go
In his monthly column for the Chief Marketer, Robert Passikoff asserts that "just because it's 'consumer-generated,' doesn't mean it's good!"  (10/17/06)

Perrier Plays With Its Venerable Brand To Draw Younger Fans
Robert Passikoff discusses Perrier's new approach to engaging consumers: a humorous campaign that transforms the Perrier name into words that end in "-ier." By Stuart Elliott, from the New York Times. (10/17/06)

Bob Dylan Tops Music Chart Again
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., comments on Bob Dylan's appearance in an Apple commercial. By Matthew Creamer, from Advertising Age.  (10/8/06)

Can Bunnies Get Playboy Hopping Again?
Robert Passikoff comments on the Playboy brand - in light of its imminent partnership with Palms Casino Resort and nightspot chain N9NE Group. Will its "all-American, good, clean fun - including sex" image mean something for the aspirational young bachelor set? By Moira Herbst, from BusinessWeek  (10/5/06)

Treading The Fine Line Between Horsemen Logos
With the launch of a misses denim collection this November, the United States Polo Association's brand name and logo will strike a higher profile with shoppers, who may have seen the group's active double-horsemen symbols recently on some men's and junior items, like polo shirts and fleeces. By Valerie Seckler, from Womens Wear Daily. (10/4/06)

HP Stock Falters In Spying Scandal
As a result of its recent press leak, HP has started to pay the price - with drops in stock prices and questions about the future of its leadership. By Yuki Noguchi and Brooke A. Masters, from the Washington Post. (9/22/06)

Ask And Ye Shall Receive
Robert Passikoff talks about the advantages of using coupons to engage consumers with your brand. By Sue Stock, from the News & Observer. (9/10/06)

Federated Hopes to Convince Customers about Macy's Change
In the light of Federated's name change to Macy's, Robert Passikoff says that "people are used to what they had in the past and it takes time to adapt, but ultimately they do." By David Carpenter, from the Associated Press. (9/7/06)

Federated Launches Promotional Campaign
Federated Department Stores Inc., the nation's biggest department store retailer, on Wednesday unveiled a large promotional campaign to relaunch the Macy's brand nationwide. By Lisa Cornwell, from the Associated Press. (9/6/06)

U.S? Ugh. Bush? Ugh. But Our Kids Clothes? Mideast Loves 'Em.
Despite the war, Tween Brands, Inc., a Columbus retailer, is selling American styles to girls in Osama bin Laden's hometown. But according to branding expert Robert Passikoff, "they don't have to love you to buy something." By Jeffrey Sheban, from the Columbus Dispatch. (8/27/06)

American Eagle Has A New Niche On Its Mind
Robert Passikoff comments on the new image of the American Eagle Outfitters store. By Teresa F. Lindeman, from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. (8/24/06)

Goodbye Washington Mutual, Hello WaMu
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., says that "it's more engaging to say WaMu than Washington Mutual," with regards to the Seattle-based banks new name shift. By Jonathan Stempel, from Reuters. (8/17/06)

An Impressionable Age
Brand Keys is forecasting a 15% increase in back-to-school apparel sales this year. By Ruth La Ferla, from the New York Times. (8/10/06)

Listerine Touts Aggressive Health Claims
Robert Passikoff discusses the emerging advertising style that shows mouthwash makers being more aggressive and suggesting that scientifically, a healthy mouth may lead to a healthy body. By Jessica Wohl, from Reuters. (8/9/06)

BTS Selling Seen Strong
According to a recent Brand Keys survey, American households have big plans for back-to-school purchases, with apparel trailing only computers in planned increases. By Arnold J. Karr, from Market Place News. (7/27/06)

Lampert Hacks Away At Sears Brands
According to President of Brand Keys Robert Passikoff, Sears brands resonate more with customers than with the store overall. By Shruti Date Singh, from Crains Chicago Business. (7/24/06)

Too Good For Lowe's & Home Depot?
Why would a manufacturer run ads telling potential customers where its products aren't sold? Read this Wall Street Journal article to find out what Robert Passikoff's thoughts are on this tactic! By Timothy Aeppel. (7/24/06)

Storied Rides To Rise On Tobacco Road
Robert Passikoff discusses some of the difficulties that Stellican Ltd. may face as it tries to "rebuild" the brands Indian motorcyles and Chris-Craft boats. By Sue Stock, from the New Observer. (7/21/06)

The Invisible Customers
Designer businesses seem to be going through a shift in priorities, as many more high-end shoppers seem to be doing their shopping from home and work. By Meredith Goldstein, from the Boston Globe. (7/20/06)

Gap Returns To TV Advertising
The Gap returns to TV advertising after a nearly one-year hiatus with a campaign focused entirely on jeans. By Mya Frazier, from Advertising Age. (7/17/06)

Managing Marketing Past Lives
In Robert Passikoff's monthly Chief Marketer column, he discusses changing trends and marketing past lives. (7/11/06)

Mattel's Barbie Trouble
Robert Passikoff attributes the fact that "Barbie is never going to be the profitable doll that she once was," to a dramatically changing marketplace for toys. By Pallavi Gogoi, from BusinessWeek. (7/8/06)

A Gray Market In Furniture Spawns A Feud In Europe
Luxury furniture makers and their affiliated sellers are taking aim at Europe by "Net," an Internet company based in London. By Bob Tedeschi, from the New York Times. (7/3/06)

J. Crew Weighs Anchor
On their first day of trading, shares of J. Crew rose 28%. According to Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, J. Crew have "really moved up significantly in the last 3 years, mostly on the merchandise mix and the sense of value in the product line." By Tom Van Riper, from Forbes magazine. (6/29/06)

Consumers Demand More - For Less
Apparel brands are losing traction on the slippery slope of customer loyalty as consumers grow ever more demanding. By Valerie Seckler, from Womens Wear Daily. (6/21/06)

New Look Is Scoop For Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins unveils its new look for the summer. Will it succeed in further engaging its customers? Robert Passikoff discusses this in the article from Newsday. By Keiko Morris.  (6/18/06)

Psst...Apple Is Coming
Robert Passikoff discusses Apple's secrecy reputation when it comes to Apple opening up new stores. By Sue Stock from The News & Observer. (6/17/06)

Wal-Mart's Luxury Problem
Robert Passikoff says that the perception of Wal-Mart as a brand might erode over time if people read more about such cases where it improperly stocked products in its stores. By Pallavi Gogoi from BusinessWeek magazine. (6/16/06)

Myths Of Magazine Engagement
View Robert Passikoff's monthly Chief Marketer column here, and see why "engagement has begun to resemble a Holy Grail of magazine metrics." By Robert Passikoff. (6/14/06)

Future Of New Brands' Popularity Is In The Stars
Known as "celebrity seeding," the practice of sending freebies to celebrities can result in countless dead ends. But when it works, the publicity payoff can be huge. By Kristi Arellano and Julie Dunn, from the Denver Post. (6/14/06)

Brooks Brothers Adopts New Laid-Back Attitude
Robert Passikoff comments on Brooks Brother's new clothing range - which includes blue jeans and lower prices! By Carolyn Shapiro, from The Virginian-Pilot. (6/13/06)

Labels Hope Wal-Mart Lifts Ban On Explicit CDs
Wal-Mart could soon end its ban of music titles that carry parental advisory stickers, according to major-label sources. Robert Passikoff believes that Wal-Mart "must be open to change," or "they'll become the old, stodgy, conservative, right-wing store that sells cheap stuff." By Todd Martens & Ed Christman, from Reuters. (6/8/06)

Ma Bell's Coming Back
Just how valuable is the AT&T brand name? Robert Passikoff gives his opinion in this article from Forbes magazine. By Tom Van Riper. (6/6/06)

Home Furnishings: Ikea Campers
Robert Passikoff talks to the Detroit Free Press about the phenomenon of Swedish furniture giant, Ikea. By Greta Guest. (6/6/06)

The Buzz of Magazine Land Now Has A Name
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, discusses the importance a magazine name has on its success. From the New York Times. (6/5/06)

AARP Tunes In To Music As Promotional Tool
With regards to the AARP's decision to turn to music to increase their membership, Robert Passikoff believes that "music as a platform, is a smart way to go." By Michael Paoletta, from Reuters. (6/3/06)

Customer Loyalty Expectations Increase
This article from the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) highlights the results of this year's Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index, and tries to address some of the problems faced by brands today.  (5/31/06)

Father's Day: An $8 Billion Retail Holiday
Read this article from About Retail to see the results of a recent Brand Keys survey on how much money the average american will spend on their father, this June 18th.  (5/31/06)

Citigroup to Open Boston, Philadelphia Branches
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., discusses Citigroup's latest plan to add as many as 100 retail banking offices in 2006. By Jonathan Stempel, from Reuters. (5/26/06)

Customer Loyalty Index: Broken Promises
The results of this year's survey, conducted by New York market research firm Brand Keys, indicates that the gap between what companies pledge and what customers want is growing wider.  (5/22/06)

Clean Sweep
Robert Passikoff discusses some engagement issues that P&G's brand Ivory seems to be having. By Lisa Biank Fasig, from the Cincinnati Business Courier. (5/22/06)

Boston Scientific Aims to End Guidant Brand
According to Robert Passikoff, "when there is already a negative image established, you want to migrate away from that and toward a brand that was known and trusted." By Stephen Heuser, from the Boston Globe. (5/18/06)

Some Ads Sing Louder Than The Brands
A fashion brand may capture a consumer's eye with a clever ad, but how much farther will it get? By Valerie Seckler, from Women's Wear Daily. (5/17/06)

Mickey D's McMakeover
Robert Passikoff comments on the multi-million dollar makeover that McDonald's is preparing for. By Pallavi Gogoi, from Business Week. (5/15/06)

NBC's Telemundo Teams With Yahoo To Reach Hispanics
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., discusses the impact of the Web's growing number of Hispanic users - and how this is being capitalized on. By Gavin O'Malley, from Media Post Publications. (5/11/06)

Running On Star Power
These days, celebs go much further than mere product endorsement. The smartest ones score big by branding themselves. By Pallavi Gogoi, from Business Week. (5/8/06)

'United 93' Puts Airline Back In A Hard Place
This Chicago Tribune article looks at the effect that the recent movie 'United 93' is having on the brand strength of United Airlines. By Mark Skertic. (4/26/06)

A Battered Brand Reborn
As a result of lagging brand loyalty ratings, AT&T have begun a billion dollar ad blitz that ranks as the biggest in the brand's history. But will it be enough? By Tim Doyle, from Forbes. (4/24/06)

Column: Fan Loyalty Stretches Only So Far
Robert Passikoff discusses sports loyalty in the 21st Century. By Tim Dahlberg, from Associated Press. (4/20/06)

Wal-Mart Demotes Price-Slashing 'Smiley' In New Ads
How will Wal-Mart do without its 'Smiley'? Robert Passikoff gives his opinion in this article from the Wall Street Journal by Kris Hudson. (4/18/06)

Research: Moto Target Most 'Engaging'
According to a recent Brand Keys study, Motorola has the most engaging advertising. By Kenneth Hein, from Brandweek. (4/17/06)

Dunkin' Donuts Cheap Chic
The Dunkin' Donuts chain aims to cash in on America's taste for both coffee and low prices. By Pallavi Gogoi, from Business Week. (4/11/06)

Big-Name Brands In Hall Of Shame
Read this article to see who Robert Passikoff thinks has made marketing "bloopers" and who has been getting it right. By Parija Bhatnagar, from CNN Money  (3/30/06)

8 Rules For Predictive Engagement Metrics
In his monthly column for the Wise Marketer, Robert Passikoff lays out 8 rules for engaging consumers. (3/27/06)

Foundation In Place For Stewart Homes
With this new house designing Martha Stewart venture underway, Robert Passikoff expresses his opinion on their future. By Leigh Dyer, from the Charlotte Observer. (3/24/06)

If You Can't Change Your Fate, Change Your Attitude
In the 2006 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index, we’ve noticed that most of the category drivers in the 35 categories tracked since 1997 have changed since last year. Do you know what drives engagement and loyalty for the categories in which your brand competes? Click here to read more from Robert Passikoff's monthly Chief Marketer column.  (3/14/06)

Under Fire, Wal-Mart Prepares Schmooze Fest
Is Wal-Mart too focused on its image-boosting offensive, as opposed to its business? Robert Passikoff says they've taken a hit with their customer engagement. By Parija Bhatnagar, from CNNMoney.com (3/9/06)

New AT&T Deal Puts Big Spenders Under One Roof
Is this a return for AT&T? Click here to see what Robert Passikoff has to say about AT&T's imminent takeover of BellSouth Corporation. By Stuart Elliott, from the New York Times. (3/7/06)

John Elway: Recliner Pitchman
Can Super Bowl champion John Elway expand his empire to a furniture line as well? Robert Passikoff talks to Kristi Arellano at the Denver Post on this subject. (3/6/06)

The King's Legacy, All Shook Up
With the possiblity of Graceland being closed and turned into a family resort, one has to wonder how strong Elvis's brand still is. Robert Passikoff believes it is "still potent." By Julie Boswell, from the New York Times, and also appearing in the International Herald Tribune. (3/5/06)

Brand New Day
According to Robert Passikoff, "with 30 second spots costing an average of $1.7 million, you've got to figure that advertisers are expecting some sense of return on a pretty big investment," with reference to the recent Oscars broadcast. By David Kiley, from Business Week Online.  (2/28/06)

Wal-Mart Marketing Wants Smile With Style
Next month, Brand Keys annual Customer Loyalty Index will show Wal-Mart at No.2 behind Target for the 2nd consecutive year. Robert Passikoff says that "Target means style at accessible prices, Wal-Mart marketing is trying smile with style by a new Ad campaign, but there is still more work to do." From Times Union Online. (2/26/06)

Federated Puts All Its Eggs Into Macy's Basket
Federated Department Stores Inc., wants to maximize the potential of Macy's name by making it into a national brand. Robert Passikoff says that "one trap to avoid is assuming that a single brand becomes the silver bullet for understanding all of your consumer values." From Associated Press (2/25/06)

Macy's Could Join Land Of Nike, Coke, Betty Crocker.
In this article, the President of Brand Keys, Inc., Robert Passikoff, discusses Macys and he affirms that placing it as a national brand is on the right track. By Lisa Cornwell, from the AP. (2/22/06)

Ads Try To Expand Customer Base
Wal-Mart's ad campaign is changing. Stephen Quinn, Wal-Mart's SVP of Marketing said that "our consumers weren't saying anything new about the brand. Last year, we really woke up." But, Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys thinks that "it will take years to convince people they are hip and cool." From USA Today, by Theresa Howard (2/20/06)

Stars Are Born At Target
Robert Passikoff discusses Target's brand strength and how Isaac Mizrahi is part of the reason why the store is having a new surge in consumer engagement. By Mya Frazier, from Advertising Age.  (2/20/06)

Sometimes Indirect Route Is Shortest Path
Bob Lamons of Marketing News talks to Brand Keys President Robert Passikoff about branding metrics. (2/15/06)

Push-Button Buying
With regards to the recent phenomenon of vending machines that dispense high-tech gadgets, Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., predicts that "such machines will become an increasingly prominent part of the retail scene." By Kristi Arellano, from the Denver Post. (2/15/06)

Rules Of Engagement
In his monthly article for the Chief Marketer, Robert Passikoff discusses 'consumer engagement,' one of the 5 consumer-marketing trends he wrote about last month. By Robert Passikoff. (2/14/06)

Love Not Priceless After All
After a recent survey, Brand Keys has finally succeeded in putting a price on love: it's $113! From the Fort Wayne Press.  (2/14/06)

On Feb. 14, Young Men Are Expected To Give Heartily
Susan Reimer talks to Robert Passikoff about how much it is projected that men and women will spend for their special someone, this Valentine's Day. From the Baltimore Sun (2/12/06)

Survey Firms Weigh In On Gift Giving
Click on the above title to view the article that compares survey results for how much the average person will spend on special gifts this Valentine's Day. From Display & Design Ideas.  (2/7/06)

How Much Does Love Cost?
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., has found that Valentine's Day spending has shot up every year, to the point that it is now the third biggest holiday after Christmas and the Easter shopping season. By Stephanie Hoo, from Associated Press. (2/7/06)

Super Bowl Ads Aim For Longer Shelf Life
According to Robert Passikoff, "engaging consumers these days takes more than advertising on a special event to a large audience." From the Salt Lake Tribune. (2/4/06)

Advertisers Pay XL Bucks For XL Game
Robert Passikoff tells the Associated Press his thoughts on the Super Bowl XL.  (2/3/06)

Men Put Money Where Their Hearts Are
According to a Brand Keys survey, on Valentine's Day, men are more romantic than women at demonstrating love and affection in retail purchases. By George Anderson, from Retail Wire.  (2/3/06)

Commercials That Echo
Robert Passikoff tells the New York Times how consumers' engagement has changed, with reference to the Super Bowl XL advertising. By Stuart Elliott. (2/2/06)

The Price of LOVE
“Valentine’s day turned into a major retail holiday about four years ago” noted Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys. A part of the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index shows that there are demographic differences in gift giving. Men spend more than women. The 18- 34 year olds plan to spend an average of $145, 35-49 year olds plan to spend $60, and the 50+ group plans to spend an average of $45. “Love comes in all shapes and sizes” said Passikoff. From Trendz. (2/1/06)

Save The CMO...With Metrics
Click here to view the first of a monthly column by Brand Keys President Robert Passikoff, concerning the dangers that CMOs today now face. From the Chief Marketer.  (1/18/06)

Destiny's Child Alumni A Perfect Fit For Brands
Robert Passikoff comments on the synergy that can exist between band and brand. By Michael Paoletta, from Reuters. (1/6/06)

What Trend Brand Marketers Can Expect In 2006
Brand Keys, Inc. President, Robert Passikoff, outlines the 5 keys to branding success in 2006. From the Wise Marketer. (12/9/05)

'The Apprentice' To Try out Palm Trees
The popular Donald Trump show, 'The Apprentice' is set to trade in its classic New York image for LA, in its next season. But, Robert Passikoff thinks this could be a "treacherous move" for a brand like Trump. By Julie Bosman, from the New York Times. (12/2/05)

Star-Struck Gap Follows Celebs Off A Sales Cliff
"Relying on celebrity spokespersons should be the course of last resort," says Robert Passikoff, in reference to GAP's celebrity advertising campaigns. By Mya Frazier, from Advertising Age. (11/28/05)

Is This The Most Trusted Man In Fashion?
Robert Passikoff comments on Donald Trump's role in fashion brand strength. By Cathy Horyn, from the New York Times. (11/24/05)

Satisfied Customizers
According to a recent Brand Keys survey, "customization is 30% of what draws a person to a brand today, as opposed to a mere 6% in 1997." By Vicky Hallet, from US News.  (11/21/05)

Buick Shifts From 'Dream' To 'Precision'
The struggling Buick division of General Motors is changing campaigns for the second time in little more than a year. Robert Passikoff discusses this move with the New York Times. By Stuart Elliott. (11/18/05)

There's No Banking On Star Power
Celebrity mojo apparently isn't working much magic for fashion brands. By Valerie Seckler, from Womens Wear Daily.  (11/16/05)

The Loyalty Edge
This article from The Motley Fool looks beyond the margins of loyalty in light of the 2005 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index. By Selena Maranjian, from The Motley Fool. (11/10/05)

Dropping Regional Nameplates A Wise Move
According to Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., Federal Department Stores have made a good move in the recent decision to drop its regional nameplates. By Tim Parry, from Chief Marketer. (11/8/05)

Golf A-Logo
Robert Passikoff applies his "if it doesn't fit, you mustn't commit" philosophy to advertisers, to the world of golfing. By A. Scott Walton, from Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  (11/7/05)

New Jersey Is Ok? Sorry, Slogan Taken
New Jersey tries to revamp its image by searching for a new slogan and Brand Keys President Robert Passikoff thinks that this will lead to a more positive brand image. By Peter Applebome, from the New York Times. (11/2/05)

What Channel Are You On?
Robert Passikoff discusses television media planning. From CMO Magazine. (11/1/05)

Lakeside Mall Wins H&M Apparel Store
With the continual expansion of H&M, the question of quality/price is always present. Robert Passikoff says that despite this "consumers value the clothing with its European flair for more than just durability." By Greta Guest, from the Detroit Free Press. (11/1/05)

And Now A Few (More) Words From Our (One) Sponsor
Robert Passikoff discusses the new "one-sponsor-per-show" strategy, that is becoming so popular. By Jenn Abelson, from the Boston Globe.  (10/24/05)

The Next Big Idea Targets Branded Entertainment
On October 19, Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., gave the keynote address at Brandweek's "The Next Big Idea" conference. Read this article for more details. From Brandweek. (10/20/05)

A Toast To A Liqueur (If You Can Say It)
Robert Passikoff comments on the marketing of products whose brand names are difficult to pronounce. By Julie Bosman, from the New York Times. (10/13/05)

Martha Stewart Refashions Her Personality
Martha Stewart refashions her personality and business approach, but will it work? By Anne D'Innocenzio, from Associated Press. (10/9/05)

Wal-Mart Gets The Fashion Bug
Can Wal-Mart, the purveyor of merchandise at "everyday low prices," be a destination for hip urban fashionistas? By Pallavi Gogoi, from Business Week Online. (10/7/05)

At Least It's An Ethos
In this article, Robert Passikoff likens Wal-Mart's potential union with Hilfiger to "turning around the Queen Mary at full steam." By Brian Gerrell, from The Ball State Daily News. (10/5/05)

Will The New, 'Softer' Martha Be A Success
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., believes that although Martha Stewart once "ruled from her castle," only time will tell now as to whether or not she can reclaim her position. By Anne D'Innocenzio, from The Associated Press. (10/5/05)

Four Hurdles For Disney's Iger
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., comments on the effect that Disney's new CEO will have on the company. By Laura Petrucca, from USA Today. (10/3/05)

Wal-Mart Crashes The Fashion Party
Is acquiring Tommy Hilfiger next for image-conscious Wal-Mart? Robert Passikoff believes that the company "is certainly looking to hitch its wagon to a brand that can lead it to an upscale consumer base." By Pallavi Gogoi, from Business Week Online. (9/28/05)

Wal-Mart Net Widens With Ad Spread in Vogue
By touting an 8-page spread in Vogue magazine, the world's largest retailer has taken a radical step - but is there more to come? By A. Scott Walton, from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. (9/28/05)

Martha's Prime Time Debut
Robert Passikoff comments on the success-potential for Martha Stewart's new reality TV show. By David Kiley, from Business Week Online. (9/22/05)

Would You Like Life Skills With That Burger Job?
Will using past celebrity employees to tout McDonald's leadership skills bring them more customers? Robert Passikoff ponders this in this USA Today article. By Laura Petrucca. (9/22/05)

The King Of The Hill, Top Of The Heap Brand
According to a recent Brand Keys survey, consumers today have an increasingly positive opinion of New York, versus 10 years ago. By Julie Bosman, from the New York Times. (9/13/05)

Wal-Mart's Vogue Spread
With regard to Wal-Mart's advertising appearance in Vogue, Robert Passikoff says that, "no matter how 'right' the vehicle for the audience, it may not be quite right for the advertising brand." From Trendz Magazine. (9/1/05)

From Prison To Prime Time
Critics eagerly await the return of Martha Stewart to television. By Charlie McCollum, from Mercury News. (9/1/05)

MSL Stock Up Ahead Of New Shows
As Wall Street awaited Martha Stewart's return to television on Monday (Aug. 29), Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia stock rose as much as 10%. From Reuters. (8/29/05)

Martha Stewart, Unchained
With Martha Stewart on the verge of re-entering the world of television, Robert Passikoff believes that "there is great risk in putting her back in front of so many people." By David Carr, from the New York Times. (8/29/05)

Daring To Be Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart may be in Vogue, but it's got a long way to go to match Target's flair. Robert Passikoff discusses this with The Street. By Nat Worden, from The Street. (8/26/05)

Pop Stars And Pixels
"Consumers know there is no difference between getting songs from one provider vs. another, and will ultimately seek out the best deal," says Robert Passikoff about the fast-growing digital music industry. By Thomas Mucha, from Business 2.0 Magazine. (8/26/05)

Martha Stewart Set To Break Out
Will investors and consumers take notice of Martha when the ankle bracelet finally comes off? By Shaheen Pasha, from CNNMoney.com. (8/25/05)

Coke And Pepsi Beat A Retreat
Brand Keys comments on the effect that pulling sodas off shelves in schools will have on Coke and Pepsi. By Tom Van Riper, from Forbes. (8/25/05)

Wal-Mart Ads Aim For The Well-Heeled
Robert Passikoff, Founder of Brand Keys, Inc., comments on Wal-Mart's decision to advertise in Vogue - an attempt to polish their image and attract a more upscale audience. By Lauren Coleman-Lochner, from the Houston Chronicle. (8/24/05)

Seeking Men WIth Extra Pounds To Shed
According to a recent Brand Keys survey, when it comes to picking soft drinks, only 8% of consumers are making their selection based on taste. By Kenneth Hein, from Brandweek. (8/22/05)

Peddling A Name
Robert Passikoff comments on Lance Armstrong's decision to endorse Denver's 24 Hour Fitness Sports Club. By Kristi Arellano, from the Denver Post. (8/18/05)

From Reality TV To Reality Ads
Robert Passikoff comments on the impact of Dove's new "beaties" campaign, featuring real women rather than perfect models. By Pallavi Gogoi, from Business Week.  (8/17/05)

Gauging Impact of McDonald's Designer Duds
According to Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., "uniforms in America are seen as utalitarian and ubiquitous." Can McDonald's gain from adopting new uniforms designed by celebrities? By Valerie Seckler, from Women's Wear Daily.  (8/10/05)

Will Martha's Planning Pay Off?
How will Martha Stewart's stock react to her release from prison and re-entry into the media spotlight? By James T. Madore, from Newsday. (8/4/05)

Consumers Can Be Loyal
Robert Passikoff discusses customer loyalty as a science. From Star News.  (7/31/05)

Products' New Fame Game On TV
As more viewers zip past ads, product placement on shows is taking off in a big way - and changing the way marketing deals are done. By Pallavi Gogoi, from Business Week.  (7/29/05)

Federal To Drop Regional Nameplates
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, believes that the conversion to Macy's "makes a lot of sense not only from the economic and communication point of view, but facing up to the realities of the marketplace." (7/29/05)

Why Fashion Keeps Bottling Celebrity Pop
Celebrities are the thread tying together American pop culture and, as such, provide a platform for fashion marketers that should keep gaining at least until the turn of the decade. By Valerie Seckler, from Women's Wear Daily. (7/27/05)

Fashion Statement
Spurning traditional advertising, how do fashion brands ensure that they remain in demand? Brand Keys believes that many brands don't know how to convert glamour to the web. By Mark Turngate, from Brand Republic. (7/27/05)

Steve And Barry's Retail Revolution
Steve and Barry's University Sportswear owners hope to change the apparel world as much as Starbucks has affected coffee. From the Detroit Free Press. (7/26/05)

Marketers Unsure Of Stewart Comeback Potential
Will Martha Stewart be able to pull off a comeback in the wake of her new reality TV show? Robert Passikoff believes that the high interest in the TV show might not translate into returns. By Claire Atkinson, from Ad Age. (7/25/05)

Microsoft Will Offer Windows Vista
Robert Passikoff says that "name can be as much as 20% of the consumers purchasing decision," in relation to buying software. From Bloomberg News. (7/22/05)

Maytag Buyer Would Face Repairs
Even as Maytag considers a third buyout proposal, from rival Whirlpool, the Maytag brand is in need of repair. Robert Passikoff is asked to comment in this USA Today article. By Lorrie Grant and Theresa Howard. (7/19/05)

One McUniform With Style
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., comments on the percent contribution that uniforms make to profitability and customer loyalty, in light of the potential image change that McDonald's faces. By Samantha Thompson Smith, from News Observer. (7/18/05)

Dealerships As Destinations
Is this a "trend of desperation"? Robert Passikoff believes so, with regard to Mercedes-Benz's latest dealership amenities. By Anne Mitchell, from NewsPress.com (7/18/05)

Martha-Mania: The Deluge Looms
Despite Martha Stewart's imprisonment and "brush" with the law, is she finally back on the path to profitability? By Krysten Crawford, from CNN Money (7/15/05)

Rising Above Fashion's Hue & Cry
What are fashion brand marketers doing to win the American Consumer's loyalty? That is the question that Robert Passikoff discusses in the attached article. By Valerie Seckler, from Women's Wear Daily. (7/13/05)

Is Harry Potter Dead?
Robert Passikoff gives his opinion on the future of Harry Potter, the brand. By Parija Bhatnagar, from CNN Money.com (7/12/05)

SVS And Brand Keys Form Alliance
SVS has finalized an agreement with Brand Keys to help enhance SVS's "total solution" loyalty programs. From The Wise Marketer. (7/6/05)

Would You Spend $3,500 On A 50 Cent Watch?
When asked to comment on the upcoming release of 50 Cent's own line of watches, Robert Passikoff said that he doesn't believe that celebrity is enough of an added value to any product to make it successful. From Reuters. (7/5/05)

The Face Of Pharmaceutical Brand Promotion
Robert Passikoff is interviewed about the pharmaceutical industry. From The Wise Marketer (7/1/05)

US Pharmaceutical Industry Newsletter
Read Dr. Passikoff's interview in Japan's US Pharmaceutical Industry Newsletter for a fresh look at DTC's Corporate and Product Brand Promotion. Click here to read the interview in Japanese.  (7/1/05)

SVS and Brand Keys Form Alliance
Stored Value Systems has formed a strategic alliance with Brand Keys, offering a "total solution" loyalty program consultation. (6/27/05)

Great Expectations Go Unmet
This year, America's expectations of apparel brands advanced 8%, while the success of the category's seven leading brands in satisfying these desires declined by 17%, according to the 2005 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index. By Valerie Seckler, from Women's Wear Daily. (6/15/05)

Burgers, Fries, CD Burners and Plasma TVs
McDonald's seem to have taken on a different image, seen in their flagship restaurant in Illinois - which is packed with technology. But, Robert Passikoff says that "trying to migrate to another image is very difficult." From The Daily News. (6/14/05)

Catherine Zeta-Jones On Line One
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., isn't surprised by the success of T-Mobile's Zeta-Jones campaign because "her values significantly reinforce T-Mobile's values." By Thomas Mucha, from Business 2.0 (6/10/05)

Why The Caveman Loves The Pitchman
A little celebrity and a shrewd marketing strategy can go a long way to sell a product. The key is understanding how the human brain really works. By Thomas Mucha, from Business 2.0 (6/6/05)

A Drug Maker's Ads, Hold The Disclaimer
Robert Passikoff affirms that Merck's new campaign to improve its image, rather than sell products, is "a great idea." By Stuart Elliott, from the New York Times. (6/2/05)

The Anatomy Of A Shopper
This article looks at the "New American Consumer," how it has developed, and the results of the 2005 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index. By Clayton Collins, from The Christian Science Monitor.  (6/1/05)

Desperate Sponsors
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., discusses celebrity sponsorships. From Brand Republic. (5/31/05)

Wachovia Wins Brand-Loyalty Award
The Charlotte Business Journal is proud to report that Wachovia is the only North Carolina company to win an award in this year's Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index. From the Charlotte Business Journal. (5/24/05)

Samsung Handset Receives Best Brand Award
Samsung has won the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Award, in the Mobile Phone Category, for the 4th year in a row. From Telecom Korea. (5/24/05)

Brand Study Finds US Sports Fan Loyalty Shifting
This article outlines the results of the 2005 Brand Keys Sports Fan Loyalty Index. From the Wise Marketer online. (5/23/05)

The Expectation Epidemic
In this week's cover features, Brandweek magazine details the 2005 Customer Loyalty Index. It analyzes the results and reveals the winners. By Kenneth Hein, from Brandweek.  (5/23/05)

Next!
After Gap's sudden decision to replace their spokesperson Sarah Jessica Parker with relative unknown Joss Stone, Robert Passkioff comments on the trend of celebrity advertising campaigns, and how they are so often misunderstood. By Ruth La Ferla, from the New York Times. (5/19/05)

Newsweek Retracts Account Of Koran Abuse
As a result of this weeks Newsweek scandal, Robert Passikoff gives his opinion on the damages that ensued. By Katharine Q. Seelye and Neil A. Lewis, from the New York Times. (5/17/05)

GM Switches Ad Account to Publicis Amid Slump
According to Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., "GM has lost brand awareness with consumers", and is taking desperate measures to amend this. From the Chicago Tribune. (5/12/05)

Nike Decides Not To Do Business With Sears
Nike's decision to stop selling its sneakers and clothes at Sears is shining a spotlight on the impact retail environments have on marketers' brands. Robert Passikoff comments on the slow decline that Sears has been showing, according to the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index. By Nat Ives, from the New York Times. (5/5/05)

GM Hopes Corporate Rev Will Fuel Lagging Marques
Reeling from revenue and market share losses, GM is hoping that promoting its corporate brand will have a halo effect on laggards like Pontiac and Buick. Robert Passikoff shares hiw views on this strategy. By Karl Greenberg, from Brandweek. (4/18/05)

Out Of Fashion
Although Gap has been a staple in the top 10 of the Brand Keys Fashion Index since 1998, this year it has disappeared from the list altogether. From Barron's Online. (4/18/05)

What's In A Brand Name?
In today's market place, it's harder for consumers to distinguish quality on a name alone. By Carolyn Shapiro, from The Virginian Pilot. (4/17/05)

L.L. Bean Ranks High In Brand Importance
For the first time since Brand Keys started its Fashion Index, L.L. Bean has entered the top 10. Robert Passkioff comments on L.L. Bean's steadily increasing customer loyalty. By Edward D. Murphy, from MaineToday.com (4/9/05)

MLB and NHL Brands Strike Out In Fashion Index
According to Robert Passikoff's 2005 Fashion Loyalty Index, the power of fashion brands continues to decline, especially for major league sports. From Retail Merchandiser. (4/7/05)

Look-Alike Brands Lose Some Luster
Brand Keys' 2005 Fashion Loyalty Index is detailed in this article that discusses changing customer loyalty towards fashion labels. By Valerie Seckler, from Womens Wear Daily. (4/6/05)

MLB and NHL Brands Strike Out In Fashion Index
For the first time since 2002, "Favorite Sports Team", the perennial leader among men and women in all age segments, showed and over-all decrease of 13% in importance to consumers. From Creat Magazine. (4/6/05)

Protect Your Brand
In the wake of the Congressional hearings examining steroid use by major league players, a new study among 1,000 baseball fans in the MLB's markets conducted by Brand Keys, revealed that MLB's brand strength has greatly eroded since last season. By Len Stein, from the Direct Marketing Association. (4/6/05)

Steve Madden Campaign Promotes Prison Return
Robert Passikoff discusses the differences between Martha Stewart's and Steve Madden's release from prison, and the effect they will have on the brands. By Stuart Elliott, from the New York Times.  (4/5/05)

Valentines Day Slated As Major Retail Holiday
Robert Passikoff discusses the results of the Brand Keys Valentines Day survey, which determined how much people would spend on gifts this year, and how and why these numbers differed from previous years. From The Gourmet Retailer. (4/5/05)

Brand X Marks The Spot
Do small unbranded gasoline chains stand a chance against the 'usual suspects' - Texaco, Chevron, BP etc...? By Alison Embrey, from the Convenience Store News.  (4/5/05)

Reaching The Hispanic Consumer
If beauty companies want to reach Hispanic consumers in the US, they need to forget the poorly dubbed tv ad campaigns. By Lori Gustavus, from Beauty Businss News. (4/4/05)

The Fame Game
Robert Passikoff comments on celebrity branding. By Phyllis Schiller, from the Rapaport News. (3/31/05)

Microsoft Searches For A Way To Catch Up
MSN makes a move in the search-engine biz with a lot of marketing muscle. Google should be worried. By Thomas Mucha, from Business 2.0 Magazine. (3/31/05)

How Can General Motors Remake Itself?
"In a society looking more for a set of values on wheels to bond with, G.M. seems to be falling back on offering commodity brands" sold on deals and rebates, says Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys. By Stuart Elliott, from the New York Times. (3/30/05)

40, But Sporting A $38 Million Figure
Robert Passikoff comments on Gap's recent announcement that Sarah Jessica Parker will no longer be their celebrity spokesmodel. By Roxanne Roberts, from The Washington Post. (3/24/05)

Unlucky '13'
The Daily News' botched numbers-game contest has given the brand a black eye and succeeded in ticking off some of the papers most loyal readers. By Keith J. Kelly, from New York Post. (3/22/05)

Experts Provide Commentary On World Events
This article details the methodology of world event commentary. Robert Passikoff, for example, always relies on his research and surveys when commenting on the news. By Aline Mendelsohn and Hal Boedeker, from the Orlando Sentinel. (3/21/05)

Latina Flavor
Recent Brand Keys surveys show that Hispanic women enjoy shopping as a social experience, and appreciate a second opinion much more than their fellow Caucasian and African-American respondents. From Women's Wear Daily  (3/10/05)

Martha's Critics See Dim Future For Mags
During the past year, Martha Stewart's flagship magazine, Martha Stewart Living, has lost 46% of its ad pages. Robert Passikoff says that "diversification into new lines is the only way to save it." By Keith J. Kelly, from the New York Post. (3/8/05)

Last Stand For Martha's Mags
Everything about Martha Stewart has rebounded, including her stock price and her TV presence. Everything except one thing: the magazine that made her famous. By Keith J. Kelly, from The New York Post. (3/6/05)

Will Jacko Get A Martha Inc. Ending?
Will jail revive Michael Jackson's career the way it seems to have done for Martha Stewart? From The Age.com (3/6/05)

Goddess Of US Lifestyle Leaves Jail
Martha Stewart has succeeded in converting herself from the "villain to the victim," according to Robert Passikoff. From The Mail & Guardian, Africa's first online newspaper.  (3/5/05)

Recipe For Redemption
PR experts suggest Martha Stewart try a slice of humble pie. By Joanne Ostrow, from The Denver Post (3/5/05)

Martha And The Pros Of Being A Con
Robert Passikoff says that Martha Stewart's early check-in to prison was a "smart move." By David Usborne, from The Independent, UK. (3/4/05)

Martha's Stock Soars, But Bumps Likely Ahead
The 6% jump in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's stock price suggests many investors believe its founder's release from prison will mark the start of a new boom. By Tom Van Riper, from New York Daily News. (3/4/05)

Martha, Out And About
The celebrity homemaker strolls the grounds of her New York home after her prison release on Friday. By Krysten Crawford, from CNN Money. (3/4/05)

Stewart Turning Jail Into 'Good Thing,' Too?
Despite massive press coverage for Martha Stewart and her "comeback", Robert Passikoff is not positive about the brand's immediate recovery. (3/4/05)

The Rehabilitation Of Martha
Brand Keys President Robert Passikoff, believes that prison gave Martha Stewart the two C's that consumers want from a fallen star: closure and contrition. From the St. Petersburg Times.  (3/2/05)

Stewart Brand Still Handcuffed
Robert Passikoff comments on the release of Martha Stewart. By Nat Worden, from TheStreet.com. (3/2/05)

Slurpees' Galaxy Expands With Nod to 'Star Wars'
In April of 2005, 7-Eleven Inc. will debut its first black slurpee, a tribute to Darth Vader and the upcoming premier of the third Star Wars movie. According to Robert Passikoff, "the inherent value of the Star Wars brand is good enough reason to try it." By Sarah Hale Meitner, from The Orlando Sentinel. (3/2/05)

CNN Making News With Its Headline Face-Lift
Just a week after CNN's launch of its 3 new hourlong shows, Robert Passikoff says that "it's a big shift to expect consumers to make." It takes intense thought and a well-executed plan to rebrand a cable channel. By Paul J. Gough, from Hollywood Reporter. (3/1/05)

Less Loyal To Martha's Brand
Can there be brand rehabilitation for Martha Stewart? Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., believes that "consumers view her release as more of a media event," than an image enhancer. By James T. Madore, from Newsday. (3/1/05)

Brands Left Starry-Eyed
Using a Hollywood star to promote a brand has become common practice. However, what brand marketers often miss when making decisions about a celebrity is "do their values reinforce the values of the brand," said Robert Passikoff. By Becky Ebenkamp, from Brandweek. (2/28/05)

Martha Stewart Hones New Image
Just before the end of her prison sentence, Martha Stewart's shares are up, her 2 new TV shows are being hyped and public opinion seems to be heading back in her direction. By Frank Ahrens, from the Washington Post.  (2/28/05)

Pouring It On
To compete with UPS and FedEx, DHL has undergone a complete image makeover. As a result, brand awareness has nearly doubled, and Robert Passikoff believes that DHL has done a great job of "presenting itself as a viable alternative." By Thomas Mucha, from Business 2.0 (2/24/05)

Martha Stewart Looms Large
With Martha Stewart's release from prison looming, critics are skeptical about her new role in the company, as she is no longer CEO. But, according to Robert Passikoff, "it isn't really an issue of whether she is actively on the board or not, as long as she is able to have input in some of the creative decisions that need to be made." By Reuters  (2/24/05)

Beer Fans' Allegiances Run Deep
According to Robert Passikoff, beer drinkers don't see all brands as the same. They see plenty of distinctions in their favorite's taste, image and whatever else. A competitor would have to do something major to rip them away. By Mike Moore, From The Journal Times (2/21/05)

Waiting For Martha
With the upcoming release of Martha Stewart from prison, her company is yet again going to be under a lot of scrutiny. Despite her approaching appearance on the "Apprentice-style" TV show, Robert Passikoff says that she "is not out of the woods yet." By Krysten Crawford, from CNN Money. (2/17/05)

New 'Dora' Plug: Mi Casa Es Su Casa
Nickelodeon's "Dora the Explorer" has become so popular in Hispanic communities that they are fast becoming a target for advertisers. By Amy Chozik, from the Wall Street Journal. (2/17/05)

Valentine's Day 2005
Valentine's Day has become a major retail holiday not only in the United States, but all over the world too. By Elisabeth Braw From Sydsvenskan, Sweden (2/13/05)

Getting Intimate
According to Robert Passikoff, lingerie is not only being purchased by men on Valentine's Day, "it's become about comfort for couples." From Women's Wear Daily (2/10/05)

Global Office
Global Office at CNN.com talks to Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc. (2/8/05)

The Toothpaste Aisle
Robert Passikoff gives his opinion on the fast growing problem of "segmentation vertigo" in the toothpaste aisle. By Karrie Jacobs, from MetropolisMagazine.com  (2/7/05)

Brand Analysis Reveals Super Bowl Advert Surprises
New research from Brand Keys reveals that not all advertisers will benefit by advertising at the Super Bowl. From WiseMarketer.com (2/7/05)

Most Commercials Try Not To Offend
Along with the Super Bowl came MBNA's first national television ad. But Robert Passikoff, of Brand Keys, Inc., questioned whether the Super Bowl was the right venue for this debut, despite the football tie-ins. By Ted Griffith, from DelawareOnline.com (2/7/05)

A Marriage Of Convenience
Smart marketers offer innovative packaging that simplifies consumers' increasingly busy lives. By Pauline Tingas, Brand Packaging Magazine. (2/1/05)

Couples Can't Decide On V-Day Movie
When it comes to agreeing on what movie to rent on Valentines Day this year, it seems that couples just can't decide, according to a survey conducted by Brand Keys, Inc. By Sandra Jones, from ChicagoBusiness.com (2/1/05)

P&G Reaches Deal For Gillette
Procter & Gamble Co., the leading U.S. maker of household products, is buying razor and battery maker The Gillette Co. for $57 billion -- creating the world's biggest consumer-products company. By Sarah Hale Meitner, from The Orlando Sentinel (1/29/05)

Chrysler's Wild Ride At The Auto Show
At last year's Auto Show in New York, Chrysler put on a display that few onlookers will forget. According to brand loyalty expert Robert Passikoff, "events like this give a brand dimension. They can create an intimacy between the consumer and the brand." By Thomas Mucha, from Business 2.0 (1/28/05)

Super Bowl Ads Don't Float All Brands: Survey
Brand Keys surveyed 1,100 consumers who plan to watch the game to gauge fans' likely response to seeing specific brands' ads before, during, and after the game. (1/27/05)

Kmart Flips On Blue Light
Kmart Holding Corp. is switching its famous blue-light special back on -- at least temporarily -- in an effort to spark new sales. But despite some public doubt, brand consultant Robert Passikoff believes there is a place for the blue-light special. By Tenisha Mercer, from The Detroit News  (1/27/05)

Study Says Some Should Take Pass On Super Bowl
According to Robert Passikoff, "If if doesn't reinforce your brand values, then you're throwing your $2.4 million away". As the Super Bowl approaches, a new study by Brand Keys shows the importance of matching the message to the medium, something that newcomers GoDaddy.com have not yet successfully done, in the eyes of the consumers. By Kenneth Hein, from Brandweek. (1/24/05)

The Road Most Taken
Convenience is on the rise in marketing, according to Brand Keys President, Robert Passikoff. By Len Stein, From The Direct Marketing Association (1/19/05)

Wal-Mart Marketing Blitz Starts
Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, Inc., is not sure "how effective" Wal-Mart's national marketing blitz, that kicked off this week, is going to be. By Christine L. Romero, from azcentral.com (1/14/05)

Ad Positions Ad Up
Positioning in consumer magazine advertising is often but not always key in determining its effectiveness, according to a new study conducted by Brand Keys. From Folio Magazine. (1/6/05)

For Magazine Ads, Location Matters
Assessing the effectiveness of ad positions in magazines is gravitating from art to science. Brand Keys demonstrates how its ad placement system, Brand-To-Media Consonance, measures an ad's return on investment based on its position in a magazine. From Womens Wear Daily  (12/29/04)

Out Of The Slammer, And Into Our Hearts
Despite Martha Stewart's recent syndication deal with NBC, "it's going to take a lot more than a new TV show to bring her back," says President of Brand Keys, Inc., Robert Passikoff. By Thomas Mucha, Business 2.0. (12/16/04)

Why Convenience Is The Best Brand Differentiator
According to Brand Keys, Inc. President Robert Passikoff, "if you deliver on a comprehensive promise, consumers will positively beat a path to your door". From WiseMarketer.com.  (12/7/04)

Haute Cuisine For The Masses
Robert Passikoff believes that brand names stand the chance of being tarnished by the recent trend of mass production. By Pallavi Gogoi, Business Week Online. (12/6/04)

Made In USA
Brand Keys shows how its ad placement system, Brand-To-Media Consonance, measures an ad's return on investment based on its position in a magazine. From Presse Magazine  (12/1/04)

Connecting With People Where They Live
Robert Passikoff believes that brand sponsorships have become more effective marketing vehicles than print ads. By Valerie Seckler, Women's Wear Daily (12/1/04)

No Hoops Nightmare
Despite recent basketball brawls, Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, Inc., says that "many fans are excited by this behavior", and that the NBA will be able to rise above this. By Thomas Mucha, Business 2.0 (11/30/04)

A Gift For Under $20? Yes, And A Nice One.
According to a Brand Keys survey, at least 75% of shoppers surveyed will be relying on discount stores this Christmas. By Kathryn Wexler, The Miami Herald. (11/24/04)

Future Shock for Barbie and GI Joe
Children are increasingly turning to more grown-up kinds of entertainment, leaving the classic toys to struggle against more mature and technologically advanced diversions. From Business Week Online (11/22/04)

Will Kmart Walk Away A Winner With Sears Deal?
According to Brand Keys, Inc. President Robert Passikoff, Kmart is a "tainted brand" that will "go away long term". By Bruce Horovitz, USA Today  (11/18/04)

Martha, Others Benefit on Sears Deal
It seems that Martha Stewart will be one of several brands that will benefit from the merger of Sears and Kmart, which is "good news" for Martha, according to Robert Passikoff. By Joe Del Bruno, The Associated Press (11/17/04)

Martha Stewart Shares Soar On Kmart-Sears Deal
Although the deal between Kmart and Sears will increase Stewart's distribution, Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, Inc. believes that the brand is still tarnished due to her criminal conviction. From USA Today (11/17/04)

Loyalty Index Forecasts Holiday Retail Trends
The 2004 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index shows how consumers will spend their money this Christmas. From The Wise Marketer (11/15/04)

Newcomers Threatening Established Brand Loyalty
According to loyalty research consultancy Brand Keys, there have been significant shifts in brand loyalty since last year. From The Wise Marketer (11/8/04)

Corporate Gift Packagers
"Retailers work as businesses, not charities," says Robert Passikoff, of Brand Keys, Inc. By Dina ElBoghdady, The Washington Post (11/7/04)

Kmart's New Lines: Tailored To Turn Heads
Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc., says that Kmart's new line of stylish clothing is a smart move, for a change. By Greta Guest, The Detroit Free Press (11/5/04)

When Wireless Networks Merge
"Merges are the merging of customer values," says Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys, Inc. By Stewart Elliott, New York Times  (10/28/04)

Brand Loyalty 2004
Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Leaders Survey 2004. (10/25/04)

Martha Breaking Out New Home Line
Martha Stewart announces the expansion of a partnership that will see more Stewart-inspired furniture grace store shelves by early next year. By Suzanne Kapner, The New York Post (10/14/04)

Makeover At The Mall: Borders Tries Redo
Robert Passikoff says that "it is an intelligent marketing tactic" for Borders to test a new look and name for its mall-based chain. By Greta Guest, The Detroit Free Press (10/14/04)

Nickelodeon Expands Beyond Its TV Roots
Nickelodeon childrens' network will soon begin testing a new strategy with video games, a clothing line, and baby videos, relying on its brand identity alone to sell the products. By Angela Moore  (10/11/04)

A Good Thing? Some Closure Helps Stewart Brand
Robert Passikoff discusses whether or not Martha Stewart's sentence is helping or hurting her brand. By Robert Passikoff, from The Direct Marketing Association (10/6/04)

Got a crisis? Don't do this.
Kryptonite's customer loyalty is at stake here, says Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, Inc., as security is a key factor in the consumer's decision. By Thomas Mucha, Business 2.0 (9/22/04)

Viacom likely to avoid damage from woes at CBS
As a result of recent scandals at CBS, it seems that the damage done to the network's news division could be significant. By Geraldine Fabrikant, The International Herald Tribune  (9/22/04)

CBS Storm Washes Over Viacom
CBS's 2 week delay in admitting its error may hurt the company, says Brand Keys' President, Robert Passikoff. By Geraldine Fabrikant, The New York Times (9/22/04)

Companies Rename Themselves after Scandal
"Is a name change effective? Sure it is." Robert Passikoff states that the reinvention of a company by changing its name in order to overcome a scandal, is a positive thing. By Brooke A. Masters, The Seattle Times  (9/18/04)

Jailhouse Stock
Martha Stewart's decision to start her jail sentence will certainly be a way to save her company further "pain", says Passikoff. By Suzanne Kapner, The New York Post (9/16/04)

Internet Strong for Fashion Branding
According to a Brand Keys' survey, the Internet is a favorite for where designers are finding fashion brand success. By Robyn Greenspan  (9/9/04)

Absolut To Try Television Ads
Given this century's lust for cable and the internet, it seems that Absolut aren't going to miss the opportunity to advertise on television, which well be a first for the company. By Stuart Elliott, The New York Times (9/3/04)

The Pressure On Print
Magazines are no longer the marketing monoliths they've been for fashion brands. By Valerie Seckler, Women's Wear Daily (8/25/04)

Presidential Advertising
After a Brand Keys' study on Republican, Democratic, and Independent voters and their ratings of the current Bush and Kerry commercials, Robert Passikoff notes that they have had little effect on the voter. From Media Bulletin (8/19/04)

Google IPO snafus not seen hurting brand
According to the Brand Keys' customer loyalty index, Google has topped the list of internet brands for the past 5 years. It seems that "few obstacles can dent its reputation". From MSNBC  (8/19/04)

Brand Builders: Caring Enough About Loyalty
One of the biggest marketing challenges facing corporations today is figuring out how to convince their customers that they genuinely care about their needs. From Brandweek (8/9/04)

Fleet and Discover Top 'Loyalty Index'
Loyalty to Mutual Fund companies seems to have dropped, whilst remaining steady for retail banks, credit cards, and insurance companies. By Leah Gliniewicz (8/4/04)

Martha's Endgame
"Advertisers are looking for a reinvention of the brand," says Robert Passikoff. By Jyoti Thottam, Time Magazine (7/26/04)

Cork the Whines or Biz may Sour, Say Experts
According to Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, Martha Stewart's constant denials are not helping her company's recovery, as shown in the consistently low scores in the brand loyalty index for her company. By Paul H. B. Shin, New York Daily News (7/18/04)

Stewart Battles Back in TV Interview
After her sentencing, Martha Stewart appeared on television, claiming that she had not cheated anyone. However, this was to no avail, as the latest survey of marketing firm Brand Keys showed that Stewart's brand suffered in the eyes of consumers following her sentencing. From CBS Market Watch (7/17/04)

Stewart's Fight at Odds With Brand
The suffering of Martha Stewart's brand is far from over, despite Stewart's own pleas of innocence. Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, Inc., said even a successful appeal won't help the Martha Stewart brand. By Anne D'Innocenzio, The Miami Herald (7/16/04)

Kmart Runs Sale on Stewart Line
Just in time for her sentencing, Kmart is running a sale on varied Martha Stewart products. Analysts following the retailer don't expect the sentencing to greatly impact its business. However, although the product quality remains high in the eyes of consumers, the trust has been eroded, according to market research expert Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys, Inc. From The Associated Press  (7/14/04)

Can Fashion Disconnect to Reconnect?
A recent division has occurred in fashion advertising - are some companies going too far? Passikoff asks "how far can a brand stray from consonant images before people fail to believe it"? By Valerie Seckler, Women's Wear Daily (7/14/04)

Saying
Robert Passikoff of Brand Keys Inc., responds to the question of whether fashion advertising can be effective if it's disconnected from the images evoked by the advertisers products. From Women's Wear Daily (7/14/04)

These Stores Could Drive You to Drugs
Why is the service in New York chain drug stores so terrible? Robert Passikoff, an expert on customer loyalty, believes that the owners probably don't demand much charm because "if you don't buy it here, you'll buy it from us 2 blocks away." From New York Daily News (7/11/04)

Wal-Mart's success makes it a target
Despite negative press, Brand Keys' President Robert Passikoff believes that the brand's image has not been effected. By Shawn McCarthy, Globe and Mail (6/23/04)

Wal-Mart case largest Sex-Bias lawsuit in history?
Robert Passikoff claims that the sexual discrimination case against Wal-Mart is unlikely to have much affect on their customers, despite the fall of the company's share price on the New York Stock Exchange. By Barry Wood, Voice of America (6/23/04)

Big Retailer, Big Problems?
Analysts worry that the reputation and stock value of big retailers such as Wal-Mart may suffer as a direct result of the Martha Stewart Trial. Brand Keys believes there may be some "choppy trading" ahead. By Jennifer Waters, CBS Market Watch (6/22/04)

Branded clothes less popular with adults
According to the 3rd annual Brand Keys Fashion Index, logos are losing out to bargains among adult shoppers. Robert Passikoff puts this down to a "smarter consumer base." From The Washington Times (6/18/04)

Bank of America takes a swing in New York
After purchasing FleetBoston Financial Corp. in April 2004, Bank of America has made the move to put its name on all Fleet banks this summer. Given the recent Parmalat scandal, this could be a way for Bank of America to reverse its negative image. By Jonathan Stempel (6/11/04)

Brand Loyalty Index shows shift in expectations
The 2004 Brandweek Customer Loyalty Awards powered by Brand Keys show a dramatic shift in customer loyalty expectations since 2003. From Wise Marketer  (6/3/04)

Grand Gesture
The profusion of fashion names is making it harder for consumers to differentiate one from another. From Women's Wear Daily (6/2/04)

2004 Customer Loyalty Awards
Click here for a complete listing of the 2004 Brandweek Customer Loyalty Awards powered by Brand Keys. (6/1/04)

The Consumer Loyalty Conundrum
This year, Brandweek has teamed with Brand Keys to create the Brandweek Customer Loyalty Awards powered by Brand Keys. The 2004 Customer Loyalty Awards Survey results indicate that when it comes to brand loyalty, some consumers have remained faithful but many are jumping ship . By Kenneth Hein, Brandweek
Click here for pdf version.  (5/24/04)

Leading brands ranked in US customer loyalty index
According to the 2004 8th Annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index, there is a dramatic shift in customer loyalty expectations. The company's president Robert Passikoff believes this to be important as a means of identifying unmet consumer needs. From Biz-Community  (5/24/04)

Kmart and WB will promote each other
President of Brand Keys, Robert Passikoff, approves and comments on Kmart's smart choice regarding their joint venture with WB in the fall. By Greta Guest, The Detroit Free Press (5/21/04)

Net Gains
More and more people today believe that shopping on the internet, instead of in stores, is a quicker alternative which offers a wider variety of products. According to Robert Passikoff, "convenience is the first and most important driver for shopping on the web." From Women's Wear Daily (5/11/04)

Latte Vendor Seeks Star Treatment
After reaching such a high position in last year's Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index, Starbucks appears to be aiming for superstar brand status. From Adweek (4/6/04)

The Luxury Marketer's Report
In this Luxury Marketer's Report, Robert Passikoff disusses luxury brands, and their elements.  (4/4/04)

Stewart products are holding up well thus far
The stain of scandal on Stewart's business empire, which includes magazines, television programs and the Martha Stewart Living product line at Kmart, has led to question how long her brand can endure. By Julie Jette, The Patriot Ledger  (3/10/04)

Stewart directors hold crisis meeting
The board of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia held an emergency meeting to plot the troubled company's course in the wake of Friday's stunning guilty verdict... By Shawn McCarthy, The Globe and Mail  (3/9/04)

The strength of Stewart's convictions
In a survey conducted by Brand Keys Inc. after the verdict Friday, consumers viewed the brand-- which is on Kmart sheets and towels as well as a host of craft, food and kitchen items sold through a Martha Stewart catalogue-- even more negatively than Enron Corp. By Kathleen Day, The Washington Post (3/9/04)

Company Feeling Impact of Stewart Conviction
Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys Inc., has been tracking public response to the Martha Stewart brand and said he did not believe "it will ever be reconstituted the way it was. Now that she was found guilty, the brand was found guilty." By David Carr and Claudia H. Deutsch, The New York TImes (3/6/04)

Martha needs a makeover for her brand to survive
Jail means the company's stock price will plummet, advertisers who haven't already left will flee the magazines and Kmart probably won't renew any licensing contracts. By Stephen Lynch, The New York Post  (2/26/04)

Thread & Circus
"There has been more marketing and branding activity in the [fashion] industry because, in part, people don't know what else to do. How much difference is there in the products they're putting out there? Not much," says Robert Passikoff. By Robin Givhan, The Washington Post (2/22/04)

Martha Stewart Living Sued By Kmart Over Royalties
Escalating a dispute between two strained partners, Kmart Holding Corp. sued Martha Stewart's company, accusing it of demanding excessive royalties on sales at Kmart stores. From The Wall Street Journal  (2/17/04)

As Brands, Comcast and Disney are an Awkward Pair
If Comcast succeeds in its takeover bid for Disney, what ought the combined company operate under? By Stuart Elliot, The New York Times  (2/13/04)

Six degrees of separation
Young adults are peeling off the labels they wore during their collegiate years at a faster rate then they are switching brands in seven other catagories. By Valerie Seckler, Women's Wear Daily (2/11/04)

US marketers hawk Valentine's Day drill bits
"This is taking on a life of its own," Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys, a brand and customer loyalty consultancy said of Valentine's Day promotions. "People have taken to giving gifts to more than just family members ... and that necessitates a change in the kinds of gifts that are available." By Michele Gershberg  (2/11/04)

Delay in testimony gives Stewart brand a boost
"Any sudden change in public perception of that "human brand" has an immediate, and potentially devastating, effect on the brand's equity, and soon after, its profitability. For the first time the events of Friday provide some positive sense for consumers that Stewart 'has been telling the truth,'" said Passikoff. By Robert Passikoff, Media Daily News.  (2/5/04)

Martha's Brand Improving as Image Softens
According to Brand Keys research, Martha Stewart's brand loyalty rating has rebounded slightly for the first time since she was first accused of unethical stock dealings. By Stephen Lynch, New York Post.  (2/4/04)

Super Bowl retains status as Must-Buy Television
The Super Bowl is one of the few properties that exist today where people are still actually watching the commercials. But Dr. Passikoff says, "The question is not the audience, because you know you're getting the audience, so it's a matter of what you're doing to build sales and positive brand imagery," By Stuart Elliot, The New York  (1/30/04)

Burger King Still Struggling to Find Fortune
According to Brand Keys' President, Robert Passikoff, it seems that Burger King's most recent message missed the point. By Kenneth Hein, Brandweek (1/26/04)

How Good a Buy is Kmart?
While the retailer closed out 2003 with a bang, it'll have to stem continued revenue declines if the stock is to continue its climb. By Amy Tsao, Business Week Online (1/14/04)

Return On What?
A new process from Brand Keys: ROE (return-on-equity) measures how promotions and events drive brand equity. They do this by documenting and quantifying the equity increase resulting from a brand's promotional efforts. PROMO magazine, by Kathleen M. Joyce.  (1/1/04)

Uphill Battle to Keep College Students Loyal
Overall, student respondees to Brand Keys' poll said they were unlikely to be loyal to brands in 70 percent of the categories that marketed to them in school. By Kenneth Hein, Adweek  (12/2/03)

Category Crossing
A successful brand differentiates itself from others by conveying a message that connects to the hearts and minds of the consumer. By Regina Molaro, Xtension (12/1/03)

Crunch Time For the Martha Mess
Dr. Pasikoff comments on the troubled chain's efforts to target Hispanic and urban shoppers, hoping that healthy holiday sales will win over suppliers and Wall Street. From Business Week Online  (11/3/03)

Study: More holiday shopping online
Half of American adults plan to shop online this holiday, up 15 percent from a year ago — the biggest leap for any channel. On average, people are budgeting $710 for seasonal spending, up 9 percent from 2002. From Women's Wear Daily (10/3/03)

Student brand loyalty is a myth, study finds
But according to the study of 17 product categories used by students while in college, compared with their post-graduation brand usage, students proved more likely to switch brands after they graduate. From Wise Marketer (10/1/03)

Astros notes: Robertson sets mark
The top five baseball teams in the 2003 Brand Keys Sports Loyalty Index were the New York Yankees, the Astros, the San Francisco Giants, the Boston Red Sox, and the Philadelphia Phillies. By Alyson Footer, MLB.com (9/17/03)

Research: Starbucks Jolts Rankings In Brand Loyalt
Consumer confidence shaken by corporate scandal and a limp economy sent brand loyalty into a tailspin last year, however this year most customers are standing by their beloved brands, according to a survey being released this month. From Brandweek (9/16/03)

Punt, Pass, and Pitch The NFL turns on the marketi
The NFL also dominates all other professional sports leagues in ratings, and according to the Brand Keys Loyalty Index -- which tracks consumer loyalty on an annual basis -- football fans continue to be fiercely loyal to their favorite sport. By Thomas Mucha, Business 2.0 (9/4/03)

Martha is looking up
But whatever the outcome of her trial, will the Martha Stewart brand ever fully recover? By Robert Deutsch, USA Today.  (9/1/03)

Major Advertisers Drop from 'Martha Stewart Living
"It was one of the strongest brands around," said Robert Passikoff, founder and president of customer-loyalty and branding consultancy Brand Keys. "It will never be the brand it was."  (8/25/03)

Wireless ads to tap into services
• Wal-Mart plans move into Chicago in 2005 - 11:12 AM • McDonald's income dips 5%; U.S. sales surge - 10:50 AM Verizon posts profit helped by Currencies Key interest rates Your Portfolio Learn more Already big ad spenders, wireless companies led by AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless dramatically increased spending in 2002, according to recent reports, as they tried to shift their message away from pricing and into premium, higher-profit services. By Theresa Howard, USA Today (7/29/03)

Taking a Swing at ROI
By Matt Kinsman, Promomagazine  (7/1/03)

For the press, a Case that is an Irresistible Draw
What the criminal charges and impending trial of Martha Stewart could mean for her company. By David Carr, New York Times  (6/5/03)

Conspiracy Rap
Tracking the Martha Stewart brand customer loyalty ratings. The New York Post.  (6/5/03)

The Indictment of a Brand
The indictment of Martha Stewart and its effect on Martha Stewart, the brand. The CEO Refresher  (6/1/03)

The growing market of breath strips
New confectionary players enter this growing novelty category. Advertising, The New York Times by Nat Ives.  (5/27/03)

New records for brand loyalty
The sixth annual Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Awards recorded a record number of first-time winners. The survey also identified more young and emerging companies showing up for the first time in 2003 than in all previous five years the survey has been conducted.  (5/21/03)

Marketers Invent Fake Holidays
The latest attempt by marketers to create selling opportunities where none previously existed. By Courtney Kane, The New York Times  (5/3/03)

Consumers Vote for Good-Ole USA
Results of the 2003 Brand Keys Fashion Index. Women's Wear Daily.  (4/28/03)

The Ministry of Silly Segmentations
Research studies on TV viewers can promise a lot more than they can deliver. Opinion by Dr. Passikoff in Mediaweek.  (4/21/03)

2003 Brand Survivability Ratings
A Brand Keys Update. The CEO Refresher by Robert Passikoff on refresher.com  (4/3/03)

The Disconnect Between CEOs & CMOs
The current economic times are amplifying an age-old challenge: The disconnect between CEOs and their CMOs. With the goal of every CEO being to hit revenue projections and increase market share, to achieve profitability and increase shareholder value, the CMO pressure-cooker is on overdrive. By Pam Batalis, Vice President, Brand Keys, Inc.  (4/1/03)

2003 Brand Survivability Assessments
A review of the top 50 most highly-rated brands by Brand Keys, a leading customer loyalty research firm, indicates that consumers will stick with the basics, with or without flag-waving.  (4/1/03)

During Wartime, Consumers Support Patriotic All-Am
The results of the 2003 Brand Keys Brand Survivability study which included 180 brands. By Kenneth Hein, Brandweek.  (3/31/03)

The view from here - powerless
The entire country is desperately trying to come to grips with the war in Iraq. Millions of Americans are turning their TVs on or off, in an effort to get a sense of control over world events. By Lenore Skenazy, New York Daily News.  (3/26/03)

Ads retreat amid Iraq war coverage
After the U.S. began striking targets in Iraq, major American marketers began pulling their advertising from television and other media. What media analysts are saying. By Jane Weaver, MSNBC.  (3/20/03)

Imagining Coke as a Media Baron
Products becoming media? Talk about hopping the fence. By Robert Passikoff in medialife.com  (3/14/03)

Who says you can't buy love? Hot dates are getting
By Eleena De Lisser, The Wall Street Journal  (2/11/03)

The General Faces Promotion
By Robert Passikoff on Mediapost.com  (2/6/03)

You Spent How Much!
Another inquiry into whether Super Bowl commercials are worth the expense. by Robert Passikoff  (2/1/03)

It's All in the Cards
Brand Keys study compares the major credit cards' consumer benefits. The CEO Refresher by Robert Passikoff on www.refresher.com  (2/1/03)

Now Showing: [Your Spot Here]
By Robert Passikoff on Mediapost.com  (1/28/03)

What Ever Happened to Mr. Wanamaker's Other 50%?
By Robert Passikoff on Mediapost.com  (1/21/03)

Commentary: Thinking Beyond Reach and Frequency
By Robert Passikoff on medialife.com  (1/21/03)

The New Tape Measure
It's time to update the ROI model. By Pam Batalis. Event Marketer magazine.  (1/1/03)

Marketing to a miserable economy
Dr. Passikoff discusses advertisers' desperate attempts to cope with the current state of our economy. By Jane Weaver, MSNBC  (12/19/02)

Fast Food And The Obesity Problem
By Nat Ives, The New York Times (12/4/02)

Wrigley wants you to forget your parents' chewing
Advertising, by Stuart Elliot  (10/8/02)

Establish Your Place at the Table
Marketing News  (9/16/02)

A Customer Loyalty History Lesson
Brand Republic  (9/16/02)

What have you done for me lately?
A weakened U.S. economy & shaky confidnece have left consumers looking more warily at brands. Miss the factors that motivate their buying habits & you may miss out on profits. By Ken Hein, Brandweek.  (9/9/02)

Contract clinched, but sport still losing fans
Sunspot.net  (8/31/02)

Marketers and agencies make contingency plans for
Preparing for a possible baseball strike. Advertising by Stuart Elliot, New York Times  (8/29/02)

Healthy Turbulence in the Friendly Skies
MediaPost  (8/1/02)

What's in a Name? Not Much, According to Clothes
Wall Street Journal  (7/16/02)

Avis raises spending after cut
Advertising Age  (7/15/02)

The Payoff for Trying Harder
Avis has built an unmatched record for customer loyalty. For the past two years, Avis has been the top-ranked brand in the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty survey. Take look at some of the other leaders in the 2002 Customer Loyalty survey.
Click here for pdf version.  (7/2/02)

Leaping Loyalty
Money manager T. Rowe Price showed the biggest improvement in brand loyalty of any company in the 2002 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty survey. Read what made the difference.  (7/2/02)

Shoe Fetish
New Balance has no celebrity endorsers, does minimal advertising, and yet in the past five years has gained more customer loyalty than any other athletic shoe brand. Here's why. Business 2.0 (3/1/02)

The Arrogance of Blue Research
Making a case for customer loyalty metrics. Top of Mind by Robert Passikoff. Brandweek.  (2/2/02)

Ex-Bozell GCD Forms Startup
Rich Levy, the Bozell gcd let go last July after he proposed to client Verizon Wireless that it move its account to another agency, has resurfaced.  (1/27/02)

What Every CEO Wants to Hear from Communications:
Measurement is key to the success of any integrated marketing communications program. A case study from Sears to examines strategies and tactics for measuring and justifying the costs and overall success of communications programs.  (1/1/02)

Stability, Not Flag Waving, Key to Brand Survival
by Kenneth Hein. Brand Keys survey shows which brands consumers feel are best positioned to survive today's climate. Brandweek  (12/3/01)

A Fan For All Seasons
The sixth man. The secret weapon. The home field advantage. Can fan encouragement influence a sports team's chances of winning? Maybe, maybe not. But athletic supporters do make the difference between a winning or losing year at the box office, at the merchandise counter and in the TV ratings. Brandweek, Out of the Box  (11/5/01)

Let There Be Light
Customer Loyalty Index results for NYC utility companies. Brandweek Out of the Box  (10/15/01)

Reading Between the Lines
Looking at customers loyalties to online bookstores. Brandweek Out of the Box  (9/10/01)

My Brand Is Here to Stay
Talking about brand loyalty and the 2001 Customer Loyalty Leaders.  (8/7/01)

The New Face of Loyalty
The Washington Post  (7/11/01)

Putting a Gauge to the Fan
Talking about the 2001 Brand Keys Sports Loyalty results. Newsday  (7/11/01)

Building Brand Loyalty, CNNfn
Business Unusual interview with Robert Pasikoff, president of Brand Keys  (7/6/01)

Salomon Investment Bank Name Changed to 'Citigroup
 (5/22/01)

Beyond Positioning: Measuring Customer Loyalty
by Ira P. Schneiderman, Brand Marketing. Dr. Passikoff discusses why "there is no way to measure customer loyalty using traditional methodologies favored by corporate America" today.  (5/1/01)

Don't Buy That Blurb
Amazon.com's new policies regarding their book reviews and recommendations. U.S. News & World Report  (2/19/01)

Loyalty Quest
How CEO's are deceived regarding customer loyalty measures.  (1/30/01)

Loyal Customers Drive Online Success
Loyal customers can make or break an e-commerce business.  (1/26/01)

Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Sports fan loyalty isn't just about whether a team wins or loses but how they play the game.  (10/26/00)

Loyal Pain
One's loyal pain is another's gain.  (9/18/00)

CRM: A Tall Tale of Customer Loyalty
Dr. Passikoff takes on the myth that you'll be assured a vast supply of loyal customers if you buy the right combination of hardware and software.  (8/4/00)

Big and small search engines share customer loyalt
Some less trafficked search engines rank as highly as the biggest in a Brand Keys customer loyalty survey. Revolution magazine  (7/19/00)

A Melange of Brand Values
In today's environment, to build a loyal retail franchise you need to find ways to blend Internet values with traditional retail values.  (7/18/00)

Visiting More, But Not Staying
When it comes to customer loyalty on the Web it cannot be said enough that there's work to be done. Seventy percent of site regulars are indicating that they're visiting more sites, but spending less time per visit.  (5/11/00)

Use E-Research to Learn Customers' Values
Why are so many companies floundering in dot-com land? Dr. Passikoff explains the meaning of customer relationships and brand loyalty.  (4/20/00)

eMail Researchers Opt for Easy Way Out
Dr. Robert Passikoff points out that conducting research electonically may be cheap but you may only be getting what you pay for.  (3/6/00)

Act Like a Brand
Dr. Passikoff explains why it's meaningless to talk about telecom companies as if they were brands.  (3/6/00)

P.O.V. - Let's move research into the 21st century
Good answers need good questions, argues Dr. Robert Passikoff. To avoid the mistakes of the past, you have to find out what people really think, not just what they say they think. Revolution magazine.  (3/1/00)

Break Free from that Hit-counting Rut!
Dr. Robert Passikoff discusses how counting "hits" on a website is the cyber-equivalent of tallying how many people walked past a store window.  (1/31/00)

It's High Noon for Ecommerce
What drives e-commerce?  (1/10/00)

Don't Be Fooled: Value Isn't All at E-tail
by Robert Passikoff. Brandweek.  (10/4/99)