You’ve seen a bunch of these first-hand. Quartz sums them all up nicely with entertaining examples and animations. | learn more
A brand is a voice and a product is a souvenir
This post on the Kleiner Perkins website highlights their investment in Pattern Brands. The team was responsible (as an agency) for branding at Hims, Sweet Green, Harry’s, and Smile Direct Club. They decided to stop taking on clients and build their own brands instead. | learn more
Amazon’s most ambitious research project is a convenience store
This Bloomberg post is written by Brad Stone, who literally wrote the book on Amazon. Amazon has bet 7 years and hundreds of millions of dollars to get rid of cashiers. | learn more
UC Santa Barbara sues Walmart, Amazon and others
“UCSB says it’s entitled to royalties on the sales of vintage-style LED lightbulbs.” They’re an easier target than the overseas manufacturers. A good reminder that if you’re in the chain of commerce, you’re in the chain of lawsuits when things go wrong. | learn more
Are direct-to-consumer startups Bonsai brands?
Bonsai trees are tiny versions that mimic the shape and scale of full size trees. This author, Simon Andrews, writes: “Warby Parker will never be as big Sunglass Hut. Away will never be as big as Samsonite.” | learn more
Amazon’s biggest shipping carrier is now Amazon
“On the heels of the FedEx breakup, a new leader emerges in Amazon package delivery.” | learn more
Parenthood and Instagram ads
This is an interesting post about how effective the advertising barrage is at targeting and repeatedly exposing users to ads. In this case, for modern breast pumps. | learn more
Dame products sues New York’s MTA over advertising
This might be a better campaign than the original one they had planned. “NYC’s transit agency … rejected Dame’s exciting new subway ad campaign, citing vague and sexist reasons. Their message: There’s plenty of space for erectile dysfunction drugs, but none for innovators making sex enjoyable for women. So we’re going to court to #DerailSexism!” | learn more
Amazon wins battle for ’.amazon ’ domain names
“Amazon recently won a seven-year battle to quite literally capture the last word in e-commerce.” | learn more
The inside story of a Burger King ad campaign
The Whopper Detour campaign sold $0.01 Whoppers from the BK app, only while customers were at a McDonalds. Genius. “Global CMO Fernando Machado shares the long road to Whopper Detour and its 37:1 ROI” | learn more