Will a pretzel bacon cheeseburger promoted by Nick Lachey convince more Gen Y’s to eat at Wendy’s?

Recently the fast-food companies started to realize that Gen Y (19-33 year-olds) prefers fast-food casual chains (e.g. Subway) over them.  In an effort to attract this important demo, Wendy’s created the pretzel bacon cheeseburger.  And then they engaged Nick Lachey to help sell it through social media.  (Morrison, 2013)

They are hoping that consumers will see the item as a “craft” burger, and of course it includes everyone’s favorite food du jour – bacon.  The campaign revolves around consumer tweets, which are incorporated into songs, preformed by Mr. Lachey and Second City members which are then posted on Facebook and YouTube.  (Russell, 2013)

Here’s the launch song which was done as a live feed from the Wendy’s on 34^th Street in case you missed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP8RtEV8eC4&list=SPwq9_yYiQEzllxiGSco-sxqcnlpC0PgVh

So what do you think?  Is this going to draw Gen Y into the chain?

Morrison, M. (2013, July 8)  Wendy’s Signs Nick Lachey to Foist Its Pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger on the World.  adage.com.  Retrieved September 26, 2013, from http://adage.com/article/news/wendy-s-nick-lachey-serenade-pretzel-bacon-burger/242982/

Russell, K. (2013, July 8) Wendy’s Believes This pretzel Bacon Cheeseburger Will bring In The Millennials.  businessinsider.com.  Retrieved September 26, 2013, from http://www.businessinsider.com/wendys-betting-on-pretzel-cheeseburger-2013-7

Why I chose Samsung and Sprint – Hint: It was all about the advertising

After years of resistance, I finally caved and decided it was time to get a smart phone.  I had already decided on a Samsung Galaxy thanks to the brilliant campaign the company ran during the launch of the iPhone 5. 

Here’s the tv ad, and the blog I wrote about it, in case you missed it.  As you can see the feedback from my class was very positive and subsequent sales results indicated that the campaign was indeed very successful. 

http://pjlehrer.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-launch-of-iphone-5-made-me-want-to.html#comment-form

As far as the service went, I have tried Sprint, AT&T and Verizon over the years and haven’t noticed any appreciable difference between them.  So, when I saw the new “Unlimited for Life” ad from Sprint, I was intrigued.  Why?  Because I hate all this technology stuff!  How’s that for a consumer insight?  And the idea of taking this decision off my plate once and for all is so appealing that I said: “Sign me up.”  Here’s the ad in case you missed it.  Stand by for sales results.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q62RxqoH0s&list=TL8cDwFR5WrSs

If you ask me, Chipotle’s new ad is depressing.

It’s no wonder given the success of Chipotle’s first ad that they would try to repeat the effort.  But to my mind the new film, "The Scarecrow," created by Moonbot and featuring Fiona Apple is such a downer it doesn’t make me want to buy anything.  The animation is gorgeous, and the song is haunting.  But the factory scene reminds me of “Soylent Greens,” which doesn’t exactly stimulate my appetite. 

It’s too bad, because the previous commercial, “Back to the Start” actually persuaded me to eat at Chipotle for the first time ever.  I liked the food and would eat there again, but not after seeing this commercial. 

Apparently, it’s all about the game, which is being touted as a free arcade-style game for the iPhone and iPad.  But what about those of us who don’t play games and have a Samsung?  Maybe they think we’ll eat more if we are depressed.  Come to think of it, they may be right.

Here’s the commercial if you missed it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUtnas5ScSE

Nudd, T. (2013, September 12, 2013) Ad of the Day: Chipotle Makes Magic Yet Again With Fiona Apple and a Dark Animated Film.  adweek.com. Retrieved September 12, 2013, from http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/ad-day-chipotle-makes-magic-again-fiona-apple-and-dark-animated-film-152380

NFL nail polish? Sounds like a great idea to me.

I once painted my nails, fingers and toes, navy blue with a white stripe – my swim team colors.  So when I read that Cover Girl was partnering with the NFL to offer nail polish for its 32 teams, I could only think – What took you so long?

Given that 44% of NFL fans are now female, and NFL merchandise bought by women increased by 125% versus year ago in January 2012, I would say the time has come. (Greenberg, 2013)

P&G is going all out for the launch, which will include “fanicures” and “mobile manicure stations” at games, “NFL Style Lounges” at stadiums offering NFL gear and sessions with a stylist, and a Pinterest contest for the best football finger nails.

I say – pass the Gang Green shade please!

Greenberg, K. (2013, September 4)  Covergirl Manicures NFL Team Colors.  mediapost.com.  retrieved September 4, 2013, from  http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/208423/covergirl-manicures-nfl-team-colors.html#axzz2dxlH3jKZ