High-fliers Toyota, Honda are struggling, too

Toyota was supposed to clean up this fall, with its rock-steady finance arm and an ad blitz to promote 0 percent lending. Likewise, Honda, with a lineup of fuel-efficient cars, looked ready to ride out the storm. But Toyota's promotion has been a disappointment, And while Honda has surpassed 10 percent market share this year, it has staggered since September. Some Honda dealers complain that the company isn't doing enough to jump-start sales. The dealer ad associations are running the same commercials regionally.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20081208/ANA03/812080345/1078

Classic toys make a comeback for the holidays

Recent eBay survey says Barbies and board games are back on top of holiday wish lists, and a trip to the Times Square Toys "R" Us finds many kids picking out the toys that their parents once played with.

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2008/12/07/2008-12-07_classic_toys_make_a_comeback_for_the_hol.html

A New Look for McDonald's

McDonald's is starting to redesign its appearance. In the next few months we will see new packaging, new tv's, tables and chairs. Is now the right time to invest money in redesigning?

it might be, some will believe that in order to make money you need to invest money.

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/dec2008/id2008123_918813.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_innovation+%2Bamp%3B+design

Jordan Brand Seeks 'Legendary' Status

Jordan Brand will launch new TV ads this weekend continuing its “Become Legendary” rallying cry. Eyeing the success its parent company Nike has had with “Just do it,” Jordan Brand has pledged to make a long-term commitment to the marketing message which debuted last year.The first of three new national ads, called “Simple Math” breaks on Dec.
http://www.smartbrief.com/news/aaf/storyDetails.jsp?issueid=89492070-0B1A-47FF-AA48-2B0595BBF707&copyid=AE1FD325-ABB6-457C-BFDD-FEF338063707

Coupons will help pay for digital switch

By now we've all seen the commercials, heard the radio ads, or read stories in the local newspaper: At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, television sets across the country, including South Jersey, will only be able to receive a digital signal as television stations cease broadcasting in analog format. Every one thinks that they must buy a new tv because of the digital change, but buying a converter with the help of coupons will reduce the cost to 5$ for a converter.
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/article/20081203/OPINION02/812030340

TrueNorth Tries to Ride Long 'Tale'

TrueNorth snack brand has launched a campaign inviting consumers to submit their "TrueNorth" tales in a contest that will turn one winner's story into a TV commercial directed by actress Helen Hunt to air on the Academy Awards.The contest asks consumers to submit a written story that describes how they or someone they know is pursuing their life's passion. The most inspiring story will be produced as a 60-second commercial directed by Hunt to air on the broadcast of the 81st Academy Awards in February. The winner will also receive a cash prize of $25,000. What a great Promotion!

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i726f0f4961487c618d82a4bf03c6be0a

The New "Melrose" Shoes by Fila, with Nina Sky

Fila announced that it has tapped New York-based Polo Grounds Music J Records artists Natalie and Nicole of Nina Sky to launch its first women's footwear initiative.

The new shoes "Melrose" campaign will be promoted by Nina Sky in order to market her music and the shoes at once. First, Fila is promoting the product for 2 subcultures, which is Hispanic and Afro American. Second, i believe that Fila could have chose a better performer which will give a broaden target market.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/East-Meets-West-With-Launch/story.aspx?guid=%7B98C6E0E4-6A2A-4A8B-8B02-1E84E8A00D25%7D