RETAIL BRANDING
Def : Brand is the products essence, its meaning and its direction. It defines its identity in time and space.
Successful Retail Branding starts with A clear definition of what the retailer stands for An identification of what the customers associate it with When customers think the brand is a reflection of them When the retailer is in the minds of the customer when he thinks of the brand True branding effort Communication that inspires emotional reaction Customer Service How salespersons greet customers How fast product is shipped and delivered Involves every single contact occurring between any product and a human representative of the company
Stable long term demands Better margins Differentiation by way of creating long term association Adds value to the product Trust of fulfillment of service expectations Protection from growing competition Image as a company attractive enough to work for Negotiation with suppliers from a position of improved strength
Positive disposal to the brand based on brand loyalty Brand preference : Frequent utilization of the store over other stores Brand allegiance : Continuous utilization of the store overtime
Hard core loyalty : Buying one brand all the time Soft core loyalty : Buying a combination of two competing brands
For successful brand positioning Brand Managers should Regularly assess the customers opinions Clearly identify the target Plan the brand Differentiate the brand from others in the sub group Brand Differentiation X Brand Segmentation = Brand Position
Importance
Encourages customers to build a relationship with a brand Gives strength to the brand Ensures the staying power of the brand
Combination of positioning and personality Allows brand to emerge from the fuzziness of competition Simple proposition assures success. Customers understand Concept has two non-functional aspects of brands 1. Brand image 2. Brand identity
Customers regard brands possess human-like characteristics Customers experience brands as bundles of association Customers see, hear, smell, taste and get gut feelings about different brands
When a brand image is developed Customers do not judge the image in relation to others They adopt best in-class processes Customers benchmark with world class services Customers expect stores to deal with their customers as per world class standards
Central concept in promoting a brand Comprises durability, coherence and realism embodying personality of the brand
Sends out signals which the consumers decode and interpret in terms of image
Identity is the solid enduring concept of the brand It is not subject to idealism, fickleness or opportunism