tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169555420293710197.post5955130400234151000..comments2012-01-12T15:02:19.883-05:00Kevin M. Keatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09726133592431977513noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169555420293710197.post-21354208731963050732007-08-14T12:05:00.000-04:002007-08-14T12:05:00.000-04:00Matt - I agree with you that segmentation is inevitable. I think it's problematic if not done carefully, but I can't think of an alternative.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the book recommendation. This is indeed a much larger topic for another time.Kevin M. Keatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09726133592431977513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8169555420293710197.post-45591868269903940292007-08-14T10:50:00.000-04:002007-08-14T10:50:00.000-04:00Good points.<BR/><BR/>I don't think there's any way to avoid market segmentation - that is, introducing different products to different markets. (And... subsequently removing products from certain markets.) The hard truth is that it's entirely plausible for people in Cape Cod to more actively purchase crab cakes, than say... someone in Chicago. Why not flood each market with appealing menu items?<BR/><BR/>At the same time, I do see how it affects the brand image - for inconsistency sake, if anything. And... like you said, the "re-labeling" of products under different names is deceptive and unfair to loyal customers.<BR/><BR/>I can see your point on Apple "putting it's full weight" behind each product.<BR/><BR/>The real problem here is not brands shuffling things around - it's brands themselves - everything we eat, do, wear - is a brand. But this is a topic for another day. I recommend the book <A HREF="http://urltea.com/17u7" REL="nofollow">No Logo, by Naomi Klein</A>, as it discusses the infusion of brands in our culture over the last century. Interesting points related to our discussion.Matthomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15657031688548587880noreply@blogger.com