Louise Grimmer, University of TasmaniaThink of some of the world’s biggest brands: Nike, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Apple. With what do you associate them? Are they positive associations? Now consider, do you trust them?
Brand trust is a measure of how customers feel about a brand in terms of how well the brand delivers on its promises. Trust is an important measure for any organisation, large or small.
Whether or not customers trust a brand can be the difference between choosing that brand’s products or services over another.
In Australia, Woolworths held the title of our most trusted brand for three and a half years. But recent cost-of-living pressures have put supermarkets in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Roy Morgan Research’s most recent trust rankings show Woolworths has slipped to number two, handing its crown to hardware behemoth Bunnings.
It’s clear that trust is fragile and can be quickly squandered when brands lose touch with those they serve.
So what makes us trust a brand in the first place? And why do we trust some more than others?
What makes us...
Bunnings has toppled Woolworths as Australia’s most ‘trusted’ brand – what makes us trust a brand in the first place?
M&M 11th most valuable automobile manufacturer in world: Anand Mahindra
Mumbai, (IANS) Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is the 11th most valuable automobile manufacturer in the world, leaping over many competitors and erstwhile technology collaborators, its Chairman Anand Mahindra said on Wednesday.In a New Year address to the employees of Mahindra Group, he said that among companies that were part of the NIFTY50 in 2002, M&M has had the highest compounded annual share price growth rate till date, and in just the past year, has soared 77 per cent.“For the fourth straight year, we were included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index’s World Index as the highest-ranked automotive OEM,” Anand Mahindra wrote.Most notable among other businesses, Mahindra Susten exceeded its plans for the year, with a cumulative win pipeline of 3.3GWp, over 60 per cent of its targeted capacity.“Last Mile Mobility continued its leadership position in the electrification of India’s 3W market, Mahindra Finance’s loan book swelled to over Rs 1.1 lakh crore and tractor business expanded its dominant position in India amid tough competition,” the company’s Chairman informed.On...
Mercedes-Benz India cruises to double-digit growth as demand for luxury cars rises
New Delhi, (IANS): Mercedes-Benz India is on course to close the current year with a double-digit jump in sales, fuelled by the rising demand for luxury cars in a fast-growing economy, the company’s managing director Santosh Iyer has said.Mercedes-Benz India has now launched its new 'AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE' model equipped with F1 hybrid technology priced at Rs 1.95 crore. This is the company's 14th product launch this year, aimed at driving up sales volumes of its high-end vehicles which are priced upwards of Rs 1.5 crore.Speaking to reporters at the launch, Iyer said that the festive season brought the company’s best sales figures, reflecting the strength of the auto major’s performance in a fiercely competitive and fluctuating market.In the July-to-September quarter, sales of Mercedes-Benz India accelerated by 21% over the same period of the previous year amid an overall slowing auto market. He highlighted that the company has been experiencing substantial growth despite the challenges facing the automotive industry.Iyer said the company plans to complete conversion of all of its...
As Disney turns 100, the brand’s real legacy is its business acumen

Pan Xiaozhen/Unsplash
Julie Lobalzo Wright, University of Warwick“100 Years of Wonder” is the theme for Disney’s year-long promotion of the company’s centenary. From special Disney on Ice events to a retrospective at the British Film Institute and limited edition Disney100 merchandise, Disney’s celebration is big business.
The wonder and magic of Disney is consistently promoted. And yet I would argue that Disney’s greatest legacy is not its animated stories or characters, but the more mundane history of its mergers, acquisitions and intellectual property rights.
The business acumen of those behind the scenes at Disney have been central to the peaks and troughs of the company’s enduring presence in the film industry and popular culture at large.
Early Disney
The Walt Disney Company was founded in Hollywood by brothers Walt and Roy Disney in 1923.
Before this, along with friend and animator Ub Iwerks, the brothers had founded Laugh-O-Gram Studio in Kansas City. They then moved west with their successful silent Alice Comedies series, which featured both animation and live action.
Animation...
Premier Indian Jewelry Brand TANISHQ Presents The Houston Trunk Show

(HOUSTON) July 13, 2022 – Tanishq, India’s most-loved jewelry brand, is set to present its uniquely curated and differentiated designs during a five-day trunk show taking place at the Hyatt Regency Houston West hotel from July 13-17. Guests of the event will discover Tanishq’s distinctive aesthetic – a marriage of timeless tradition and fresh, contemporary design. The collection of exquisitely handcrafted pieces features diamonds and other precious gemstones including rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, as well as exotic gems including vibrant citrines and tanzanite, handset in 18kt and 22kt gold. The vast range of jewelry on display will include bracelets, pendants, necklaces, earrings, and more, ranging from everyday wear, to stunning one-of-a-kind statement pieces that elevate your look. The pieces on display will include select designs from the brand’s recently launched Romance of Polki collection. Polki or uncut diamonds, is a stunning celebration of the centuries-old craft that has been passed on for generations and enjoys unparalleled heirloom status even today. Tanishq’s latest...
Start-ups should build future Indian multinationals, give Brand India a new global identity: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gave a call for start-ups be set up in all sectors for building future Indian multinationals which, he said, would give 'Brand India' a new global identity in the times to come.Speaking after laying the foundation stone of IIM-Sambalpur's permanent campus in Odisha through videoconference, Modi said: "This is a perfect time. Today's start-ups are tomorrow's multinationals. These start-ups are emerging in Tier 2 and 3 cities. These start-ups will play a big role in establishing multinationals."Modi said that the scope for start-ups is expanding. "You have to prepare yourself for new possibilities. Our youths are responsible for giving 'Brand India' a new global identity."Modi said that the permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Management-Sambalpur will not only showcase the culture and resources of Odisha but will also give Odisha a global recognition in the field of management.He said that the country recently witnessed the trend of Indian MNCs as opposed to earlier trend of multinationals coming to India from outside.Noting that India...
Louis Vuitton tops ranking of global luxury brands

The latest global brands ranking by WPP and Kantar Millward Brown show luxury companies have increased their value by 28 percent, with Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Gucci in the top three rankings. Louis Vuitton and Hermès are valued at 41.1 billion and 28 billion dollars respectively.
Gucci leads the luxury brands in value rise
“Gucci led the Brandz luxury Top 10 in value with tremendous one-year gain of 66 percent. Over 12 years, the Gucci brand increased 414 percent in value. Its recent bold designs and colours capture the mood of the time, and Guggi increase its scores in Meaning Difference and Trust, “ says Susannah Outfin, Managing Partner Mindshare.
2018 marks the 13th annual BrandZ ranking, where value is measured by financial performance and consumer perception. Eight out of the Top 10 global brands are technology or tech-related brands. This category continues to dominate the rankings with Google and Apple retaining the number 1 and 2 spots, growing +23 percent to 302.1 bn dollars and +28 percent to 300.6 bn dollars respectively. Amazon moved into the no.3 position...
David Beckham launches global grooming brand

Danielle Wightman-Stone: David Beckham has followed in the footsteps of his wife Victoria Beckham and launched a beauty line, House 99, a men’s grooming range created in partnership with L’Oréal Luxe aimed at providing “all the tools men need to experiment with their look in order to express their own evolving style and unique identity”.
The beauty brand launched just days after the fashion label he part owns, Kent and Curwen showed at London Fashion Week Men’s, and aims to takes a holistic approach to grooming, merging British barbershop culture and style with hair, skin, beard and tattoo creativity for every man’s next look.
“I’m so excited to finally share House 99 with everyone around the world! For me, grooming is not only about how you look, but how you feel. It’s about being comfortable, trying new things and shaping your next look,” explains Beckham. “I created House 99 to give people the inspiration as well as the right products to experiment and feel completely at home doing so. House 99 is here to support men, to give them the tools they need to create whatever...
Top 10 most popular fashion brands of 2015

Fashion-united: For a brand to be popular, they have to conquer Instagram, be huge on Facebook, and get their Tweets on Twitter retweeted to expand their reach. But, which fashion brand has become the most popular of 2015? Well, FashionUnited analysts have been calculating each global fashion brand’s reach taking into account their social media followers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, as well as social mentions using hashtags and retweets, and finally adding how much Google search traffic each brand received.The top 10 most popular fashion brands is a mix of sportswear, high street retailers, lingerie giants, as well as luxury designer brands.
1. Nike
Topping the top 10 most popular fashion brands for 2015 is sportswear giant Nike. Known for its athletic design, development and manufacturing, across every area of sport, Nike has become a formidable name in fashion, helped along by the rise of the trainer as more than a sportswear accessory, but rather a fashion statement. Its top spot is helped by its large number of social media followers, on Instagram...
Instant hit: 60,000 Maggi 12-packs sold in 5 minutes on Snapdeal
Returning to the market after a five-month hiatus, Maggi sold 60,000 'welcome kits' of 12 packs each in five minutes flat through its online tie-up with Snapdeal, as consumers thronged the e-commerce platform to lap up their 2-minute noodles. Earlier this week, Snapdeal had announced that it will sell Nestle's Maggi via a unique "flash sale model" as the noodles brand made a comeback. Maggi had been banned after it was allegedly found to have lead content beyond permissible limits. While registrations for Maggi's welcome kit (containing 12 packs of Maggi, a 2016 Maggi calendar, a Maggi fridge magnet, Maggi post cards and a 'Welcome Back' letter) opened on 9 November, the sale began today on Snapdeal. "Snapdeal sold out the first batch of 60,000 kits within five minutes of Maggi Flash Sale going live today. There has been much anticipation for the return of one of the favourite Indian brands and we have witnessed a phenomenal response to this sale from customers across the country," Snapdeal senior vice president (partnerships and strategic initiatives) Tony Navin said. Flash sales...
LG Becomes First Asian Company to Receive “Red Dot: Brand of the Year” Title
By: jung yeong-jin (info@koreatimes.com): South Korean tech giant LG Electronics said on November 3 that it has become the first Asian company to be honored with the “Red Dot: Brand of the Year” title. The Red Dot Design Award is one of the most coveted accolades in the design world. As a matter of fact, LG took home the “Red Dot: Design Team of the Year” title in 2006. Having both the “Design Team of the Year” and “Brand of the Year” titles under its belt, LG has reaffirmed its position as the Asian leader in innovative design. Globally, LG became the third company to win both “Brand of the Year” and “Design Team of the Year” titles after Mercedes-Benz and Audi. The Red Dot Design Award -- one of the three most important design awards in the industry along with the iF Design Award and IDEA (International Design Excellence Award) -- annually honors the best of the best designs in three categories: product design, communication design and design concept. Since 2010 the honorary title “Red Dot: Brand of the Year” has been bestowed upon design-innovators in the category of the Red Dot...
Allen Solly partners with Wimbledon for men's wear
Premium readymade apparel brand Allen Solly from the house of Aditya Birla Group-owned Madura Fashion and Lifestyle has entered into an exclusive partnership with the famed tennis grand slam tournament Wimbledon to sell men's wear. The partnership will also see the launch of Allen Solly's sub-brand Solly Sport. Solly Sport will offer an exclusive line of men's apparel under a licensing agreement with Wimbledon. The line was designed in collaboration with a French design firm to introduce tennis inspired fashion to India. The new collection will be made available at more than 200 stores. Credited for introducing ‘cotton trousers’ to Indian consumers, Allen Solly had recently, introduced a wide stylish range of cotton Chinos for men. This trouser style is popular because of its slimmer fit and vibrant colour options. Source: Articl...
Connected TV ownership hits half a billion
Worldwide ownership of Connected TV Devices (including smart TVs, smart Blu-ray players, IP-enabled game consoles and digital media streamers) grew 7 per cent quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2014 and 34 per cent versus the same period in 2013 to reach 500 million units. The growing demand for devices that facilitate the streaming of online video to the large screen TV is creating a highly competitive environment with no fewer than 16 major technology brands accounting for 90 percent of devices in use according to Strategy Analytics’ Connected Home Devices (CHD) service report, Global Connected TV Device Tracker: Q2 2014. Other key findings from the report include:
One in four Connected TV Devices installed in homes around the world is a Sony branded product while the combined footprint of Sony, Samsung, Nintendo and Microsoft accounts for 60 per cent of all devices in use.
Samsung enjoyed the highest unit increase to its installed base of Connected TV Devices during the quarter while Google’s Connected TV Device footprint grew faster than any other brand from Q1 to Q2 2014.
Apple...
Ecuador: The World Banana Queen
Once again, the long tradition of Latin American beauties winning the World Banana Queen contest was broken when Susan Romanishin, an American model and businesswoman, was crowned World Banana Queen. The contest, which was created 51 years ago, only became international in 1985 when the organizers allowed the participation of candidates from countries that produced, exported or consumed the fruit. On Saturday September 27, Romanishin, who is 22 years old and was born in Nevada, became the second representative of the U.S. to get that title. The first U.S. citizen to be crowned was Amanda Delgado, in 2008. The countries that have won the most crowns since 1985 have been: Colombia, with six crowns, Venezuela and Costa Rica, with four, and Brazil with 2. The only time the representative of the host country won the crown was in 1988, when the winner was Ximena Correa. Romanishin showed her ease and charisma during the show, which apparently tipped the scales in her favour. "I will promote consumption of Ecuadorian bananas in my country," she said. "I also eat Ecuadorian bananas," she...
Burberry, Topshop and Tom Ford most tweeted LFW designers
Burberry tops LFW Twitter chart
Burberry has topped a list of the most tweeted designers at London Fashion Week, according to an analysis by Hotwire PR, which examined the key trends driving conversation around the shows. The study found that Burberry’s collection racked up more than 16,000 tweets on Monday, and around 22,000 in total, which was aided by the fashion label’s use of fashion technology as they teamed up with Twitter this season to trial its click-to-buy button. Coming in second was Topshop, with 9,108 tweets in total, under half of what Burberry received. However, the retailer did create a buzz before the show ever started with more than 7,600 tweets being posted about its SS15 collection before the models hit the catwalk, making it one of the most anticipated shows at this season’s fashion week. In third place was Tom Ford, closely followed by Marchesa and Julien MacDonald took fifth spot. The rest of the top 10 included Vivienne Westwood, Erdem, Temperley London, and Mary Katrantzou. There was also room for House of Holland, who secured ninth spot with 2,096 tweets,...
Devatha Fabrics introduces 100 per cent pure silk kurtas
Known for their silk apparels, Devatha Fabrics has recently introduced a wide range of 100 percent pure
silk kurtas. As P Narayan, Marketing Consultant, Devatha Fabrics explains, “Our competitive advantage is that we are a unique brand focused on products that can be used during auspicious and special occasions. The reason we manufacture our apparel from pure silk is because silk has been associated with auspicious occasions for years. We want to bring back this traditional product with a contemporary touch.” Promoting silk across India: Narayan says they plan to promote the brand across India through aggressive retail expansion. “We have an aggressive expansion plan for this financial year and are looking at entering newer markets such as Gujarat, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Punjab. We are also planning to enter e-commerce with our new range of ethnic wear,” reveals Narayan. For Devatha Fabrics quality is the key to stay ahead. The company has dedicated suppliers who are picked only after their products pass stringent quality tests. This gives Devatha’s premium range an edge...
Bollywood sensation Sonakshi glamour to World Kabaddi League
The hot and glamorous cinestar Sonakshi Sinha announced her association with World Kabaddi League which is slated to kickstart from August 9 th in London. Owner of the coveted title of most Rs100cr flicks, Sonakshi has bought the United Singhs team alongwith The Hayre Group of UK. She is the third celebrity to associate with the League after Akshay Kumar and Honey Singh. This is the first time Sonakshi has associated herself with a sport of this kind. Speaking to media and her fans at a meet in Mumbai, Sonakshi said,"I am really excited to be part of World Kabaddi League. This is my first such endeavour. Kabaddi is a fast paced sport and I am looking forward to some adrenalin rush moments during the League." Sonakshi is likely to travel along with her team as much as possible. The lucky charm of tinsel townis all geared up for five months of excitement. Sonakshi is already making amends in her shooting dates so that her commitment to World Kabaddi League is intact. "Please, please, please support World Kabaddi League as this is surely taking Kabaddi places." she said. "We are very...
ITV Player on Windows Phone 8
ITV has announced it has entered a partnership with Microsoft to offer the ITV Player app on the leading manufacturer’s Windows Phone 8 devices. The ITV Player app provides customers with access to the last thirty days of ITV’s catch-up content across ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV. The app will enable viewers to catch up on their favourite ITV programmes on the move, and will be available to download for free from the Widows Phone Store from today. The app will also allow Windows customers to watch ITV’s family of channels live via simulcast, meaning they never need to miss their favourite ITV shows. Paul Kanareck, Director of Online and Brands at ITV, said: “We are very excited to have launched the ITV Player app on Windows Phone 8 devices. Mobile is becoming an increasingly important route for audiences to access our content with over 50 per cent of long form requests for the ITV Player coming from mobiles and tablets in 2013. We will continue to expand our reach across suitable devices going forward.” Leila Martine, Director, Windows Phone at Microsoft said: “On Windows Phone...
Being Human chalks out major expansion plans
Being Human the lifestyle brand, best known for its innovative T-shirts endorsed by Bollywood superstar
Salman Khan, is targeting a turnover of Rs 225 crores in the current fiscal. Mandhana Industries, the force behind the brand, plans to come up with biker gear that will have T-shirts, key chains, caps, polo T-shirts, among other items, in association with Japanese two-wheeler maker Suzuki Motorcycle India. Aggressive expansion on the cards: The company, which clocked in a turnover of Rs 145 crores in FY 2013-14, is planning to open 25 stores by March 2015. The brand currently operates through 23 exclusive brand outlets and 100 shop-in-shop formats present in about 23 cities. The brand is targeting 60 percent turnover growth next fiscal. Apart from its presence in about 14 countries, Being Human products will soon be launched in the UK, South Africa, Canada and Sri Lanka. Latest styles in brand’s T-shirts: The brand is a rage among patrons, especially for its T-shirts. And what works for it is that it is backed by top star Salman Khan’s Being Human Foundation....
Arvind takes a lead in branded retail segment
After acquiring 49 percent stake in Calvin Klein from PVH, denim wear maker Arvind is inching
towards its aim of becoming a billion dollar company. While the recent acquisition would help Arvind scale up its brand business, it would also assist in executing the long-term strategy. Taking leading in branded retail segment: After acquiring India operations of three major international apparel brands Debenhams, Next and Nautica,Arvind had signaled its strategy to grow big in the organised apparel market. For Arvind Lifestyle Brands, a subsidiary of Arvind, which already has an impressive brand line-up comprising Tommy Hilfiger, US Polo Assn, Elle, Geoffrey Beene, Arrow among others, acquiring the business operations of Debenhams has also paved the way for it into the department store segment. The company’s focus on textiles business has helped it grow revenues from the segment, which rose from 21 percent to 26 percent in FY13. Revenues from its textiles business, which includes woven, apparel and denim fabric, slid to 69 percent in FY13 from 74 percent in FY10. With the acquisition...