The mid to late 20th century was the era of mass marketed snack cakes; national brands like Hostess were the best-known, but there were others including Drake’s Cakes (1896), Philadelphia’s Tastykake (1914) and the nobly named Dolly Madison. Dolly Madison began in 1937, and was formerly owned by Hostess’ thenMORE HERE
Whenever possible, companies should keep these corporate names in the active column. Instead of confusing the consumer, they are a valuable hidden link to the past that most don’t notice, but trigger memories in some. Use the company name on a product, or on a tee-shirt, or on a division. Try out a new product, a risky one, with the old name on it.MORE HERE
The historic U.S. watch brand Benrus has a new owner, and a new lease on life, after a failed revival by a Rhode Island entrepreneur. Investor Michael Sweeney, assisted by former Bulova exec Michael Goeller, is reviving the brand, which was founded in 1921. The current effort follows the unsuccessfulMORE HERE
While the Humvee is still very much in use and production, its successor vehicle is the very different Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, a product of Oshkosh Corporation that is powered by a GM Duramax engine.MORE HERE
The idea of reviving the brand fits well with a continued interest in the antique car brands of the U.K. While many United States brands have died, Chinese and Indian companies have shown an interest in British history and autos. SAIC revived the MG in 2008, and Tata Motors of India is the parent of the British company Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC.MORE HERE
Periodically, we look at some of the new versions of old brands. A few revivals this summer: The Sahara Casino brand is back. It had become the SLS Las Vegas, only to return this month as Sahara Las Vegas. The hotel and casino complex would do well to completely embraceMORE HERE
BELFAST – Of the great shipbuilders and shipbuilding names of the world, Harland & Wolff is perhaps the best known. In its era, it was the Boeing of shipbuilders. So it is tragic that this great maker, such an important part of maritime history (and British and Irish nationhood), isMORE HERE
The quintessential product advertising was Tang, but there were other products that hitched onto Apollo and NASA, even though NASA did not have a specific promotional program.MORE HERE
The toy store brand FAO Schwarz is back, nationally. In lots of places, including middle-market airports. At airports, the retailer is a licensed boutique for travelers, selling candy and last-minute stuffed animals and assorted toy classics, such as an FAO Schwarz rubber ducky. One of their newest shops is atMORE HERE
There are few foods more indicative of a place, and amenable to high margins, than food sauces. Sauces are the ultimate example of a profit-making brand of food. They keep for a long time. They can be cheaply made. Secret recipes can give a certain allure. They also cannot beMORE HERE