The Big Fat Marketing Blog

Economic news isn’t rosy anywhere these days, and the paper industry hasn’t escaped unscathed, what with six straight quarters of price increases. But as 2008 saw many mills resort to “downtime”, to achieve a balance between supply and reduced demand, there comes an uplifting story out of Byron, MN.

Schmidt Printing, which has been around more than 100 years, announced plans for a $5 million investment in its Byron facility. That investment adds approximately 30 new jobs for a company that already has 350 employees. Schmidt President Joe Ferguson said in a release: “We are very fortunate during the current economic environment to be growing our business.” more

If an agency is lucky enough to be asked to create ads for one of the premiere outdoor gear companies, The Timberland Co., shouldn’t they know the difference between a honeybee and a hornet?

Now I’m no bee expert, but I do know enough to know that in the new TV spots by the U.K-based ad firm, Leagas Delaney, the bees attacking one of the outdoorsman are not hornets, even though the ad shows two bees up close and then a huge swarm coming from a large hornet’s nest hanging in a nearby tree. They are honeybees.

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If you’re a multichannel merchant with a retail presence, chances are good you have a store in at least a few of General Growth Properties’ 200+ shopping malls scattered across 44 states.

GGP was dropped from the S&P 500 Index earlier this week, after shares tumbled down into the 42-cent range. The Chicago-based company warned earlier this week it may be forced to file for bankruptcy protection.

In many parts of the country, GGP woes could have a big impact on the retail and real estate landscape.

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The economy is really starting to take its toll. If you don’t believe me, here’s what a few financial experts told me.

Linens N’ Things looked like it could restructure under Chapter 11, then decided it was time to say good-bye. Circuit City shouldn’t have come as a shock based on how many times it announced staff cutbacks and store closings. more