The old saying goes that the Chinese word for "crisis" (危机) is composed of two characters representing both "danger" and "opportunity." Though fallacious, this old trope could not better describe the manner in which cosmetics brand Urban Decay turned a self-created crisis into a public relations windfall.

About a month ago, Urban Decay announced that it would be breaking into China's cosmetics market. And why not? In 2011, China's cosmetic sales hit 110 billion yuan ($17.8 billion), a increase of nearly 19 percent over 2010. According to a 2012 report by Li & Fung Research Centre, during one month in 2011, Urban Decay's competitors Estée Lauder and Clinique saw sales increase by almost 10 percent alone.

Looking at all that money, what Urban Decay lost sight of was its core mission, amongst other things, was all about refusing to test on animals. (China, meanwhile, required animal testing to certify Urban Decay's products.) No surprise, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) lambasted the brand's "Decaying Principles":Continue reading...

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GM offers to buy back Volt from owners.Continue reading...

When Tony Vernon, the president of Kraft Foods North America, told analysts this week that "we must work even harder at customer and consumer delight," he was mirroring the results of the latest "Customer Loyalty Index." 

According to the 2011 Customer Loyalty Index issued by the customer loyalty consultancy, Brand Keys, today's consumers are looking for the best total experience when they interact with a brand.

Robert Passikoff, Brand Keys founder, says, "Consumers want meaningful innovation that results in a higher level of experience. Satisfaction has never been more cost-of-entry; delight is the new differentiator."Continue reading...

Chinese consumers just can't get enough of American brands, according to CBS News. But as a resident of China, I disagree.

Certainly many brands, especially luxury brands, are relying on China to bolster sales numbers amidst dismal international earnings. But where is there actual evidence that Chinese consumers are specifically choosing American brands over others?

There are more Benzes on Beijing streets than Buicks, more Gucci sales than Coach, and hip kids are just as likely to be wearing Japanese designer BAPE hoodies as Nike kicks. China has a thirst for brands, period.

Where the brand comes from isn't as relevant as its reputation, and in this sense, the Chinese market is a very international one. There's no denying that certain American brands are doing a very brisk business here. Cosmetics giant Mary Kay is good example of the possibilities of branding hitting the bullseye.Continue reading...