Asian Consumer Intellegence
Nissan will add noise to its new electric car, the Leaf, to make it sound like cars in the cult movie Blade Runner. The sound makes the cars safer, so pedestrians can hear them coming, but will also act as a powerful marketing too, making the vehicles instantly recognizable, even if they are out of sight. i.e “That sounds like a socially responsible, trend-forward driver!”
[pinktext IDEA POTENTIAL:] Nissan has taken what was a dull safety problem and turned it into a fascinating opportunity to brand the leaf as a futuristic vehicle that will garner interest from anyone it passes. A true lesson in sensory marketing.
Nissan Leaf, due for release in Japan/US/Europe in 2010. http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com
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Beauty & Wellness, Innovation
Japan is subsidizing “plant factories” that provide stable supplies of high-quality vegetables. The technology isn’t entirely “green”, but do consumers care?
More..»Innovation
London’s city planners want to replicate Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing in the West End. It will be a sociological as well as logistical innovation for pedestrian management in the UK.
More..»Consumer Shifts, Lifestyle Spending
Following the trend started by Isetan Girl in Tokyo last autumn, department store operator Marui has remodeled it’s Shinjuku location to create “Marui Curren,” featuring ten floors of fashion boutiques and interior shops targeting young women in their late teens-early twenties.
More..»Beauty & Wellness, Consumer Shifts, FMCG, Innovation, Lifestyle Spending
In the current economic climate point cards, which are issued everywhere from small restaurants to airlines, could become an important tool not only to increase customer retention and grow spending, but also to win new customers. A look at what’s taking place in Japan might offer some ideas.
More..»Innovation, Lifestyle Spending
Isetan department store in Shinjuku, Tokyo operates a successful section called “Isetan Girl,” which offers affordable fashion items, accessories, and interior goods aimed at Japanese women from mid-teens to early 20s. S
More..»Lifestyle Spending
2008 proved to be a big year for outlet malls in Japan. Four new locations opened around the country, bringing the total up to 36 malls which have been built since the concept was imported from America in the 1990s.
More..»Innovation
The Pasela chain of karaoke parlors, operated by Tokyo-based company Newton, have found a way to make money during off-peak singing hours during the day: hiring out the karaoke rooms as conference facilities.
More..»FMCG, Lifestyle Spending
The Kawasaki BE retail complex opened November 14, in the Kawasaki train station building. The new shopping center targets professional women in their 20s and 30s, with 126 retailers, including casual and fine dinning, interior goods shops, and cafes.
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