Shop Your Way Out Of Recession Blues, Mall Of America Proclaims
When America’s economy hit the skids after the 9/11 attacks, Florida governor Jeb Bush told CNN, “We need to respond quickly so people regain confidence and consider it their patriotic duty to go shopping….†He was right. Our system works when people spend money. But back then, just as now, we learned that suggesting that people spend money is tricky business in a bad economy. Bush was widely lampooned for his statement, suggesting that the notion was too simplistic, and the governor was out of touch with the situation. It is into these waters that the Mall of America wades with their new ad campaign.
read moreHappy Year of the Ox!
It’s a good year to be alive. People born in the year of the ox are patient and inspire confidence in others. They’re also stubborn and easy to anger. We’ll hope that only the good qualities apply to the newest member of the Fast Horse family. Elliott Alexander Pierach was born on Jan. 2. Mom [...]
read moreAdmirably Frugal, or Just Crazy?
Like everyone, I’m watching my money these days. I may have carried it to extremes today. I went out to grab some soup at One on One, the unusual bike shop/cafe in the North Loop. When I went to put money in the meter, I noticed that the one next to me had 12 minutes [...]
read moreLearning from the Model T
I believe we’re on the cusp of a dramatic change in consumer behavior. I don’t know exactly how it will play out, but at its core is this undeniable fact: the American consumer is tapped out. Foreclosures and credit card debt are skyrocketing. The savings rate is zero. The jobless rate hasn’t been this high [...]
read moreA Case Study in Transparency
A few buzz words are always tossed into social media conversations. One of the favorites is “transparency.” Zappos.com, an online purveyor of shoes, handbags and more, is always a shining star noted in social media discussions. However, for the most part, they are transparent about positive aspects of their company. The corporate HQ typically is [...]
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