Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Building a Brand on Turkey Day

By: Beth Kneisler, Account Assistant, Leonard & Finco Public Relations

Another Thanksgiving is here, which means it’s time for turkey and pumpkin pie. But, even better yet, it’s time to watch another Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Each year I, along with some 44 million other people, park myself in front of the TV all morning to watch performers, groups and floats march down 34th street in New York.

Did you know that this parade has been a Thanksgiving tradition in the United States since 1924? It was first started because some of Macys’ employees (who were first-generation immigrants) wanted to celebrate their new American heritage. There were floats, live animals, people dressed in costumes and yep, you guessed it, Santa Clause riding in his sleigh at the end of the parade.

There’s no doubt that this is a very impressive parade but what’s even more impressive is that Macy’s has been able to keep the parade associated with its name for eighty-five years. This is brand building at its finest!

Establishing your brand and reputation takes a lot of time. It involves getting and keeping your name in the limelight as well as being consistent with your messaging and practices. Although Macy’s has been working at its brand for decades, I think we all can agree that their hard work has really paid off.

What are some things that your company is doing to help create a solid brand and reputation?

Need some ideas? I encourage you to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I mean, they have to be doing something right after all these years and, if nothing else, it gives you a chance to see one of your favorite performers trying to unsuccessfully lip-sync. What’s not to love about that?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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