No, not email spam. I mean the vulgar, pinkish meat Spam, canned in a kind of primordial schmooze jelly – the meat that’s 71 years old and a throw-back to harder times. Spam emerged from a Minnesota factory in 1937 and, by 1941, had sold more than 40 million pounds.
“No single product in history is better known for its heroics during wartime, accomplishments during peacetime and its popularity during mealtime.”
"Ah SPAM - the other, ummm, meat??? LOL
I am one of those once in a very very blue moon Spam eaters. I have only partaken it in sandwich form, fried with monterery jack cheese and miracle whip!"
Those of us with children and busy schedules realize that the most daunting weekly chore is inevitably the grocery store with one or more children along for the ride.
Marketers know this and, to a parent’s dismay, place candy, little toys and even child- sized cans of soda on shelves roughly three feet off the floor – eye level to my children.
"I have to say that I agree with JohnQ on this one. I taught my kids from an early age what marketers intentionally do to try and force parents into purchasing their products. I wanted my children to be fully aware of the plays on emotions the marketers have mastered.
That isn't to say that once in a blue moon I didn't buy the 'special' yogurt or fruit roll ups though. My children learned early that those would be purchased if on sale or I had coupons for them and if not then only as the rare occasional treat.
None of my kids starved btw."
Companies hire Hollywood celebs and sports stars to endorse products with the hopes of establishing strong brand loyalty among their fans and consumers. When an endorser is viewed in a positive light by the majority, the connection and bottom line result is typically good.
"I am increasingly appalled by the lack of ethics and morality shown by not only these 'celebrities' but by our elected officials as well. This is a cancer in our society and the public just shrug their shoulders and say 'oh well' for the most part.
Personally, I don't patronize companies and products that embrace representatives that portray these types of behavior, nor do I vote for officials that appear to have a lower ethical and moral standard than my own (which happens to be pretty high)."
Stopped eating Hershey’s Kisses? You’re not alone. The low spending budget of Hershey Co. may have caught up to its major brands. Its main rival, Mars, historically spends significantly more on advertising.
Now is the time for Hershey to dig down into its pockets to “reignite its core.”
"For off the shelf, in the retail grocer environment, I sway between Nutrageous, Reese's Sticks and Peanut M&Ms;. I can imagine Reese's having a difficult task establishing their whipped version considering the length of time Milky Way's have been on the market."
As a child in elementary school, I was afforded the small pleasure of walking the half-block home for lunch. On those cold, snowy winter days in Nebraska nothing could compare to a steaming bowl of Campbell's Soup when I came in the door, my face reddened from the bitter air. A grilled cheese sandwich with Campbell's Tomato Soup was top on my list of favorites. Of course, slurping noodles from my spoon while enjoying Chicken Noodle Soup was a close second.
Being on the limited income, my mother knew all the tricks of the trade when it came to making the most of her trips to the grocery store. Campbell's Soup, the famous meal-stretcher, might be one of the most versatile products on grocery store shelves.
"Wow this takes me back to my youth of grilled cheese and Campbell tomato soup as well. I was fortunate enough though to be raised in Southern California, so for me, it was a rainy day lunch or dinner.
Hmmm, I am much more apt to eat homemade soups now than canned, and when they are canned, it likely isn't Campbells.........except for their tomato. No one else can compare to Campbell tomato lol."
Holiday advertising starts earlier and earlier every year. The ads around Christmas increase our yearning for things we may not need. They drag us in and play with our emotions. Any parent will tell you how difficult toy ads make their lives.
It seems every year there is the “IT” toy that is hawked everywhere, but out of stock before Thanksgiving. How do you explain to your child that Santa couldn’t find the toy? Parents stand in line for hours waiting to buy the “IT” toy only to discover that it’s sold out when they get to the front of the line.
To see the look on a child’s face because Santa did not bring them what they asked for is heart-breaking.
"I've been having discussion about this very phenomena on other boards since just before Christmas. It absolutely drives me nuts!
I generally tend to do my gift shopping all year round and whenever possible I do it online simply to avoid the hassles of parking, pushy patrons, over crowding, and yes - seeing Christmas merchandise before Halloween is even over.
Unfortunately I had to do some shopping on 12/26 this year - ick. Not only were the after Christmas markdowns for Christmas all over the store but they are already removing the winter clothing (winter has barely started for goodness sake) and had the Valentines Day merchandise out in full force.
Please, we don't seem to get a second to breathe between seasons or holidays anymore.."
