It’s certainly not what you think, I don’t go for super priced items at stores or supermarkets but I realized that I am extremely influenced by brands. It’s usually from experiencing them and adapting to them. However, I ought to be ashamed of myself since I am fully aware of advertising. Heck, my day job is to get people to buy things (that they might not necessarily need).

Lately, I’ve been finding reasons why I need to purchase things. Recently, I determined that purchasing a Starbucks coffee might be better than preparing my own and it’s all because they got me with their marketing. Yes, they won. My last coffee grounds finished a week ago and I haven’t yet made a detour to the supermarket to purchase any. So, Starbucks influenced one of my peers awhile back and she recently showed me her gold card. Naturally, I wanted to switch from my regular card to get a spiffy, shiny card with my name on it. Yep, that’s how they did it. I am aware though that I need to use my card at least 30 times. This means 30 x $5 (approximately) equals $150 before I get a lustrous gold card.

Just 25 more times… if I keep forgetting breakfast.

However, the other thing I love about Starbucks is the experience itself. I can reload my card from my mobile phone or online.

I can check my past transactions. I can use their free wifi at any of their locations. I’m never stressed while waiting in line. They’ve most certainly won me over.

Anyway, a few weeks ago I came across an article on Bloomberg Businessweek and the products that I consume won when being compared to other brands. They called the issue The Popularity Issue (which I found online here). I am only covering the main ones listed that deals with my life directly and will do a follow up post if possible.

Here’s a run down:

Peanut Butter.

Of course Jif won. I love Jif. I don’t even like peanut butter that much but that’s my default brand. The store brand peanut butter doesn’t seem to compare. For the past 20 years Jif also seems to have been America’s favorite.

Booze: Smirnoff Vodka

Although I’m a Guinness type of gal, I don’t mind Smirnoff (Kids I’m not condoning your drinking at all). However, “Vodka is perceived as low-cholesterol, has no breath effects, is mixable, and is part of that whole Sex and the City, women-with-fancy-drinks phenomenon,” according to Thomas Russo.

Cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios.
But, I love Oatmeal.

Deodorant: Secret
Although I love using Dove.

Car Color: White
Although I would prefer Red, I don’t even have one 🙂 (I live in NYC).

Sneaker: Nike Air Force 1
I have never used Air Force 1s but I like my Nike running shoes :). I also like Zoo York. My favorite pairs of shoes are from Steve Madden.

Flower: Rose
I love roses and I love hibiscus flowers.

Lipstick: Revlon
I love  Opi.

The issue also covered face-offs.

Democrats won over Republicans, Budlight over Bud, Cats over Dogs, White over Whole wheat bread, Beatles over the Rolling Stones.

What are some of your favorite brands and which ones you would never substitute for another? Would you take a significant detour just to get that brand?

Design Lady NYC