Garrick Arnold's Page

AUGUST 05, 2008



The Economy:



Obviously the economy is not in great shape. Consumers are looking for value and thinking two or even three times before parting with their money. That being said if your restaurant can communicate its value proposition to consumers this could actually be an opportunity for growth. And value doesn't have to mean price.



Some folks consider a Whole Foods Market a great value. But studies show consumers pay an average of 30% more than a… Continue

The continuing rise in postage rates makes direct mail increasingly less affordable for the restaurant community. Until recently this was one of the best options available for individual locations to market in their own backyard. But now email marketing has finally matured, is easy and affordable to execute and the response rate may just shock you.



How effective is email marketing? Companies like www.mUrgent.com that provide a full range of email marketing services are full of… Continue

By now most everyone has heard that the once seemingly indestructible Starbucks intends to close 600 stores. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008028854_starbucks02.html Based on recent conversations and the few articles I've read, a lot of people are taking no small amount of pleasure in Starbucks' fall from grace. Americans love the underdog and take a perverse sense of pleasure in seeing the Prom King tumble off his throne. Putting that aside here a few important… Continue

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2004177542_baristas12.html

How's this for seeing a problem and attacking it head on? Time to buy Starbucks stock.

So Wendy's kicks their agency,

Saatchi & Saatchi, to the curb along with the wacky red wig

campaign. It's a shame. Even Wendy's admits that while the campaign

didn't cause sales to sky rocket it did get noticed and stimulated

discussion about the brand for the first time since "Where's the… Continue