Marketing and all things related

At one time, the Maytag appliance brand was at the top of their game. They produced a quality product which readily fostered brand loyalty and company evangelism. But their quality slipped, and their relationship with consumers soured. And before Maytag could recover, Whirlpool swooped in and acquired them. This may or may not be a big deal, because as I tell my marketing students, all kitchen appliances are made in the same factor. The final manufacturing step is the application of one of a dozen competing brand names. But in any event, the real news is that Whirlpool’s agency will be working the Maytag brand, and they are hinting that the Lonely Maytag Repairman may well cash in for the golf course. Marketing Blurb is indifferent, but we know that without product quality, the agency will be wasting their time. The New York Times thought you should know this (free registration required.) Photo Credit: Maytag