You may not have heard of the Indian telcom brand Jio but investors certainly have. The company has recently gathered $20bn from investors that include Google and Facebook. Jio is a company with lots of latent e-commerce potential. It has about a 45% share of Indian mobile phone users and via parent company Reliance... Continue Reading →
The launch of a direct to consumer website is not usually big news, especially during this pandemic, but PepsiCo's launch of Snacks.com and Pantryshop.com has gained attention with headlines such as "PepsiCo cuts out grocery stores." These simple websites don't look like a particularly big strategic play at first glance. In fact PepsiCo suggest they... Continue Reading →
Travel in general and TUI in particular are having a torrid time as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. With a net loss of €763 million in the last 6 months TUI will soon cut around 8,000 jobs to reduce overhead costs by 30 percent. Alongside cost savings the company needs to attract hesitant consumers back... Continue Reading →
I feel some discomfort defining Banksy as a brand. On the important attributes I am on solid ground: the artist's work is distinct, recognisable, and consistently purposeful in message. However, I suspect it is a label that the anonymous street artist who has deemed commercial success "a mark of failure" would dislike a lot. Labelling... Continue Reading →
At a time when investors are hesitating, British ceramics brand Emma Bridgewater has secured an £8m investment to support growth. It is a big expression of confidence for the pottery company established in 1985 that has organically grown revenues beyond £20m. Like the company's ceramics this investment is eye-catching and led me to reflect on... Continue Reading →
Covid-19 has hurt the happy meal restaurant. About 25% of McDonald's restaurants are closed globally, including all of the 1,270 in the UK. Despite the sales impact the McDonald's brand looks set to emerge stronger post-pandemic. In recent weeks the global attachment to the brand born in 1940 has become very visible. McDonalds clearly has... Continue Reading →
Disney has assembled an incredible portfolio of brands and companies including Marvel, Fox Studios, Lucas Films, ESPN and Pixar. Disney is a case-study of a diverse business that has made bold decisions to remain relevant. Strong story-telling franchises ensure cross-generation appeal and are translated into engaging experiences via theme parks or resorts globally. The company... Continue Reading →
Morrisons, the UK's number four grocery chain has faced increased competition from discounters and seen a steady market share decline in recent years. The very late arrival to on-line grocery delivery hasn't helped. Bigger rivals Tesco and Sainsbury have had more than a 15 year head-start. CEO David Potts understands the need to make up... Continue Reading →
Amazon likes Deliveroo, so much so the company has offered to invest £385m into the food delivery company. Encouragingly for Amazon the Competition and Markets authority have indicated they were minded to approve the acquisition of a 16% stake with a final decision due soon. Covid-19 has undoubtedly accelerated the consumer move to online apps... Continue Reading →
The Starbucks share price has risen by almost 50% in 2019 with annual revenue growing 8% year on year to $6.82 billion. CNN Business recently observed that “every Starbucks growth strategy is working." The core global café business has grown 6%. Starbucks now has 30,600 stores in China and by partnering with Uber Eats and... Continue Reading →
