Advertising Age has announced its list of the top brand names of 2010. Automobiles, tech toys and liquor dominate the list that also includes old names that got make-overs to become relevant and popular.
Droid by Verizon leads the list. Fully 21.4% of smartphones are powered by Android, 15 times what it was prior to the Droid device hit the market. Verizon got its alternative to Apples iPhone moving along with applications and what they advertise as the better network.
"Glee" is not just a hit TV series. It has crossed platforms to sell music, live concerts and more. Against all odds, a scripted musical drama for prime time, broadcast on network television rather than cable, has become a sensation. It has attracted big name advertisers like American Express and Ford.
Buick is the fastest-growing major auto brand in the U.S. General Motors transformed the brand for a new audience and it has paid off. Salles are up 39% year over year and 55% year to date. It all started with the Buick brand succeeding in China.
"Beats by Dr. Dre", the headphones that are replacing the white ear buds sold with Apple's iPod, cost anywhere from $99 to $450. But with Jimmy Iovine, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records behind them along with Dr. Dre, the product is now adorning celeb heads of Lady Gaga, Michael Phelps and NBA stars.
Ciroc Vodka is made from French grapes and distilled five times, but the cache of the brand is solely a result of Sean "Diddy" Combs' work. Diageo imports the brand and it learned that targeting key demographics by grabbing the attention of those that influence young people was the way to go.
Droid by Verizon tops Ad Age Top Ten Brands List of 2010
Vibram makes and markets a product called "FiveFingers" shoes. They emulate the experience of running in bare feet. By pushing the benefits of the shoe for those recovering from injuries and then in the key marathon market, the brand soared from 10,000 pairs sold in 2007 to 1.5 million in 2010.
Conan O"Brien failed spectacularly on late night network TV and became a phenomenon in the process. He found his audience online and the brand Team Coco as well as Team Conan was launched after the war between him, Jay Leno and NBC. His new late night show on TBS debuted last week.
Skechers increased its sales in one year by more than 30%. For an older brand name that isn't easy. Their approach was to get into a line of footwear that was different and appealed to customers looking to shape up their legs while they walk. Their "Shape-Ups" have 56% of the market for similar shoes.
Hyundai was named 2009 Marketer of the Year and in 2010 the brand saw its year-to-date U.S. sales grow a whopping 21%, twice the industry growth rate. It became known for its value pricing of autos that look good and have features that buyers craved. 1 in 3 consumers said they would consider buying one.
Bass Pro Shops offers its customer base a "destination" retail experience. They created Outdoor World locations around the U.S. and Canada, utilizing turnstiles, as if consumers are entering a theme or amusement park. There are live aquariums, waterfalls as well as fishing and hunting demonstration areas.
For more info and the rest of the list of 2010 Hottest brands, check out adage.com.
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
