And, it's interesting to hear this argument from a designer, in particular. The one audience I thought would defend Caribou! ;)

You nailed the whole point with your “3 reasons why you love Caribou.” I actually think they still have a huge opportunity here. Think about what kind of fun they could have with the trivia online? Plus, they have so many uber-fans like you and I–it really would be too tough to empower this group.

I'll be a very curious observer from here on out to see where this leads. Today was a bit of a disappointment for me re: one of my favorite brands.

@arikhanson

And, it's interesting to hear this argument from a designer, in particular. The one audience I thought would defend Caribou! ;)

You nailed the whole point with your “3 reasons why you love Caribou.” I actually think they still have a huge opportunity here. Think about what kind of fun they could have with the trivia online? Plus, they have so many uber-fans like you and I–it really would be too tough to empower this group.

I'll be a very curious observer from here on out to see where this leads. Today was a bit of a disappointment for me re: one of my favorite brands.

@arikhanson

In all fairness, we don't know what their research told them or what the rest of the marketing plan is. Perhaps — with the foundation of great customer service that you describe above — a well-executed marketing strategy is exactly what Caribou needs to grow the business. While a logo alone can't make for a good customer experience, the right branding can make sure that enough people have the opportunity to experience an existing good customer experience.

We just have to hope they don't throw away their unique branding in an effort to look more like Starbuck's. That would be a total brand #fail.

In all fairness, we don't know what their research told them or what the rest of the marketing plan is. Perhaps — with the foundation of great customer service that you describe above — a well-executed marketing strategy is exactly what Caribou needs to grow the business. While a logo alone can't make for a good customer experience, the right branding can make sure that enough people have the opportunity to experience an existing good customer experience.

We just have to hope they don't throw away their unique branding in an effort to look more like Starbuck's. That would be a total brand #fail.

I find that we marketers often get into the situation where we are telling clients, “we can do that but it seems like you need more than just (insert marketing product or strategy here)”.

The best marketing is real substance, valuable experience, quality product, etc.

I find that we marketers often get into the situation where we are telling clients, “we can do that but it seems like you need more than just (insert marketing product or strategy here)”.

The best marketing is real substance, valuable experience, quality product, etc.