Sneaker Wars

 

Disney+ has just released the three-part docu-series, Sneaker Wars: Adidas v Puma, which plunges viewers into one of the most intense and enduring rivalries in business history. The documentary unpacks how the personal feud between two German brothers, Adolf ("Adi") and Rudolf ("Rudi") Dassler, led them to split their successful family shoe business and found separate, globally dominant sportswear companies: Adidas and Puma. Set in the backdrop of their divided hometown, the series reveals how their decades-long competition—from vying for exclusive athlete endorsements like Pelé to pioneering key product innovations—fuelled both incredible business growth and a fierce sporting culture that is still felt today, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in marketing, brand identity, and the relentless drive of competition.

BBQ - Analyse two ways in which the intense rivalry between Adidas and Puma (non-price competition) would have a direct, positive impact on a customer. Use business terminology in your explanation.

Sneaker Wars

Amazon Closes UK Supermarkets

 

Amazon is set to close all 19 of its Amazon Fresh grocery stores across the UK, marking a significant U-turn on its cashierless brick-and-mortar experiment. The stores, known for their 'Just Walk Out' technology, failed to gain enough traction to compete with established UK supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury's after launching in 2021. This decision is part of a strategic shift to refocus investment on the area where Amazon is strongest: online grocery delivery. The company plans to double down on its partnerships with retailers like Morrisons and Co-op to expand its online offering and will convert five of the closing Fresh sites into its more upscale Whole Foods Market stores, suggesting a pivot to the premium end of the physical grocery market. This move demonstrates that even a tech giant like Amazon must adapt its strategy when a new business venture fails to achieve the necessary sales volume and market share against powerful incumbent competitors.

BBQ - Explain a reason why Amazon's decision to convert some Amazon Fresh stores into Whole Foods Market stores?

Amazon Go Goes

Labubu Counterfit Crisis

The viral collectible Labubu dolls, created by artist Kasing Lung and popularised by Pop Mart, have become the target of mass counterfeiting, with fake versions accounting for a staggering 90% of all counterfeit toys seized at the UK border this year. Authorities have intercepted around 236,000 fake Labubu dolls, part of a haul valued at over £3.5 million. This seizure highlights the serious issue of intellectual property (IP) infringement and consumer safety, as three-quarters of the fake toys failed critical safety tests. These dangerous counterfeits often lack the required UKCA or CE safety markings, posing significant risks such as choking hazards from loose parts and exposure to banned toxic chemicals. Consumers are urged to buy only from reputable retailers, as the low price of a fake can come with devastating real harms.

BBQ - Explain two ways in which this widespread counterfeiting, which infringes on their intellectual property rights, is likely to negatively impact the marketing mix (4 Ps) of the genuine brand.

Labubu

The Golden Flake

High-street bakery giant Greggs has made a playful jump into the hospitality sector by opening its first-ever pub, The Golden Flake Tavern, located within the Fenwick department store in Newcastle. This limited-time pop-up, running until February, is the latest in a series of highly successful marketing ventures that aim to elevate the brand beyond its famous sausage rolls. The pub features a menu of Greggs-inspired pub classics, such as a Steak Bake Mixed Grill and a Sunday Carvery where a Greggs bake is the centrepiece. Additionally, the bar serves exclusive, novelty draught beers like the Pink Jammie Pale Ale, alongside Greggs-themed cocktails. This creative move is a shrewd public relations (PR) stunt designed to generate massive media buzz, refresh the brand's image, and offer a unique, premium experience to its loyal fanbase. It’s a clear example of experiential marketing—creating a memorable, shareable event that keeps the brand relevant and exciting.

BBQ - What are the risks of a public relations stunt?

The Golden Flake

Meta Smart Glasses

Facebook's parent company, Meta, has unveiled its latest generation of AI-powered smart glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley. The new lineup includes the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which features a discreet, full-color screen built into the lens, and an accompanying "Neural Band" wristband that allows users to control the glasses with subtle hand gestures. This innovation is part of Meta's long-term strategy to shift consumer habits away from smartphones and towards AI-driven wearable technology. By combining everyday eyewear with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, Meta is aiming to create a new category of consumer electronics that offers hands-free access to information, from real-time translations to video calls, directly within a person's field of vision.

Meta is launching its new smart glasses with a price point starting at around £299. Analyze the potential impact of this pricing strategy on the product's sales and target market.

Smart Glasses

Bodycare Closing Up

In a further sign of the challenges facing the UK high street, beauty retailer Bodycare has announced it will close an additional 30 stores, following an initial round of closures. This decision comes after the company fell into administration due to a combination of factors, including rising costs, a delayed online platform transition, and a decrease in consumer spending driven by the cost-of-living crisis. This move will result in the redundancy of 235 staff members, adding to the job losses already announced. While administrators are working to find a buyer for the remaining 85 stores, the closures highlight the ongoing pressures on traditional brick-and-mortar retail businesses that are struggling to adapt to changing consumer habits and a difficult economic environment. Bodycare was founded in Lancashire in 1970. Its store layouts are known for their bright lighting and window displays that often feature piles of toilet tissue or pyramids of washing up powder.

BBQ - What do you think are the main factors that have led to Bodycare's decision to close a significant number of its stores.

Bodycare

Heinz Beanz Ready Mealz

 

Heinz has re-entered the ready-meal market with an innovative new range of 90-second microwaveable pouches focused on beans and pulses. Responding to the growing demand for convenient, healthy, and plant-based options, the new line features three globally-inspired flavours: Chilli Black Beanz, Curry Chickpeaz, and Tomato Cannellini Beanz. These new meals are designed to be a quick, nutritious choice, providing a good source of protein and fibre while containing no artificial flavours. The pouches are available in Sainsbury's and Ocado (£2.50), offering a modern, flavour-packed solution for busy consumers.The new line is a strategic move, responding to a growing demand for quick, healthy, and convenient meal options. With more and more people looking to reduce their meat intake, boost protein and fibre, and explore global flavours, Heinz is right on trend.

BBQ - How will market research have helped Heinz decide upon this new strategy?

Heinz Beanz

John Lewis Losses Triple

The John Lewis Partnership, which includes the renowned department store chain and Waitrose supermarkets, has reported a significant deepening of its financial struggles, with half-year losses nearly tripling to £88 million. This considerable deficit, up from £30 million in the same period last year, was recorded despite a rise in overall sales, a performance that highlights the intense challenges the business is facing. The company attributed the poor result to a combination of exceptional costs, including £54 million spent on a major business restructuring programme which involved redundancies and reorganising its operations. Further compounding the financial pressure were new regulatory charges, such as a £29 million hit from the government's new plastic packaging tax and higher national insurance contributions. Despite these financial setbacks, the company remains optimistic, noting that its ongoing turnaround plan has led to increased sales and improved customer satisfaction. The Partnership maintains that its substantial investment in updating its stores and digital infrastructure is necessary to return to profitability by the end of the full financial year, a goal which would allow for the reinstatement of the cherished staff bonus.

BBQ - A core part of the John Lewis Partnership's business model is providing its employees with an annual bonus. Analyse why the company's decision to withhold this bonus due to financial losses could have a negative impact on its human resources.

John Lewis

Mitchum Deodorant Recall

A well-known deodorant firm has been forced to issue a public apology and halt sales of one of its new antiperspirant products following a significant number of customer complaints. The company, which is a major player in the cosmetics industry, faced a firestorm of negative feedback across social media platforms. Users reported severe and painful reactions, including "chemical burns," "itchy, burning armpits," and painful rashes after using the product. In response to the crisis, the firm's leadership posted a formal apology, acknowledging the consumer reports and stating that they were taking the matter with the utmost seriousness. The company has since initiated a full product recall, urging customers to stop using the deodorant immediately and promising a full refund to anyone affected. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the financial and reputational risks associated with product development and highlights the critical importance of rigorous quality control and a rapid, transparent response to consumer safety concerns.

BBQ - Analyse the potential long-term impacts that this product safety issue could have on the firm's brand reputation, customer loyalty, and future sales.

Mitchum

Greggs Rolls Into Homeware

Greggs, in a bold move to capitalize on its massive brand loyalty, has teamed up with interiors specialist Icon to launch its first-ever homeware collection. The "Greggs Icons" range, which was teased on social media before its official release, includes a fun and unique line of products designed to bring the bakery's most beloved items into people's homes. The highlight of the collection is a series of giant, plush cushions and bean bags shaped like the iconic sausage roll and steak bake. Additionally, the limited-edition line features a recliner gaming chair and a cushion designed to look like a classic Greggs paper bag. This product diversification strategy aims to connect with a younger, online-savvy audience, particularly Gen Z, by offering them a tangible and quirky way to express their love for the brand. The launch demonstrates how Greggs is innovating beyond its core food business to engage its customer base and extend its brand presence in a highly creative and memorable way.

BBQ - Greggs has launched a limited-edition homeware collection. Explain two possible reasons why this product diversification strategy might be successful for the company.

Greggs Homeware

Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani dies

 

Legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 91, leaves behind a legacy not only of timeless fashion but also of remarkable entrepreneurial achievement. Armani began his career in fashion as a window dresser and sales assistant before launching his own brand in 1975 with business partner Sergio Galeotti. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident in his ability to identify market gaps—introducing relaxed tailoring for men and empowering professional women with elegant, functional suits. Armani maintained full control of his brand empire, which expanded into perfumes, hotels, restaurants, and home furnishings, generating billions in revenue. He was known for his hands-on leadership, even personally arranging boutique displays well into his 80s. Armani’s success was built on a clear vision, independence of thought, and a relentless work ethic, making him a powerful example of how creativity and business acumen can combine to build a global brand.

What entrepreneurial qualities did Giorgio Armani demonstrate throughout his career, and how did these contribute to the global success of his brand?

Giorgio Armani

Tesco Trials Avocado Scanner

 

Tesco has launched a trial of infrared avocado ripeness scanners in five UK stores, aiming to revolutionize how customers shop for fresh produce while tackling food waste. Developed by Dutch agritech firm OneThird, the scanners use light-based technology to assess the internal ripeness of avocados in seconds—eliminating the need for squeezing, which often damages the fruit. This innovation is part of Tesco’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes removing plastic labels and packaging from avocado products, saving over 20 million pieces of plastic annually. With avocado sales surging—15 million more sold this year compared to last—the scanner helps shoppers choose fruit suited to their needs, whether for immediate use or later consumption. By improving customer experience and reducing waste, Tesco demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to solve everyday retail challenges and support environmental goals.

BBQ - How can technological innovation like Tesco’s avocado ripeness scanner improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in retail?

Avocado Scanner

Lululemon Squeezed by Tariffs

   

Lululemon Athletica, the Canadian athleisure giant, is facing mounting pressure as a combination of U.S. tariffs and weakening domestic sales disrupt its growth trajectory. The recent removal of the "de minimis" exemption, which had allowed duty-free shipments under $800, is expected to cost the company around $240 million in gross margin this year. This change, coupled with escalating tariffs, has forced Lululemon to revise its full-year revenue forecast downward, triggering a 15% drop in its share price. CEO Calvin McDonald acknowledged that the brand had become "too predictable," with stale product cycles failing to excite consumers in a cooling U.S. market. While international markets like China continue to show strong growth, the company is now focused on refreshing its product lineup and adjusting its supply chain to mitigate rising costs. The situation highlights the vulnerability of global retailers to policy shifts and changing consumer behavior, even for well-established brands. Adidas warned that the tariffs will cost it €200m (£173m; $233m) and raised prices for American customers. Nearly half of the company's products are made in Asia.

BBQ - How might changes in international trade policy, such as tariffs and the removal of duty exemptions, affect a company’s pricing strategy and profitability? 

Lululemon Tariff