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