This article highlights the four key interrelated areas in which brand addiction can be planned: product, rewards, price and communications. Historically, marketers have focused on more traditional, obvious benefits of products. However, reward systems such as loyalty programs are useful in increasing differentiation and encouraging consumer habituation. Intrinsic consumer rewards (e.g. personal satisfaction) stand in contrast to extrinsic rewards .....more

It is rather easy to blame Canadian retailers for in-store prices that are higher here than in the United States. A detailed examination, however, reveals that a retailer has little control over higher prices for everything from books to linens. Readers will learn the real causes of those higher prices and what can be done to make the playing field level.