The Daily Thread

Vera Wang has opened up her own wedding registry, a first in the designer market. VeraWangonWeddings.com will have a custom registry, runway trends, e-commerce, couples quizzes and wedding planning ideas. But the site is only a small section of her ever-growing empire. She also has a line in bedding, home goods and stationery. Her company is currently exploring expansion into furniture, decorative fabrics, rugs, lighting and even a Wang-branded line of paint, very Martha of her.

Nokia has asked Spike Lee to direct a feature film but there is a catch, all the footage will be supplied by hundreds of cellphone users sending in snippets under three themes starting with the concept of “birth”.
Spike and his assistance will then pick the best of the best and vote. Those clips chosen will be turned into a film, which will premier at Club Nokia in L.A.

The French based group, Product Of The Year
, has just introduced a U.S. division. They will be working with TNS Market Research to poll 100,000 consumers about which new products they like best. There will be 35 categories, which are based on what is happening in the marketplace. Winners will be announced January 2009.

After a disappointing attempt to become fashionable Wal-Mart has signed deals with California surfer brand, Op and Jones Apparel group’s junior jeans line, l.e.i. in hopes of making their clothing sales jump. Wal-mart has tried for years to break into a more trendy collection to compete against Target’s line but have had little success.

When you order your grande, orange, mocha frappachino at Starbucks this week don’t be surprised when you don’t get their usual white and green cup. This week the struggling chain switches their familiar, iconic logo to a more black and white retro version. The change is not permanent and will only be around for a limited time.

As an effort to revive Starbuck’s struggling business they have launched a new website, MyStarbucksIdea.com, asking people for their suggestions and ideas. Hundreds of customers have submitted their suggestions by the thousands.

Nielsen Online’s newest report proves that consumers are aware of greenwashing and bogus environmental claims made by companies. Blogs have and will play a huge part in calling out corporations that aren’t living up to their green message. The report calls greenwashing a “failed corporate strategy” and urges brands to aim for a clear consistent message.

Advertisers are now turning to biometrics (measuring brain waves, galvanic skin response, eye movements and pulse rates) to test their creative. So instead of focus groups or one on one interviews, which can often be misleading, advertisers can now use neuroscientific ways to determine what works and what doesn’t. These techniques will be displayed at the 54th annual convention and exposition of the Advertising Research Foundation.

Canadian Club’s new campaign no longer shows your father as a wise and restful soul, but redefines him as a whiskey-drinking playboy. Copy such as “Your Mom Wasn’t Your Dad’s First” along with old pictures of dads partying create the layout. This father-focused campaign seems to be increasing sales and drawing more attention to Canadian Club.

Intel has launched a B to B campaign centered around the idea of ITopia , a “promise land” for information technology professionals. The budget is about $50 million and is planned to appear in 10 major markets. 80% of the spending will be for online advertising and the other 20% towards magazine ads. The online Elements will include a section of of the Intel Web Site and discussions on Open Port, and a new community site for Intel.