Last week we learned about Intellectual Property from a guest speaker and learned - briefly - about patents, copyright/fair use and of course Trademarks. It's one of my favorite classes ever and I can now totally see why most people do think about trademarks whether they are consciously aware of it or not.
I'm starting to notice it in myself.
So, I totally understand where you're coming from in this post. While I was in London I decided to get Starbucks. I love a Venti Passion Fruit Iced Tea Sweetened and it wasn't until I got to the counter that I thought about the possibility that their menu could be different. This particular drink did come slightly differently.
It wasn't sweetened.
It's such a tiny thing compared to the number of things they could change but for a second that feeling of 'home' wasn't there. Starbucks has always felt a bit like home, just like Borders used to, because I grew up with it and to see that something was slightly different was... weird.
It's no where near what you had to go through at the Hallmark and CVS stores. I agree that stores should be identical regardless of where one is located. I guess the size of the store would determine just how many items they could have but it should still be CVS/Hallmark/Big Name Store.
Then I think about how there's a good chance that their merchandise is based on what sells more. And while that's understandable it's still unfortunate.
It does change the store in the eyes of a consumer especially a loyal brand member.
I'm sorry you're going through home sickness. Hopefully there are more good days than bad. *hugs*
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Date: 2011-11-13 03:44 am (UTC)I'm starting to notice it in myself.
So, I totally understand where you're coming from in this post. While I was in London I decided to get Starbucks. I love a Venti Passion Fruit Iced Tea Sweetened and it wasn't until I got to the counter that I thought about the possibility that their menu could be different. This particular drink did come slightly differently.
It wasn't sweetened.
It's such a tiny thing compared to the number of things they could change but for a second that feeling of 'home' wasn't there. Starbucks has always felt a bit like home, just like Borders used to, because I grew up with it and to see that something was slightly different was... weird.
It's no where near what you had to go through at the Hallmark and CVS stores. I agree that stores should be identical regardless of where one is located. I guess the size of the store would determine just how many items they could have but it should still be CVS/Hallmark/Big Name Store.
Then I think about how there's a good chance that their merchandise is based on what sells more. And while that's understandable it's still unfortunate.
It does change the store in the eyes of a consumer especially a loyal brand member.
I'm sorry you're going through home sickness. Hopefully there are more good days than bad. *hugs*