Comments on: In Your (North) Face

By: Peg Mulligan

Peg Mulligan — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:53:41 +0000

I must admit to being somewhat partial to the MarketingProfs logo…(the blue bird)…I especially liked how the logo’s shadow was cast up on the wall by a spotlight, at the B2B Forum in Boston, last June. It was the first thing I saw when I entered, and the visual effect was so clever, it did make me smile!

As for “in your face brands” I can’t stand, I’m with Beth, about getting annoyed by any brand that ends up on someone’s butt, especially college-age girls, brandishing their college insignia there. My daughters will eventually learn that I’m not very hip that way, either.

By: junsz

junsz — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:11:36 +0000

I wont be buying The North Face products. And I might have to check out this South Butt company.

By: Sean McVey

Sean McVey — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:17:24 +0000

When I was in college the North Face represented greek life. In other words, if you wore that brand (which 95% of people did) you were making a statement that you wanted to fit in. This bothered me quite a bit and now I have negative feelings about the brand. I guess I O.D.ed on seeing that jacket.

Anyway, it goes to show you that even a brand that has great quality clothing can’t always control consumer perceptions. It’s too bad bc I know their stuff is pretty good. BTW I have nothing against fraternities, just the ones from my school.

Good post.

By: Beth Harte

Beth Harte — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:58:21 +0000

Steve, I loved this post because, well, I love THE North Face too! I have a great vest that I wore during our AWESOME vacation to Wyoming. Every time I wear it, I am reminded of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.

As for “in your face brands” I can’t stand… Juicy Couture, Victoria Secret’s Pink, etc. Why? Because they are usually on people’s butts. I hate walking in the mall, grocery store, and church and seeing that (yes, I said church!). I guess it’s one of those brand identities that make people feel good about being able to wear it proudly?! Who knows. I just realized that I am too old and not hip enough to get it… LOL!

By: Tracey

Tracey — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:22:16 +0000

Funny, NPR just ran a story on a parody brand called “The South Butt” started by an 18-year-old, mocking the idea of “non-active” people wearing The North Face Brand. Kinda like SUV drivers who never go off-road, I guess. The South Butt brand has enjoyed some runaway success, and is currently fighting off a lawsuit from The North Face!

By: Steve Woodruff

Steve Woodruff — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:04:57 +0000

Here’s the odd thing – I just noticed throughout the post that I regularly get the brand name wrong (North Face vs. THE North Face). I’ve always been in the habit of using the shorter version, so much so that I don’t even notice that it’s incorrect…