Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 34
March 31, 2017
Unboxing delight
Perhaps like you, I’m an unboxing fan.
Some of the joy in shipping boxes to grandsons is anticipating the unboxing video.
But this “theater on social media” doesn’t only happen after a gift is purchased. Research shows that one in five consumers has watched unboxing a product before purchasing it.
Evidently, I stepped directly into an effective marketing strategy.
March 29, 2017
IRL Friends?
Research shows that more that kids have never met more than half of their Facebook friends IRL (in real life.)
I can’t help but wonder at the implication of that staggering statistic. I think of all the times we hosted (and fed) our children’s friends. Will the 30% of Millennials who are now parents get to know their children’s friends across the kitchen table?
Social circles are so important to kids. Friends/non-friends are a huge influence. I can’t stop the questions…
Do the high numbers of online friendships mean kids are growing up inclusive? How do online friendships impact the real-time social skills kids need to make eye contact and carry on a live conversation? Are online and offline friendships defined identically?
Questions will keep coming…
March 27, 2017
Unbranding
Unbranding is everywhere.
Have you noticed that even children’s clothing ads are becoming less branded? Sometimes, it’s even hard to figure out what an ad is trying to sell!
I think the spontaneity in advertising goes overboard, though, when I can’t find a product among the sketchbook doodles of a five-year old.
March 24, 2017
Roll with VR
Across the country, amusement park attendees will strap a VR headset across their face before boarding roller coasters.
Those riders won’t see where the steel track is headed. They won’t know what’s around the next curve, but their experience will feel real as the images in their headsets parallel the physical motion of their car.
Riders will follow a story line featuring aliens and others while soaring into high def imagery with 360-degree virtual views.
Where will all this happen? At a coaster near you this summer.
March 22, 2017
Dad plays Barbie, too
Dad-engagement in children’s play started to break through in a big way several years ago, but Mattel’s “You Can Be Anything” campaign was still a pleasant surprise.
“Real” dads are shown playing Barbie with their “real” daughters.
You might have seen the ads: scenarios show dads actively involved in make-believe play.
What a healthy reflection of the positive changes reflected among today’s Next Gen dads.
March 20, 2017
“Dadvertising”
Are you overwhelmed yet by all the “Dadvertising” that’s appearing in the sport space?
Although moms remain primary caregivers, today’s Next Gen Dads are playing a bigger role in the family. Dads are no longer absent from the parenting process, at least that’s the conclusion after watching all the father-friendly advertising wrapped around recent sport broadcasts.
New ads show dads as supportive partners in child-rearing.
If dads haven’t caught onto the importance of that role in realtime, we can only hope they’re embracing the ad messaging…and playing dress-up with their daughters after the basketball game.
March 19, 2017
“You love me. I’ll love you”
At the International Toy Fair last month, I saw all kinds of pets:
digital, collectible, plush, plastic and some made on a 3-D printer.
We know that children often bond emotionally to animals, even if they aren’t warm and fuzzy. But I wonder how much of that special connection for a pet (regardless of the level of “realness”) is because an animal will love a child just as he is…whether he forgot to make his bed, dropped a fly ball or missed words on a spelling test.
Being accepted just for who you are…that Fred Rogers message is timeless.
March 17, 2017
Deal you in
Even before the first quarter of 2017 ends, deals have become a major thread in the world of mom commerce.
Moms who cut out coupons as children have returned to coupon clipping. Mobile coupons are good, too. Actually any type of deal is attractive, like when you earn credit or get products for referrals. Some bloggers even pass along coupons and special deals.
Cash-back programs are popular, too, because saving big is big.
March 15, 2017
Family time guaranteed
It sounds counterintuitive, but increasing numbers of moms and dads are using tech to get more family time.
Want more bonding time? Set a reminder to leave work on time.
Need more time as a family unit? Use apps to find tech-free activities and child-friendly attractions.
Need an accountability partner? Set up text reminders with another parent.
March 13, 2017
Pint size A-listers
“Stylish parents choose designer brands” is the headline this spring as high-end children’s clothing and decor lines begin to flood the market.
The price tags for children’s luxe collections from Diane von Furstenburg, Stella McCartney, Lanvin and Gucci rival the cost of fashions for adults.
Can a “Best-dressed List” for five year olds be far behind?
