Sourcing Journal’s Post

Even trophy assets need to be freshened up and modernized. How does that happen? This week, I'm talking with Chad Cress of DJM about the branding and re-branding of large, trophy retail assets on the west coast. We go deep on how DJM is re-imagining the Ovation Hollywood into a dynamic mixed-use destination.

In this post pandemic world Gen Z and other generations are finding themselves in more third places, seeking real-world experiences and engagements… and they’re open to brands participating if it feels authentic and shareable. Gone are the days of a one-day activation Times Square unless it has impact or value to add for your consumer. I am here for the bespoke, consumer-insight driven activations and pop-ups that function as awareness and engagement programs cultivating true relationships and surprise and delight with consumers. Cheers to you AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC. and Craig Brommers on this blue jeans era. 🤠 #experientialmarketing #consumeractivation #genz

Working with @Insidertrends and Jack Stratten. certainly sharpens your search for interesting retail and stand-out stories. Enter Purdy & Figg @bbcradio4 #gapfinders. Apologies for being slow off the mark, they’ve been around since 2020 and were winners of the FEBE Growth 100, so maybe you’re already a fan, but that’s the great thing about radio, it often cuts through when you’re least expecting. Purdy’s subtle tone made for refreshing listening in an often more pushy market. Their development history also added some science and avoided the feeling of a sustainability bolt-on. BTW - I’m not being paid as a brand advocate. If, and let’s be honest, you’re prepared to pay a little bit more to step outside the mainstream, they've nailed it. Reminded me of another perfume brand we visited on a recent Insider trends retail safari Ffern Both opt for human visuals over the classic e-commerce hard sell, but both sites shop well. Shows how interesting stories can give bigger (possibly less sustainable) brands a real run for their money. I'm sure the latest @ffern video might not be to everyone's taste, or demographic, but at least it's not a load of faceless bottles on a work surface or another dull explainer video. Besides, who doesn't want to smell like the Tuscan countryside (before the cycle)

"Brand extension is all about finding opportunities, building relationships, and getting to know your fans. But balancing everything can be tough, especially without enough time or budget for market research. That’s where Skew comes in! We've designed Skew's Haul events to be a one-day masterclass tailored to your brand challenge. Come spend a day in London with us and discover a whole new way to work." - Oliver Dyer, MD of Skew. Find out more about how Skew’s Haul retail masterclass can help your brand 🔗 in the comments. 🛍️ Skew's London Retail Masterclass 🗓️ 10th September 2024 📍 London #brandlicensing #licensing #brandextension

The move is effective immediately.

Almost One Year of TKAC It’s crazy to think that it’s been nearly a year since we took the first step and launched TKAC. What started as a wild idea has grown into something real, all because we took a chance. We officially launched the brand in May, but it wasn’t without its ups and downs. At one point, we almost forgot why we started in the first place. But then came our first product, the B-One shirt, symbolizing that first step to Become something better. We wanted to do things differently, and using bamboo fabric was our bold move. None of us had ever worn bamboo before, but now we’re hooked. Fast forward to September, and we've come so far. We’re just past our one-year anniversary since starting TKAC, and it’s been 5 months since we launched our first product. Now, we’ve got 7 products in our lineup, and the 8th is dropping next week. This whole journey has been about testing the market and seeing if others are ready to take a chance with us. - Along the way, we’ve been lucky to connect with some incredible ambassadors whose stories perfectly align with our mission. We hope to welcome even more in the future. - We also attended 4 Fourth Fridays in @forthfriiday Uptown Westerville. A full-circle moment since we used to go to those events as kids! We’re excited to expand into more events next year. Looking back on the past year, we couldn’t be more excited for what’s next. TKAC has a long road ahead, but we’re all in. It’s been a slow yet rewarding journey, and we’re so glad we took the chance to start. To anyone out there with a big idea, don’t hold back. Take your own chance today. No matter how uncertain it feels, it’s better to embrace the unknown than to wonder what might’ve been. Need help taking your first chance? Check out our products. They’re designed to give you the confidence and remind you to keep taking those chances in life. 👇 🌐 www.tkachance.com

Product

Can you really get FOMO from not having a water bottle? Absolutely – and Stanley 1913 is the perfect example. Originally celebrated in the early 1900s for their durability and innovative design, Stanley has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Fast-forward to today, and people are racing through shops, fighting over the latest limited-edition collections. It’s no longer just about owning one; it’s about having them all. Fans eagerly await each release, driven by a culture that values both substance and style. Just like high-end fashion, no one wants to be stuck with outdated colours or designs. Stanley has evolved from a practical tool brand famously in the construction industry, into a must-have lifestyle accessory, using social media marketing and user-generated content to reach new audiences. TikTok has been pivotal in this shift, with viral videos connecting them directly to consumers and driving demand for their highly sought-after collectables. What started as a social media trend has become an integral part of daily life, and we’re here for every moment of Stanley’s remarkable rise to success! #StanleyCups #ThePowerOfMarketing #Trend #Brand #MarketingAgency #NottinghamAgency

When you know you're working with the right people at the right company at the right time.

✅ Initial Client meeting at 10:45am ✅ Customised Pitch deck sent at 3:00pm ✅ Approval received by 3:45pm ✅ Work for the client started at 4:00pm And that's how we got our first luxury brand onboard. Sounds like cakewalk right? It wasn't. It took 250+ pitches over the last 2 years A lot of rejections Multiple reworks on our deck (I think we can still make it better) Confidence built over time The knack to connect with different people in different industries Hours of research before meeting the client We have grown over time. I have grown over time. Loving what I am building with Cliquedesigns.co and loving my growth along with it. P.S: Just a picture of me and my team mate cheers'ing with muskmelon juice to a successful pitch at the client's place, even before pitching 😉