<March 21, 2012> An investment expert once told me that Wall Street is most dangerous when everyone agrees on the market’s direction – either up or down (bulls or bears in Wall Street parlance.) If everyone says the market is going up – then the market is likely a bubble headed towards a burst. If everyone says its going down, then we’re probably in a crash and hard times are ahead. No, it’s safest when investment and economic experts – and the underlying data they rely upon – is mixed…which is exactly where the housing market is right now. [Read more…] about Housing Market Data is Mixed – Why That Really is Good News
News
Skullcandy Turns to Eye Candy to Sell Headphones
<March 21, 2012> Expanding on the concept of what constitutes performance, Skullcandy announced today it was creating a new group of supermodel ambassadors, appropriately called their “Supermodel Crew,” starting with the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl Kate Upton. Consummating a multi-year deal with Upton, Skullcandy says it will have “all-access” to the Sports Illustrated “it girl.” [Read more…] about Skullcandy Turns to Eye Candy to Sell Headphones
You Don’t Want Your Team in this ‘Sweet 16’ March Madness Bracket
Worst Company in America Contest
<March 21, 2012> It’s March Madness – the time of year that college basketball fans wait 12 months for – and the time of year when we hear talk around the water cooler of “How’s your bracket doing?” Brackets represent the team standings and fans can track the results as each of the games play out. And this year, popular consumer blog Consumerist is mimicking the event by using brackets to track their annual “Worst Company in America” survey. [Read more…] about You Don’t Want Your Team in this ‘Sweet 16’ March Madness Bracket
Onkyo Launches New Tablet – It’s Going to be Big…Really Big
<March 15, 2012> Onkyo Corp. will launch a new tablet computer which will be targeted towards the business market, according to a report in the Nikkei. And in a move sure to set it apart from the new iPad and other tablet designs, Onkyo’s version sports a huge 20-inch screen and weighs over 11 pounds. [Read more…] about Onkyo Launches New Tablet – It’s Going to be Big…Really Big
Agreeing with Soul by Ludacris, Judge Orders PRO Group To Testify Now
<March 14, 2012> Over the last few weeks, we have reported on a trademark and unfair business practices lawsuit filed by Signeo, the parent company of Soul by Ludacris, against Sol Republic. In its original filing, Signeo alleged that Sol Republic deliberately selected the SOL mark used on their headphone products in order to confuse the marketplace with a name that is phonetically identical to the SOUL trademark used by Signeo on its headphones. [Read more…] about Agreeing with Soul by Ludacris, Judge Orders PRO Group To Testify Now
Vintage Cars Collide with High Performance Entertainment at McIntosh Listening Experience
<March 14, 2012> McIntosh Audio Labs audio products received great acclaim as they competed with vintage motor cars at the McIntosh Listening Experience the company set up at the Concours d’Elegance. This was the second time McIntosh showed their products at the popular vintage motor car show which took place this past weekend at the Ritz-Carleton on Amelia Island, FL. [Read more…] about Vintage Cars Collide with High Performance Entertainment at McIntosh Listening Experience
Select D&M Sales Rep Territories Remain Brand Specific
>>NOTE: UPDATED MARCH 9TH – SEE BOX BELOW<<
<March 7, 2012> Last week, Stratecon’s BEACON broke the news about a major overhaul and consolidation of D&M Holdings’ sales representative and distributor network. Later that day, D&M confirmed our initial report, releasing a statement spelling out the substantive, albeit generally described, changes to their sales network. Now the ALERT has discovered that not all of D&M’s rep territories were merged – in select markets, separate sales rep forces are being maintained. [Read more…] about Select D&M Sales Rep Territories Remain Brand Specific
Netflix Looks to Partner with Major Cable Company
<March 7, 2012> Reuters is reporting today that Netflix, once feared as a predator to many in the Cable TV industry, may be more kitten than lion as it seeks to partner with one or more major cable TV providers in offering Netflix as part of its programming package. Once an unthinkable proposition, Reuters says the company is actively pursuing just such an arrangement. [Read more…] about Netflix Looks to Partner with Major Cable Company
Ex-D&M President Weissburg Heads to Gibson Guitar
<March 6, 2012> Gibson Guitar announced yesterday that it has hired ex-D&M President Bob Weissburg as global executive vice president – a new position at Gibson. Although Weissburg’s focus will likely be their consumer electronics and pro divisions, Gibson says he will be in charge of all divisions at the company – including musical instruments. [Read more…] about Ex-D&M President Weissburg Heads to Gibson Guitar
HTSA Appoints New Director of Marketing
<March 1, 2012> The Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) announced today that it has created a new Director of Marketing position that it believes will dramatically increase support for HTSA members with dynamic new programs. The new Director of Marketing is Kathleen Marini. [Read more…] about HTSA Appoints New Director of Marketing