Thank you, Splif. I'm actually a massive fan of Apple products. I think the company as a whole does a great job. This, however, is a misstep. I'm a graphic designer with 20 years of advertising, branding, and marketing under my belt, so I'd like to think I know a little something about the subject. The whole POINT of branding, sog35, is that your product/company/service stands out among your competitors. Apple, of all companies, should know this. They've a rather strong brand and they've always treasured their distinct design in a way that, say, Google, is only now embracing. This is a disappointment to me as Apple has historically understood branding and design as a strength. I'm more disappointed that these brands (Mophie, etc.) buckled under instead of defending their rather well thought out brands.
By the way, sog35, I appreciate the warm welcome into the community.
Who said the packages were black before? And it's AI using the term "premium". Seems to me this is just about a consistent look and feel for accessories sold in Apple stores. And perhaps there are environmental requirements as well.
Actually, unbleached paper stock would be a better move environmentally, but the packaging would all look grey or brown.
Apple is doing the right thing here. Why not hold other company products accountable for a premium look and feel to match your products that they are benefiting from?
I never understood buying an iPhone and then a cheap accessory that doesn't match the quality of the product. Apple simply wants the entire experience to be at its best.
They are so on point right now it makes me grin from ear to ear...
I prefer to know which products are made and backed by Apple, and wonder if this homogenization of packaging won't confuse the shopper into thinking that it is somehow 'backed' by Apple, when it is simply a similarity in the package design.
At some point having everything in the store look so similar will make it a sterile and uninteresting environment. I'll pass.
So now you know how to run multi-billion dollar retail operations?
tell me what stores do you run? Rick's bait shop? Please.
I did run Rick's bait shop but then sales fell because all our bait looked the same. I pointed out that worms are supposed to all look the same and had even put the worms in "premium" white Styrofoam cups but we had a bad quarter or two and I moved on to greener pastures.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mjtomlin
Quote:
Originally Posted by trumptman
At some point having everything in the store look so similar will make it a sterile and uninteresting environment. I'll pass.
The point is having control over how it looks, which has nothing to with making it all look the same.
I disagree. The consumer needs some visual cues to help them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogifan
Quote:
Originally Posted by trumptman
At some point having everything in the store look so similar will make it a sterile and uninteresting environment. I'll pass.
Sure every Apple product looks exactly the same.
This article is about third parties. Don't be obtuse. When third party and first party products are all packaged the same, by definition there will be less visual variation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MessagePad2100
Quote:
Originally Posted by trumptman
At some point having everything in the store look so similar will make it a sterile and uninteresting environment. I'll pass.
Consistent packaging can also mean that you see the individuality of the images without frippery.
Also, where will you "pass" to?
I can pass to online retailers. I bought my Tech21 iPhone case at the Apple store because the packaging and product in it grabbed my eye. When something doesn't grab my eye in the future because there is a sea of white boxes with bland photos on them, then I'll buy some place where something does catch my eye. Simple enough.
I prefer to know which products are made and backed by Apple, and wonder if this homogenization of packaging won't confuse the shopper into thinking that it is somehow 'backed' by Apple, when it is simply a similarity in the package design.
What do you mean "backed by Apple". And all of these products clearly indicate who's product it is so I don't see where there would be confusion...
Apple is doing the right thing here. Why not hold other company products accountable for a premium look and feel to match your products that they are benefiting from?
I never understood buying an iPhone and then a cheap accessory that doesn't match the quality of the product. Apple simply wants the entire experience to be at its best.
They are so on point right now it makes me grin from ear to ear...
I agree with this! And those who say that Apple endorses these products, well they do endorse these products by selling them. So the quality and presentation does affects Apple's image.
I prefer to know which products are made and backed by Apple, and wonder if this homogenization of packaging won't confuse the shopper into thinking that it is somehow 'backed' by Apple, when it is simply a similarity in the package design.
Haven't seen the packaging, but I doubt all the accessory packaging will look the same. They can design it uniquely for each brand and still fit the desired themes.
At the same time, if Apple choose to, they can probably roll out different packaging based on campaigns or even season. It can go well with seasonal wearable fashion, or Product Red, or even highight accessories for revised Mac look, or new standards to reduce confusion. The key is clarity.
Plus they get to use the paper in their protected forests.
And based on that iPad case testing article elsewhere, it is clear that Apple do back the stuff they sell in their stores by more testing, or even certifications (e.g., HomeKit).
Customers who do their due diligence and read reviews here and on other websites such as iLounge.com will buy the better products regardless of packaging.
It kind of shows that being the CEO of a retailer that only sells its own product (Burberry) doesn't make you an expert on branding or selling.
I'm going to stick my neck out and say it makes her more of an expert than, say ... you?
The homogeneous of Apple products (and now the accessories) reinforces the idea that everything is made to fit together. Folk will be more likely to buy something that looks like it was designed to connect seamlessly with their phone or Mac or whatever.
Comments
Thank you, Splif. I'm actually a massive fan of Apple products. I think the company as a whole does a great job. This, however, is a misstep. I'm a graphic designer with 20 years of advertising, branding, and marketing under my belt, so I'd like to think I know a little something about the subject. The whole POINT of branding, sog35, is that your product/company/service stands out among your competitors. Apple, of all companies, should know this. They've a rather strong brand and they've always treasured their distinct design in a way that, say, Google, is only now embracing. This is a disappointment to me as Apple has historically understood branding and design as a strength. I'm more disappointed that these brands (Mophie, etc.) buckled under instead of defending their rather well thought out brands.
By the way, sog35, I appreciate the warm welcome into the community.
says the guy with in his 1st post here.
wow, what a surprise. A negative post about Apple.
He's right IMO. It is nothing but constructive criticism, an opinion. You're over reacting.
Actually, unbleached paper stock would be a better move environmentally, but the packaging would all look grey or brown.
I never understood buying an iPhone and then a cheap accessory that doesn't match the quality of the product. Apple simply wants the entire experience to be at its best.
They are so on point right now it makes me grin from ear to ear...
No. He's questioning the credenitals of proven retail executive.
Oh no!
At some point having everything in the store look so similar will make it a sterile and uninteresting environment. I'll pass.
So now you know how to run multi-billion dollar retail operations?
tell me what stores do you run? Rick's bait shop? Please.
I did run Rick's bait shop but then sales fell because all our bait looked the same. I pointed out that worms are supposed to all look the same and had even put the worms in "premium" white Styrofoam cups but we had a bad quarter or two and I moved on to greener pastures.
At some point having everything in the store look so similar will make it a sterile and uninteresting environment. I'll pass.
The point is having control over how it looks, which has nothing to with making it all look the same.
I disagree. The consumer needs some visual cues to help them.
At some point having everything in the store look so similar will make it a sterile and uninteresting environment. I'll pass.
Sure every Apple product looks exactly the same.
This article is about third parties. Don't be obtuse. When third party and first party products are all packaged the same, by definition there will be less visual variation.
At some point having everything in the store look so similar will make it a sterile and uninteresting environment. I'll pass.
Consistent packaging can also mean that you see the individuality of the images without frippery.
Also, where will you "pass" to?
I can pass to online retailers. I bought my Tech21 iPhone case at the Apple store because the packaging and product in it grabbed my eye. When something doesn't grab my eye in the future because there is a sea of white boxes with bland photos on them, then I'll buy some place where something does catch my eye. Simple enough.
What do you mean "backed by Apple". And all of these products clearly indicate who's product it is so I don't see where there would be confusion...
I agree with this! And those who say that Apple endorses these products, well they do endorse these products by selling them. So the quality and presentation does affects Apple's image.
Haven't seen the packaging, but I doubt all the accessory packaging will look the same. They can design it uniquely for each brand and still fit the desired themes.
At the same time, if Apple choose to, they can probably roll out different packaging based on campaigns or even season. It can go well with seasonal wearable fashion, or Product Red, or even highight accessories for revised Mac look, or new standards to reduce confusion. The key is clarity.
Plus they get to use the paper in their protected forests.
And based on that iPad case testing article elsewhere, it is clear that Apple do back the stuff they sell in their stores by more testing, or even certifications (e.g., HomeKit).
You do? That's so shallow!
Take it easy guys, it's just a wrapper!
I'm going to stick my neck out and say it makes her more of an expert than, say ... you?
The homogeneous of Apple products (and now the accessories) reinforces the idea that everything is made to fit together. Folk will be more likely to buy something that looks like it was designed to connect seamlessly with their phone or Mac or whatever.
Sure every Apple product looks exactly the same.
I agree...