Last week, we took a look at the Bear Stearns situation and noted how the promotional items a company used can keep a brand name alive long after the company has become defunct. eBay is still doing a hot trade on Bear Stearns memorabilia and the branded promotional teddy bears seem to be especially hot items.
This probably shouldn't come as a surprise. Corporate mascots has always been one of the easiest ways to infuse a brand with a certain personality and create a strong visual impression on the public. Although Bear Stearns lacked an official mascot, it doesn't require a great stretch of your imagination to understand why they have achieved great success using bear themed promotions.
It might only require a bit of extra effort for anyone to achieve a similar kind of branding immortality for their own company. With just some clever wordplay and wit, an erstwhile ordinary item can easily become a clever and unique branding promotion for your company.
