A not so promising start to 2011 ....

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With most of us hoping 2011 will be the kick start Ireland's economy needs, it seems things are not what they seem.

Celtic Bookmakers, the firm founded by former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yates, has called in the receivers, whilst Toni & Guy hair stylists have announced that they are closing four of its 11 Irish hair salons while Superquinn closed its Naas outlet.
HMV have also announced that it will close 60 stores in 2011, including 20 outlets of its Waterstone’s bookshop chain. With Waterstone’s having two Dublin outlets.

New year, new logo for Starbucks

Image by Eater National




Worldwide coffee giant Starbucks turns 40 this year and the brand is celebrating the milestone birthday with a facelift.
Starbucks is changing its logo for the first time since 1992.
The Seattle-based Starbucks Corportion unveiled a new and simplified company logo for 2011. The new all-green logo focuses on the company siren and removes the Starbucks Coffee embroidery around the border. The revamped image will be phased in at all Starbucks locations by year’s end.

Facebook has our back

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With banks needing bailouts and companies closing down all round, international giant Facebook are continuing to put faith (and money) into Ireland.
Facebook still believes in putting more money (and staff) into Ireland.

The world’s biggest social network is set to hire another 100 people over the next 12 months here in Dublin, where it has its headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Due to the 12.5% corporation tax (untouched in Budget 2011), Facebook will continue to create jobs for the Irish nation.

White Christmas!

It is looking like we are in for a white Christmas this year, fun times.

Ireland, still a technological hub

In the darkness, let's find our own light!Come on, we are smarter than we think.

Christmas online sales going through the roof...

Image by ideas4christmas2010




With the arctic weather taking hold of the country many are opting to complete their christmas shopping online.
Research from payments company Visa Europe show Irish consumers are set to spend a total of €356m online on gifts in the run up to Christmas with an average spend of €172 per shopper. More than 9 out of 10 Irish adults plan to buy some Christmas gifts online this year.

Irish shoppers are flocking online believing that they can save on Christmas gifts by buying them over the Internet instead of locally. Is this true though? So many local and nationwide stores are becoming more competitive so is it worth buying online?

A small island in a big ocean...

Bringing a positive light in these dark fiscal times, I like this advert. Do you like it or is it just too little too late?

Christmas creeping

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The Christmas lights are up on Grafton street and they're beaming as shoppers get in the spirit even earlier this year.
The festive toys and decorations for sale have been displayed since late October, but when is enough really ENOUGH?
This is christmas creeping (creeping - christmas lights going up and advertising products earlier each year) at an immense level.
Is this helping or damaging a brand?

Happy Mondays!

Image by dennoir



Whilst on the trek into work yesterday, I discovered probably the most wondrous little section of journalism (that is hard to find these days).
Within the pages of Metro (Ireland) there is a one page mash-up of all things positive called 'Happy Monday'. All of the snippets of news on 'Happy Monday' has a positive spin, is this the way forward or just a whimsical way take the edge off the pain and turmoil being felt the country and world over?

Italian Inspiration

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Eataly, the largest artisanal Italian food and wine marketplace in the world, opened its flagship New York City location on August 31, 2010. The New York City culinary haven will have plenty for visitors to shop, taste and savor including seven full-service eateries, a café, wine shop, bakery and patisserie, and a culinary educational centre. The marketplace also offers a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats and fish, handmade pastas, desserts, baked goods, coffees and teas, as well as a selection of housewares and books, Italian dried pastas, canned goods, sauces, olive oils and more. Eataly will also give way to an open-air rooftop beer garden to New yorkers and visitors alike to enjoy!

On discovering the existence of such a place, I ponder on the opportunity this little gem could hold for brand Italy. From the awareness and purchase of many Italian brands to in-store booking of flights to the homeland , I can't help but wonder, why on earth haven't we thought of this yet?
With so much to offer (and many Irish occupying New York as well as all corners of the globe), could brand Ireland not jump onboard this soaring venture and take a piece of the action?


http://www.newyork.eataly.it/