Diversions December 1, 2011

Straight from the Warehouse in Scranton…

If you’re missing Michael Scott this season and are still trying to figure out Robert California’s deal, do we have a product for you…  
Reported by

In a new twist to “reality” TV, Staples is bringing a fictional product, Dunder Mifflin paper, inspired by the NBC sitcom, “The Office,” to market.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Staples-owned Quill.com is starting to sell Dunder Mifflin-branded paper products. (If you’re not aware, Dunder Mifflin is the name of the paper-producing company featured in the show.)

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As The WSJ explains it:

 “The Dunder Mifflin deal is an example of “reverse product placement.” For decades, marketers have worked to embed their brands in the plots of TV shows and movies as a way to stand out in a crowded ad market. Nowadays, they are seeing value in bringing to life fictional brands that are already part of pop culture. That can be far cheaper than building brands from scratch.”

Who knew paper could be so fun…

 

Products November 30, 2011

The Hartford Launches Fixed Index Annuities

The Hartford has introduced two fixed index annuities. 
Reported by

The Hartford Saver Solution and The Hartford Saver Solution Choice are designed for consumers who want the potential to earn higher interest rates than are currently available, but are fearful of losing money due to a volatile stock market. The annuities offer principal protection with the potential to earn interest from three interest crediting options, two of which are based in part on the performance of an equity index or indices. All three methods offer growth potential through interest crediting without the threat of investment losses, since clients do not invest in any securities.

The annuities will be distributed through The Hartford’s wholesaling team as well as WealthVest Marketing, a San Francisco-based advanced marketing firm that specializes in the distribution of fixed and fixed-index annuities. 

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