Brand portfolio strategy and architecture are critical components of a successful brand strategy. These are complex, highly nuanced topics, with entire books written about them. Unlike many other elements of brand strategy, most of the fundamental theories and premises of this topic are as relevant today as they were when they were initially developed.
Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, visiting a chain bookstore meant having the chance to chat with an associate that could actually talk to you about the books on the shelves. Some stores even tested newly hired staff on their literary knowledge to make sure they could manage customer questions. Recent years, however, have seen working at a big box bookstore become more of an ordinary retail job than a reader’s dream job.
Some of the most meaningful, transformational brand extensions came to fruition as a result of companies tapping into intangible yet salient aspects of their brand positioning. Like many other components of branding and brand strategy, successful extensions first require a shift in mindset.
