The most significant date in marketing history?

I've been trying to lose weight and have been walking laps at a shopping mall. One reason I go to the mall instead of using my treadmill is because I like to examine the advertising and marketing ploys being used by the mall merchants. It has been a fascinating way to study advertising and marketing as well as helping me work on getting in shape.

One of the thoughts I had yesterday was the one wherein I was amazed that companies create promotional advertising products (much like the things Dennis Bevers sells) and then charge people for them! Nike, Reebok, Victoria's Secret, etc... all have clothing (and other items) that have their name splashed all over them and people clamor to give them money for those same items.

What's even more interesting is which companies are doing this. The aforementioned brands are "cool" and supposedly will help you get people to think you are "cool". Can you imagine someone walking around with a K-mart or Wal-Mart logo on their t-shirt? How about Playtex Tampons or Head-and-Shoulders shampoo?

Yep, walking the m-a-u-l has been enlightening......

:)
EM