Business Management

  Scrolling through Instagram, I came across a reseller’s post that perfectly encapsulates today’s consumer culture. The image (above) shows a room  overflowing  with shopping bags from TJ Maxx and Marshalls, a haul from a single reseller who spent  over $10,000 in three days , hitting  30+ stores  during a clearance event. The post enthusiastically encourages others to jump on the deal, framing shopping as a  strategic game of accumulation  rather than necessity. Yes, We Live in a Consumer Culture—And Here’s Why This post highlights the  fundamental principles of consumerism : ✔  Endless pursuit of goods  – The reseller isn’t shopping out of necessity but to fuel the cycle of buying and reselling. ✔  Scarcity mindset & urgency  – The emphasis on “limited-time deals” keeps people in a perpetual loop of consumption. ✔  The commodification of everything  – Clothing isn’t about personal style or utility; it’s a ...

  Updating Hackley’s Argument for the Age of Big Data & Algorithmic Culture Hackley’s notion of  marketing as a means of priming culture  aligns well with the rise of  big data and algorithmic culture , where marketing is no longer just about shaping culture through media, but about  constantly adapting to and predicting consumer behavior  based on data-driven insights. In this era, companies use algorithms to  personalize marketing efforts in real-time , making marketing not just a response to culture but a  proactive force in shaping it . Rather than simply influencing cultural discourse through branding and messaging,  marketing today operates as an invisible force  embedded in digital interactions—using predictive analytics, recommendation engines, and personalized content feeds to mold consumer experiences. In this way, marketing doesn’t just prime culture  externally  through campaigns but  internally  by cu...

Until recently,  it had not occurred to me to consider  consumer behavior and buyer behavior as different things  —after all, aren’t they both about how people spend their money? But after digging deeper, I realized there’s a  big distinction  that changes how we understand marketing, branding, and even our own purchasing decisions.  Buyer behavior  focuses on the  decision-making process of purchasing —who buys, when, how, and why. It’s about  transactions , like a parent purchasing toys for their child or a company buying office supplies. The buyer isn’t always the end user.  Consumer behavior , on the other hand, is  broader —it examines how people  use, interact with, and feel about products or services . It’s about  experience, emotions, and brand relationships , not just purchases. Think of how someone chooses a smartphone, engages with its features, and ultimately  decides whether to stay loyal to the brand ...

  My Immersive Experience at the Apple Store: How Design Creates Emotion Stepping into an Apple Store is not like entering an ordinary retail space—it’s a curated experience designed to make you feel something. I recently visited an Apple Store, and from the moment I walked in, I could tell that every detail was meticulously crafted to evoke an emotional response. Apple isn’t just selling products; it’s selling a feeling—a sensation of being in a place that is cool, modern, and premium. The Atmosphere: A Symphony of Trend and Minimalism The first thing I noticed was the music. Apple stores don’t blast generic retail playlists; instead, they play carefully selected trendy music, often featuring popular indie or electronic tracks. This choice creates an ambiance that is hip, energetic, and contemporary, subtly reinforcing the idea that Apple products are cutting-edge and stylish. Then there’s the interior design—minimalist yet inviting. The store layout is open and uncluttered, with ...

Recently, I found myself at a crossroads with a decision that straddles the line between rational and irrational. It all began when I discovered mold growing underneath a piece of furniture while moving it to clean the carpets in my rental home. This mold, likely due to a crack in the foundation of the old house, poses significant health risks to my family. Addressing this issue is urgent, but my current circumstances complicate the decision-making process. I am actively seeking a new job in the metro area and have planned to move to the vicinity of my new employment. Moving, however, can be both costly and stressful. I am hesitant to commit to a new rental with a year-long lease, especially if I find a job on the other side of town in the next few months.  Given these factors, my current decision is to wait. This might appear irrational, considering the immediate health risks associated with mold exposure. However, there are rational elements to this choice. By waiting, I avoid th...

 Please follow @daisycakeco on instagram for more on the subject of this post! In the cake baking industry, emotional labor is as essential as the flour and sugar that go into every cake. This industry, filled with creativity, passion, and intricate designs, also demands a great deal of emotional resilience and customer interaction. For many bakers, balancing these aspects can be challenging, but some have found unique ways to thrive without compromising their well-being. Meet a baker who has navigated this journey with both traditional and unconventional paths. This person has experienced the highs and lows of being a wedding cake maker, celebration cake creator, and even owning a shop and tea room. Their story is a testament to the diverse opportunities within the cake baking industry and the importance of finding a path that aligns with personal passions and values. **A New Approach to Cake Baking** Like many bakers, this individual started by crafting stunning wedding cakes, of...