Why Brand Names are Important to Consumers & Considerations for Change: The Case of Marathon (Snickers)
Brand identity is more than just a label; it’s a key part of how consumers relate to a product. A strong brand name can evoke memories, foster trust, and create a lasting bond. Changing a brand's name or function isn't just about rebranding—it's about potentially disrupting that connection. This is why careful consideration and customer research are critical before changing a well-known product.
Take the example of Mars Wrigley’s Marathon bar, introduced in the UK in 1967. For decades, this name held a special place in the hearts of British consumers. But in 1990, the name was changed to "Snickers" as part of a global branding alignment. While the product remained the same, the emotional attachment many UK customers had to the Marathon name did not disappear. In fact, some consumers refused to buy the renamed bar, showcasing the deep impact a rebrand can have on loyalty.
Fast forward to today, and Mars Wrigley has decided to reintroduce the Marathon name for a limited time in the UK, exclusively at Morrisons stores. This nostalgic move is part of celebrating over 90 years of Mars making chocolate in the UK, and it's a clever way to tap into brand nostalgia.
This isn’t the first time Mars Wrigley has used nostalgia to its advantage. A similar campaign in 2019 saw over 4 million Marathon bars sold in just 12 weeks, proving the power of a well-loved brand name. For many, it wasn’t just a chocolate bar—it was a reminder of the past, an emotional connection.
Changing a brand name or product function can risk alienating loyal customers, which is why companies like Mars Wrigley must tread carefully. While global consistency is important, local consumer preferences matter, too. The Marathon-Snickers case demonstrates that even when the product remains the same, the name itself carries emotional and historical significance that affects consumer behaviour.
So, what do you think? Should brands stick to their roots and embrace nostalgia, or is global consistency the way forward?
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Student at SLIIT
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