The strength of a brand and its distribution : an investigation applied to lifestyle brands

Background: A strong brand is becoming an increasingly important factor when surviving on a competitive market. A strong brand can therefore be considered a strategically important resource. The relationship between a brand's strength and its distribution can decide the future of a brand in the long run. Lifestyle branding is becoming a more popular way of differentiating ones brand from the competition. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to identify factors which according to the lifestyle brand owners are central when measuring the strength of a brand. Furthermore it will also identify functions of the distribution channel over which the brand owner wishes to have control. The goal is to try to capture these dimensions in a measuring model. The model is aimed at being used by lifestyle brand owners in order to identify a position of the relationship of a brands strength and its distribution. Procedure: We chose to conduct a qualitative study and performed five interviews. Our chosen method was one of induction. By combining empirical data with existing theories of brand strength and distribution we have identified factors and functions which according to the brand owner are considered central. Results: When evaluating a brands strength the factors which could be considered are quality, recognition, recall, loyalty, and market share. To evaluate the distribution one can consider the control the brand owner has over the following functions of distribution; assortment, exposure, price, and knowledge of the personnel. We conclude that an increase of brand strength will provoke an increase of control over distribution. This relation also works in the opposite direction