New research from arvato loyalty services, amongst over 1,000 UK consumers has revealed that the Retail sector inspires the most brand loyalty, with 3-in-10 favourite brands being in this sector. In particular, Supermarkets account for four in every five retail favourite brands indicating that consumers do actually feel loyalty towards the brands they buy. The report also reveals that 85% of adults say that they are loyal to their chose brand, with a quarter rating that feeling of loyalty as ten out of ten. In second and third place came the Food & Drinks market and Financial Sectors sector respectively, the latter of which surprisingly scored 1-in-8 respondents approval as their favourite brand in this category.

Businesses increasingly talk about fostering relationships with their customers. It is a well-worn argument that in a competitive global business environment, companies are attempting to re-learn the lessons of village traders and get up close and personal with their customers. The difference is that, instead of a few dozen customers, some modern businesses have literally millions of customers. So nailing that personal touch is no mean feat. Billions of pounds have been poured into customer relationship management (CRM) systems over the last decade, in the hope that an overarching understanding of each customer and detailed, easily accessible customer information would enable consistent customer communication – whether the contact be made by phone, email, face-to-face or through direct mail.

You won't see Britney Spears or Beyoncé Knowles with a can of Pepsi, anymore. Pepsi has recently dumped celebrity endorsement for good.

After a long line of disasters, including being associated with Michael Jackson at the time child abuse accusations against the singer came to light and the controversy surrounding Madonna's music video of with her on a cross, it comes as no surprise that the giant drinks brand has had enough of celebrities. Pepsi has said that it is dumping famous faces because they dwarf the brand. The company paid Britney Spears $80 million (in U.S. dollars) for her promotional run, only to see her famously photographed drinking competitor Coca-Cola.

Chrysler did the same thing with Celine Dion. After signing a three-year, $14 million dollar deal with the diva to appear in commercials driving a Pacifica, it soon became apparent the arrangement was increasing sales—but unfortunately, not those of the car.