Yesterday I received an email from Department 56. They sent out an email to the subscriber base asking us to take a survey (if you didn't get the survey and are not on their subscriber list, click here to sign up). They are considering adding a brand stamp to pieces to help differentiate them from competition. In the survey they show you a picture of the proposed stamping. It looks gold. I don't mind the stamp itself, but I think it would be better if it blended into the natural color of the piece. When I asked the Original Department56 Collectors Group on Yahoo!, the responses were clearly opposing the stamp.
Here are a few excerpts:
"I think the brand stamp will ruin the looks of the buildings"
"I'd have to consider if I wanted to spend money on the damn thing if it has one, plus how much work would it take to cover the ugly sucker up in a display! I think it would actually take away from the overall attractiveness of the buildings, even if they said they were putting it in the back or on a side. It took long enough for D56 to stop putting the lightholes in the back of the building so we can display any of the four sides; let's not take a step backwards here!"
"I'd prefer they place the brand on the bottom if they feel the need to brand. I wonder if they will start branding their china and crystal. terrible idea."
"IMO, the stamp on the buildings will cheapen the look of them. It belongs on the bottom where the old stamp goes."
"Personally, I do not like the idea and don't believe that it is necessary. True D56 collectors will recognize D56's products. Other people probably don't care. I think the new logo defaces the piece, is annoying, and too commercial. Isn't the bottom stamp enough?"
"I can see their point with the stamp and why they would consider looking into doing it. If it was made as a non-colored relief possibly in the snow in the corner it could be done. Sounds like I am for it. NOT TRUE. If they did the stamp I think it would further promote people buying one of's & not setting up displays. If I was them... I would have more information on display set up ideas within the box and coordinating piece ideas for each piece
someone purchases. They are forgetting the power of glossies within a box of a purchased item. All they place in is the std. in every box regardless of collection. People will look that glossy over & over to see what is possible. Then go back to the store to purchase accessories. THIS is where D56 is lacking. If they are afraid that giving people too much direction of how to set things up - they are wrong. Some people are creative and they will take from those
ideas - MOST others will set things up exactly the way they see it. That's why in crafts there are project books!! D56... take the time and develop an idea booklet that tells people how to make a simple display. For each building you introduce or even each collection. I think that will develop brand loyalty and multiple purchases."
If anyone has a picture of the proposed stamp, add a comment and I'll update this post.
Here are a few excerpts:
"I think the brand stamp will ruin the looks of the buildings"
"I'd have to consider if I wanted to spend money on the damn thing if it has one, plus how much work would it take to cover the ugly sucker up in a display! I think it would actually take away from the overall attractiveness of the buildings, even if they said they were putting it in the back or on a side. It took long enough for D56 to stop putting the lightholes in the back of the building so we can display any of the four sides; let's not take a step backwards here!"
"I'd prefer they place the brand on the bottom if they feel the need to brand. I wonder if they will start branding their china and crystal. terrible idea."
"IMO, the stamp on the buildings will cheapen the look of them. It belongs on the bottom where the old stamp goes."
"Personally, I do not like the idea and don't believe that it is necessary. True D56 collectors will recognize D56's products. Other people probably don't care. I think the new logo defaces the piece, is annoying, and too commercial. Isn't the bottom stamp enough?"
"I can see their point with the stamp and why they would consider looking into doing it. If it was made as a non-colored relief possibly in the snow in the corner it could be done. Sounds like I am for it. NOT TRUE. If they did the stamp I think it would further promote people buying one of's & not setting up displays. If I was them... I would have more information on display set up ideas within the box and coordinating piece ideas for each piece
someone purchases. They are forgetting the power of glossies within a box of a purchased item. All they place in is the std. in every box regardless of collection. People will look that glossy over & over to see what is possible. Then go back to the store to purchase accessories. THIS is where D56 is lacking. If they are afraid that giving people too much direction of how to set things up - they are wrong. Some people are creative and they will take from those
ideas - MOST others will set things up exactly the way they see it. That's why in crafts there are project books!! D56... take the time and develop an idea booklet that tells people how to make a simple display. For each building you introduce or even each collection. I think that will develop brand loyalty and multiple purchases."
If anyone has a picture of the proposed stamp, add a comment and I'll update this post.
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