Creating Brand Value

What do toothpaste, toothbrushes, pillows, toys, chocolates, CDs, hair gel, building blocks, pillows……phew!!! the list could go on & on….and oh Yes!!! not to mention seven books, have in common?

You’re right on spot!! It’s Harry Potter.

I’m sure the writer, J.K. Rowling had no idea that Harry Potter would become the most sought-after kids’ brands ever, when she conjured up the whole concept during a train journey.  Little did the rest of the world also know that it would be competing head-to-head with brands like Nintendo,Disney, or Sony.

Never in history has the release of a Children’s book & movie been so much anticipated like the relaeses of Harry Potter books & movies. Although in Bangladesh the craze is not that much, it’s unbelievable in the Western world. People brave all odds just so that they can be the first ones to get their hands on the book. The positive fact is that, never before has a book managed to become the key attraction for kids all over the Western world, despite the presence of all sorts of computer games, the Internet, interactive television, and mobile phones.

The Harry Potter series is on to its fifth movie and seventh & final book, and yet, the fascination & anticipation have not faded at all. Instead, it seems to increase every time before the release of a book or a movie.

Sales of the books have progressively set new marks.  The six books published to date have collectively sold more than 325 million copies and have been translated into 63 languages. And the latest movie is set to rewrite some old records at the box office.

This speaks volumes for the successful brand that is Harry Potter.