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Disney in the delivery room

Disney characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse arrive at the grand opening celebration of the premier Disney Store on Tuesday at Times Square in New York. The crown jewel among approximately 360 stores worldwide, the newest emporium is expected to generate 5 percent of the chain’s North America revenue with an estimated 1.5 million passers-by daily. (Associated Press)
By D.F. Oliveria daveo@spokesman.com(509) 319-0354
Disney characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse arrive at the grand opening celebration of the premier Disney Store on Tuesday at Times Square in New York. The crown jewel among approximately 360 stores worldwide, the newest emporium is expected to generate 5 percent of the chain’s North America revenue with an estimated 1.5 million passers-by daily. (Associated Press)
Disney characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse arrive at the grand opening celebration of the premier Disney Store on Tuesday at Times Square in New York. The crown jewel among approximately 360 stores worldwide, the newest emporium is expected to generate 5 percent of the chain’s North America revenue with an estimated 1.5 million passers-by daily. (Associated Press)

Typically, the last thing you’d want to see in the hospital is a mouse. Especially on the maternity ward. But earlier this week, The New York Times reported that Disney has begun sending sales reps into 580 hospitals nationwide. The reps are offering new moms, within hours of giving birth, a free Disney Cuddly Bodysuit for their babies if they sign up for e-mail alerts from DisneyBaby.com . The idea is to encourage mothers to infuse their infants with brand loyalty as if it is mother’s milk.

Suddenly the delivery room command to “push” has a whole new meaning. More here. Peggy Orenstein, NPR

When does product placement and merchandising go too far?

* This story was originally published as a post from the blog "Huckleberries Online." Read all stories from this blog