Line extensions

sunandaC

Sunanda K. Chavan
Line extensions

when a company launches an existing product and brand name in the same product category with the

same name by adding new flavor, changing form or color of the product, or changing ingredients or

package sizes,it comes in the category of line extension.

These line-extensions are commonly used in dairy products, and shampoo s

Category extensions-

However, launching a new or modified product in a new category but using

successful brand name would be category brand-extension .

A brand that has strong awareness can easily be launched in new product

category, as the level of recognition and acceptance for such product is higher.

Examples:

NIVEA it is into different products such as creams for women, shampoos, deodarants, If the brand is of

high quality, and if there is resemblance (fit) between the

new product category and brand, and if a company has relevant expertise

then the chances of successful brand extension would be bright .

One of the problems in brand extensions is that customers might think that the

company already offers this product and is not new in the new product form

Despite this problem, the acceptance of the new brand will

be higher for those brands that have strong associations with the brand as

compared to reasonably familiar or weak brand .

Consumers while evaluating the brand extensions tend to assess its suitability

in the relevant product category and the brand’s original category. If the

customers’ perception is positive toward the suitability, then the degree of

acceptance would be higher . If the customers do not find any

suitability between original brand category and brand extension category then

the brand extension would adversely affect the brand equity of the company

Since last one decade, brand extension is getting

extensive coverage in the academic and trade journals and is extensively


used as growth strategy; therefore, it could be attributed as a branding

strategy.The firms do not deliberate on whether to adopt brand extension strategy or

not. What they deliberate on is timing (when) and place of brand extension

Early 1990’s recession forced the firms to follow cost

saving strategies so that they could be more competitive. This resulted in

extensive usage of this extension strategy .


Whether a brand could be extended or not is very difficult, therefore, such decisions

must be made on “combination of market research, experience and common

sense.” The firm must understand the managerial process involved in brand extensions and study the

factors that contribute to the success of brand extensions.
 
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