In Response to Jake Atherton's Post

What do you think of this ad? Does it change the way you view Southwest Airlines?
(Video linked at end of post)

In my opinion, this ad is a very powerful one, which is marketable to a large portion of the American public. By using a popular song, the "American Dream" theme, and positive information, it communicates to the public that Southwest is a trustworthy and valuable company. After viewing this ad, it definitely makes me feel comfortable with choosing Southwest over competitors, regardless of what little actual information was communicated to the public.

Retail Customer Monitoring Technology

Image taken from http://www.economist.com/news/business/21571452-

security-cameras-are-watching-honest-shoppers-too-we-snoop-conquer

I read an article about how retail stores have been (for quite some time) using their security cameras not only to ensure theft prevention and safety, but to gauge how many customers are in the store at a given time, aiding in shift scheduling, as well as product placement around the store. The growing demand for  this kind of technology has provided retailers with more extensive - and in my opinion, creepier - additions to their stores. Almax, a mannequin production company, have created mannequins that have the ability to "...look back at customers with camera eyes, noting sex, age and ethnicity." Technology like this allows managers to make strategic decisions to make their stores more marketable and appealing to their target market.

What do you think of this technology? Do you feel it is a violation of privacy, a useful tool for retailers, or a little of both?


For more information on this topic, visit http://www.economist.com/news/business/21571452-security-cameras-are-watching-honest-shoppers-too-we-snoop-conquer