We all love Thomas the Tank Engine. I bought a full set for my son when he was four. I bought them for my nephews. I bought them for my friends’ kids.
Well, seems like one of the latest range of Thomas has been recalled voluntarily by RC2 Corp because they were found to contain enough lead to cause lead poisoning! I read this over at Marcie’s post. On the one hand, this is really scary to think that a popular children toy can be toxic. On the other hand, it is good to see the company take responsibility and recall the toys.
In a sense, this is what crisis planning is all about. Crisis Marketing sounds strange. Yet, this is exactly what happens when you take positive action to correct a wrong. If you handle it well, it can reflect positively on your company. It can increase consumer confidence in your brand. So, out of the ashes, the company rises purer and more trusted. Marcie’s post focused a lot on the effects of lead poisoning and the legislative stuff, so you can read all about the on-going saga there; including links to Chicago Tribune’s reports and so on.
But over here, we just want to emphasize that marketing ultimately focused on the needs of the consumer equals good marketing. It will hurt you, possibly a lot, but in the long run, you emerge stronger.
[tags]toys, thomas the tank engine, lead poisoning[/tags]
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