Coke is It: How stories in childhood memories illuminate an icon

Kathryn LaTour*, Michael S. LaTour, George M. Zinkhan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper builds on consumer storytelling theory and childhood memory research by proposing that earliest childhood memory stories are useful for developing brand myths and providing relevance to iconic brands. This article investigates consumers' childhood memories with Coca-Cola and finds that memories from early childhood are more predictive and insightful for understanding current brand attitudes than memories coming from adolescence. A focus group is unable to elicit memories from as early in life as the childhood memory session. In addition, the memories elicited by the group interviewer are not as relevant and meaningful to participants. When participants read experiences coming from the childhood memory session, those who connect with the earliest childhood memory stories have the strongest attitudes toward Coca-Cola. A discussion describes how this research method aids in generating insights about iconic brands and brands aspiring to become iconic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)328-336
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Business Research
Volume63
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2010

Keywords

  • Brand
  • Childhood
  • Coca-Cola
  • Icon
  • Memory
  • Myth
  • Qualitative

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Marketing

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