Nordstrom

For a long time we have read and heard about the legendary customer service at Nordstrom. Recently, a customer walked into one of the Nordstrom stores with a serious complaint, the shoes she had bought the previous evening to wear to a special occasion were packed incorrectly by the sales associates--he had mistakenly put into the box the floor sample together with the new shoe. On her visit to the store the following day, the lady was not only allowed to keep the shoes gratis, but she was treated to lunch by the shoe department manager. Any other establishment would had simply provided a refund or matching shoes. Nordstrom makes customers their number one concern and it is what keeps it at the forefront of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

TBWA - Chiat Day

Lee Clow's Chiat Day, Los Angeles consistently produces some of the best advertising in the world.

As the folks behind Apple Computer's great ads, they have just recently created what is certain to win Lion at Cannes this year, the advert for Visa " Aquarium". This 30 second spot is flawless in execution from the visuals to the music by the Moody Blues and the voiceover by actor Morgan Freeman. Of course, all great ads are a result of a creative team, but it takes a great company to bring such team together. And to be able to pull this off for over twenty years, speak volumes of the company culture.

Watch on YouTube: http://youtube.com

http://www.tbwachiat.com/LosAngeles

Earth Hour

With the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights for one hour as part of a global vote, Earth Hour/Vote Earth is a global call to action to stand up and take control of our planet.

Started in Sidney in 2007, when over 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour, this year over 74 countries have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH.

Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you're from but what planet you're from and this is what makes this movement an excellent idea.

http://www.earthhour.org

Apple iPod shuffle

Small, very small at 1.8" x 0.3" thin characterizes the latest iPod shuffle from Apple. Another winner from a company that is as fastidious about the smallest design details and minimalism as it is to delivering the best and easiest to use computers and devices.

Who would had thought some twenty years ago that some day we'd be able to carry a thousand songs in a device smaller than a lighter?

The shuffle is devoid of buttons and completely controlled by a switch in the earbud cord. Smart deisgn and a preview of what's to come from Cupertino's best computer company.

http://www.apple.com

Cirque du Soleil | Guy Laliberté

In 1984 and before Guy Laliberté re-invented the category, circuses were modeled on the premise that animals, star performers and more than one show taking place simultaneously were necessary. Mr. Laliberté changed all that with the invention of the Cirque Noveau, where much like Broadway shows, each performance has a story line and a musical score. Cirque du Soleil has become extremely successful without using animals or resorting to dangerous acrobatics.

Today, Guy Laliberté controls a company with revenues exceeding $600 million annually, but that still produces fresh shows for for a worldwide audience in over forty countries.

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com