Nipper the dog: HMV’s enduring brand asset

The UK high street chains HMV, Jessops and Blockbuster have not had a very rosy start to 2013: they have all gone into administration. Interesting that the decline of all three businesses is due to the takeover of digital, from imagery to music and video downloading and streaming. A stark reminder to all of us that even if we are not innovating daily, we do need to at least keep up with the times.

This interesting article from Bloomberg says that HMV’s Nipper the Dog trademark is its most valuable asset. When all the CD and DVD cellophane wrappers have stopped rustling, what is left is the brand. Nipper is still listening out for “His Master’s Voice” – and my bet is that he will survive. The takeaway? Invest in your brand!