The Coca-Cola logo is an example of a widely-recognized trademark representing a global brand. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I grew up believing that Coca-Cola was a refreshing, thirst quenching drink that would get everyone singing together.
Today I hardly touch the stuff. I've become a bit of a soda water addict ever since SodaStream had an awesome ad campaign near us - and then, of course, they ruled the SuperBowl with this:
There was also the hate-filled vitriol that came out against SodaStream that made me support them - SodaStream and Hating Israel
I have a degree in marketing and I know that Coke is one of the top brands in the world. Ever. Just as McDonald's was stung by the documentary 'Supersize Me', the video below may be a nail in the coffin of Coca Cola, which is already, no longer seen as the consumer's friend:
That doesn't put you off? Then what about this:
23 sachets of sugar! 44 in the bigger cup!! I would not like to drink a JUG of coffee with 23 packets of sugar in it.
I've been thinking about where this blog is going and what it’s all about recently, as I have found myself with more time to focus on Jumblerant than I had expected.
Its not like I’ve been thinking too deeply mind you, after all its a blog, not the answer to life itself, the solution to MidEast problems or even the ultra-secret formula to Coke.
Then I went over to Jay G at Marooned and saw some funny stuff, which is more like the output I've been creating recently. So I was relieved to see that I was not the only one out there blogging this (for want of a better word) genre.
Mrs J, Baby J and I turned up to the supermarket in question this morning with our freshly folded and cleanly cut coupons as well as our regular shopping list.
Thursday is a busy shopping day in these parts. The weekend starts early so Thursday morning is the 2nd busiest day at the shops. Friday is THE busiest day - so crazy in fact that I have not been shopping on a Friday in 6 years.
The staff were interested in the coupons as they had heard they were being sent out, but hadn't seen them yet. I had to explain to one of them what the coupons were about - the top row for October and November, the bottom row for December.
There was even a picture of the Store Manager on the coupon letter and I saw him walking around the store, pleased as punch.
After an hour, 3,000 or so paces, and an interesting 'discussion' with Her Indoors, we arrive at the check out.
The female clerk (is that what they're called in these PC days?) was very friendly, chatted with Her Indoors and played with Baby J. She explained that she was not local but had been drafted in to deal with the influx of expected customers due to the coupons.
We had bought 1 of each thing on the coupon list and started to pass the items through. I handed the clerk the coupons and she said that she had to speak to her direct supervisor.
Fine. We had nowhere to rush to and there was no-one waiting behind us so we waited.
The supervisor arrived and explained that we had to show the coupons first as their system couldn't take the coupons after the item had been passed through the 'thing that goes "beep"'. Nice to see that they were ready for their big advertising splurge.
Great. She flashed her card through the system and we start packing the shopping.
But wait. if you have bothered to read this far its because you know there is a twist in the tale! The young couple in the checkout next to ours is having a bit of a combined meltdown. They've also got their coupons but are unhappy.
Mrs J and I listen in.
It appears that you can only use one coupon per purchase, each purchase a minimum of $25.
The Manager ambles over. 'Of course its only one coupon per purchase. It's written on the bottom line'.
More asses
I decide to confront the inept chap. 'Sir, I read the front of your coupon. It says the item and the price. I came here to buy them and now you're going to stop me from doing so? Are you sure?'
He slipped away without answering.
By now we had an audience watching us as it appears that most customers in the supermarket had coupons too!!
In typical 'thinking out of the box' fashion we come up with our answer.
Every $25 I the clerk and ask for the bill, and then pay. We have now made our purchase minimum of $25 and can now use one coupon!! We do this 3 times, laughing with the clerk at the attitude of the jobsworth* manager.
Tomorrow is Friday and both Mrs J and the sales clerk are very happy that they will be nowhere near that particular supermarket. It'll be interesting to say the least.
kthanxbai!
* jobsworth - from the phrase 'I can't do that, it's more than my job's worth' generally connected with not being able to get things done because of the rules. Jobsworth in wikipedia
