knowledge

What happens when a brand aims to stretch not just across categories but across markets? What are the rules that can make—or break—a brand entering unfamiliar territory?

The 2025 MR event season is in full swing, and IIEX North America is already making waves—for the first time ever, it’s taking place in Washington, D.C., featuring an impressive lineup of 141 sessions.

We took the opportunity to sit down with Dobrinka for a quick chat about the real impact of technology on market research. If you’re curious about spotting red flags in tech-enabled research solutions, you’re in the right place.

Brand stretching is a high-reward, high-risk strategy that requires a deep understanding of core identity, market dynamics, and, most of all, consumer behavior and needs. Brand stretching into different categories is just like that but twice as risky.

Effective packaging must stand out instantly, be liked (52% are more likely to repurchase if they find the packaging appealing), and lead to a purchase—all while remaining functional in the home and competitive on crowded shelves. This is where visual hierarchy—the strategic arrangement of design elements—plays a decisive role.