the Same... But Different?

Si-Co · Sat 30 Apr, 2005 01.45

scottishtv wrote:What ever happened to Nestlé Flipz? Those pretsels covered in chocolate. Everyone I know liked them, so why did they get rid of them?

Darn good question! Where did they go?

WW Update · Sat 30 Apr, 2005 04.30

I've got another one: MediaMarkt, a popular German-based electronics retailer with stores in several countries...

...is known as MediaWorld in Italy. Same logo design, different name...

freddy · Mon 02 May, 2005 07.11

In the US:

In the UK:

WW Update · Tue 03 May, 2005 05.48

freddy wrote:In the US:

In the UK:

Interesting; I didn't know that. Do you happen to know the story behind "TK Maxx"? Usually, different names for the same brand appear either when one company purchases another -- already established -- brand elsewhere, or simply because the original name is too regional (or somehow problematic) for the new market -- probably the reason in my MediaMarket/MediaWorld example. On the face of it, neither appears to be the case here, so what gives?

Moving right along, Burger King...

...is known as Hungry Jack's in Australia (even though the latter has recently separated from BK):

You'll find a long explanation of why that is here:

http://www.answers.com/topic/burger-king

freddy · Tue 03 May, 2005 08.53

WW Update wrote:Do you happen to know the story behind "TK Maxx"?

I'm afraid I don't. I've checked out both websites and I can't find anything about why the names are different on both sides of the Atlantic. I demand an explanation!!!

WW Update · Tue 03 May, 2005 09.11

Freddy,

I found what appears to be a credible explanation on some forum:

"The real question is, why is TJ Maxx (the US parent) called TK Maxx in the UK? The answer is that otherwise it would be too close to fellow discount operator TJ Hughes. So now you know."

(Source: http://www.worldwidereview.com/_Reviews/0000131a.htm )

freddy · Tue 03 May, 2005 09.19

WW Update wrote:Freddy,

I found what appears to be a credible explanation on some forum:

"The real question is, why is TJ Maxx (the US parent) called TK Maxx in the UK? The answer is that otherwise it would be too close to fellow discount operator TJ Hughes. So now you know."

Thanks WW Update. I've never heard of TJ Hughes though

WW Update · Tue 03 May, 2005 09.23

freddy wrote:I've never heard of TJ Hughes though

I'm not British, so I don't know how common (or, for that matter, obscure) they are, but their site is:

http://www.tjhughes.co.uk

Pete · Tue 03 May, 2005 12.13

TJ Hughes is a more general dept store. The one in Newcastle has an excellent cafe.

cwathen · Tue 03 May, 2005 12.43

I think it's only because they've recently brought in all the new flavours like Diet Coke with Lemon, Diet Coke with Lime, Diet Coke with Crab Paste and the like - seems more logical to make Cherry one of the variations of Coca-Cola rather than make it a separate "Cherry Coke" entity. Cherry Coke as it was could be found outside the UK as well, so it's not as though we're being brought into line.

Why are the new flavours only available in diet versions? The possibility of coke with lemon or coke with lime is very appealing to me, but I don't buy them because I despise diet drinks - they just taste bitter to me.

Diet coke with lemon has been out for at least 4 years now, surely it's time they introduced normal coke with lemon?

Gavin Scott · Tue 03 May, 2005 14.06

I am fed up with the endless Diet Coke variations on sale now. My local Grotmid (Scottish co-op) fills their shelves with vanilla, cherry, lemon and lime versions and don't bother leaving regular for me.

Grrr. I'm like John McCririck if I don't get my Diet Coke.