article thumbnail

How Customers Come to Think of a Product as an Extension of Themselves

Harvard Business Review

REI—an outdoor supplies company—sells inexpensive co-op memberships , and members enjoy members-only sales, free classes, even in-store “garage sales” of returned merchandise. Both of these tactics should elicit feelings of ownership. The dangers of psychological ownership.

article thumbnail

How to Build Brand Religion

Harvard Business Review

I’ve seen much of this first-hand: My wife recently started working at SoulCycle, arguably one the most cult-like exercise franchises out there today. All the merchandise sold is exclusive and limited run, refreshing every month. It’s irrational commerce at its finest.

Brand 14