Hostess Brands makes good on threat to to go out of business because of strike, selling off Wonder Bread, Twinkies, Ding Dongs and other iconic brands.

5-Hour Energy sees parent's bond ratings hurt by FDA probe into deaths as Rockstar is added to energy-drinks probe.

BP doesn't end brand woes with Gulf settlement as U.S. shifts toward holding individual executives responsible for disaster.

Apple sees stock hit by panic selling.

Applebee's introduces spirits-infused menu.

Burger King expands home-delivery test to Houston.Continue reading...

Any brand owner looking to learn a lesson about getting noticed should just watch Richard Branson.

The iconoclastic head of Virgin has a penchant for publicity that keeps his name popping up in the press with uncanny regularity.  

His latest gambit is silly but it's still making headlines. Branson bet AirAsia owner Tony Fernandes that his Virgin Racing Formula One team would finish higher than Fernandes' Lotus Racing team. The loser of the bet agreed that he would dress up as a woman flight attendant for the winner's airline.

Well, Sir Richard lost, and Tony is playing out the bet for all it's worth.Continue reading...

This is the kind of brand story that could really have its ups and downs.

On March 24, the CW Network will begin airing "Fly Girls," an eight-week reality television show that follows the lives of five female flight attendants who really work for Virgin America, the upstart US division of Virgin Airlines.

As is typical of reality TV, "Fly Girls" will offer viewers an inside, uncensored view of the women's escapades – and therein lies what could be a huge risk to the Virgin America brand. Already, the Association of Flight Attendants union is expressing disappointment that the show "appears to portray flight attendants as party girls in search of fun and adventure." Indeed, the show does seem to reinforce the less-than-savory stereotype of "stewardesses" in the good old days – not to mention the fact that one-third of Virgin America's flight attendants are male.Continue reading...

Disney close to unveiling new technology intended to replace the DVD. [WSJ]

Brand loyalty in auto sales sinks to 20%. [NY Times]

Yahoo ad sales decline, but profit triples. [NY Times]

After three consecutive down quarters, Morgan Stanley returns to a profit. [NY Times]

Starbucks, Microsoft are the brands best utilizing social media. [Warc]

US retail chain Anthropologie opens first UK store in London. [Telegraph]

Cadbury sales increase puts pressure on Kraft bid. [Times of London]

(More headlines: Martha Stewart pet-care, Oprah and Sarah Palin, Toyota's hybrid.)Continue reading...