I stumbled upon this car called ‘clinic’ while in Singapore. The bar has a hospital theme. Some of their gimmicks include wheelchairs to sit it, alcoholic drinks served in syringes, drinks served in drips, hospital beds and operating theatre lighting. See below:
Firstly, I found it very offensive. To me there’s nothing cool about emulating the situation ill people find themselves in while in hospital. Secondly, I’m certain that such an outlet in the USA, UK or Australia would be lambasted by the community and in the media. Is it different – sure. Is different always good?
The interesting issue is this: What’s unacceptable in one market, may be fine in another. The world is not a global village. Although we are experiencing convergence on a macro level, at a micro level, opinions and values will always differ.
Startups with global ambitions – take heed.
Honestly, this is pretty muted. We all know the standards in some middle eastern cultures, yet in these regions all of their practices and marketing procedures are perfectly acceptable. As an American company you run a really tight rope when it comes to what priorities are most important.
Should you be obligated to sell your product in a foreign company where they discriminate against women and it’s common practice to use discriminatory practices in marketing? Should you be beholden to your customers in America and take a stand? What about your shareholders who expect you to maintain a profit margin? What about potential customers in the foreign country that need your product?
International marketing is an interesting process and definitely something we’re going to be experimenting with more in the future.
-Andrew
I do find this offensive and I would not find it a “cozy” hip place to hang with anyone.
“Different spokes for different folks” is still true…all societies are not the same…as I am sure it must not be offensive there.