We know that the Swiss flag is something of an icon, usually used to denote quality throughout the world (even if some here would disagree). But how is the Union Flag (or Jack to the sailors) seen by the Swiss? I've noticed a lot recently that is becoming part of the fashion here, T shirts, caps, bags and I even saw it as part of a design for (what I assume) is quite a fashionable dress. (not forgetting of course the Co-op Paddington Bear carrier bags)
So it seems to be at least a bit cool for the younger generation, what about the older (40's plus), how do you reckon they see it?
The reason I ask is that I have never really used flags as part of my pitch to sell my cheese. It has always seemed a bit tacky to me but also I guess flag waving smacks of patriotic "our cheese is better than your Swiss stuff" which is not how I promote my produce at all.
I know Britain in general has a good reputation amongst most Swiss that I meet, in particular Scotland, Devon and Cornwall, Yorkshire (of course), the Lake District and London even though not many are familiar with our food (I soon put them right).
For the forthcoming Royal Wedding I do plan though on using some Union flags and I even have a Union Jack apron to wear behind my counter. I am also now considering on using our iconic flag within some parts of our marketing.
So, to sumarise, in your opinion, does the Union Jack generate a positive or negative image of Britain?
I know the Lebanese stall in HB market uses a big Lebanese flag - and the Greek olive stand has everything done up in blue and white though I can't remember if any actual flags are involved - I doubt you'd go wrong with having one up somewhere.
As you say though, its current trendiness seems to be a young'n'hip thing. I'm not sure it would mean all that much to your more mature customers either way. (They'd recognize it all right, but I doubt the same chic factor would kick in.)
Good on you- use the Union Jack with pride. I feel it can only be a very positive move. Let's put the Great back into Britain! I will be swapping my St. George's cross for a Union Jack for the month of April in honor of The Royal Wedding!
My earliest childhood memory was Charles and Diana getting married and I hope my children will look back when they are older and remember the party for this Royal Wedding. Fingers crossed though as I am still awaiting school to confirm they can take the day off so we can go back to the UK to party!
erm...what do you remember this di und charles wedding for?
funny fon calls about to transform into a tampon, crashed mercedes in paris with a dead but nice chick, or what? whats this one going to be?
at last william has learned a lot from both sides how to be clever (or how to behave stupid from charles side) and not having his "underpants exposed in the press".
the union jack...i think its perceived as cool. do it.
It's a very cool icon, but beware of muddling 'British' as a geographical term with 'British' as a political term. Ahem. For Royal weddings, a bit of cheesy kitsch is tolerable, but ...well ... the Union flag is beset with all manner of subtexts...
We were on the tram in Basel a few days ago and noticed an older (50ish) woman with a very trendy, expensive looking leather satchel - made up of the Union Jack - and she did not seem British. On the same tram a few seats away a 60+ woman was in a kilt. Maybe Britain is cool again.
If you're not sure of using the union jack then maybe start with the English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish flags - like little ones on toothpics in each cheese - or a garland made up of the individual flags. That way it would be even more clear where your cheeses come from and remind people what a diverse nation Britain is.
Perhaps use the flag, but in a subtle and understated way. Certainly not in your face.
If I remember rightly Grumpy, you were a designer/creative in a former life, so you should have no problem working it into your overall branding. I think it would create an brand origin awareness, and allow the customers to identify with the scope and offerings of your business.
Ah, I knew I spent too much time listening to marketing types waffle on while I was fixing their computers.
This is exactly what I was worrying about, I like the UJ design that I put in my OP whereas the flag below is just a bit too "in yer face" so my idea would be to use it slightly tackily for the Royal Wedding week, but create a version that is maybe a bit more funky, like my cheese!
Your entire concept is based on the origin of your cheese. So using the flag is only logical. The question is weather or not it is accpetable or puts uyers off. In the case of the Union Jack, I think the Swiss see it similar to Germans: It is usually connected to James Bond, "being a bit weird" in a positive sense, Gerri Hallywell's dresses and bad football. So it might be a bit tacky, but overall not bad for sales. If I'd had a stall for, say, quality ham from the black forest, I would however NOT use
Could you not design, or even probably be able to buy, Union Jack wrapping tape. Like when you wrap a Christmas pressie with shiny cm wide tape - you simply wrap it in the white paper as always, then seal it with a wrap of union jack tape instead of a little silver oval sticker! I've not been to your stall or store, but if you have an address etiquette you'd maybe normally put on the cheese, just place it over where the tape joins in the middle - "Seal of British approval" so to speak!