Speaking of music, one of the surprise best-selling CDs of 2005 was by country singer Garth Brooks. The surprise was two-fold – Brooks' popularity had declined a bit, and the CD was available only at Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart is back at it, this time with another once-popular act with a still-big name – the Eagles.

The Eagles and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. today announced an exciting long-term strategic marketing agreement that will encompass sponsorship, exclusive audio and video releases, and product visibility.

You'll pardon me, I hope, if I snickered a bit as I read this part of the press release:

The Eagles were attracted to a Wal-Mart partnership because of the retailer’s drive to take a lead in sustainability and make a difference for future generations.

Without questioning the Eagles' commitment to the environment, one suspects that Wal-Mart's ability to move a ton of CDs might have played a role in their decision as well.

This is another nail in the labels' coffin, and another fascinating example of the spread of private-label into areas where it was once unimaginable.

Happy birthday to us!!!

TPMtoday, the world's first (and presumably only) blog concerned with trade promotion and channel management, is a year old this week

I'm sorry I had to miss the party, since I was traveling and was in a client meeting all that day, but I hope all the visitors enjoyed the cake and ice cream.

The blog has been a lot of fun and a good way to communicate with people as an add-on to this newsletter. I hope you enjoy both as much as I do.

Some of our recent posts at the blog include:

EDLP(tm)

Good results from the other guys' marketing

Haggar thinks I'm cool

For newspapers, the hits just keep on coming

Sneakers cheap chic

Cool commie stuff