HarperLove Case Study

Challenge:
HarperLove is a Charlotte-based company that leads the industry in the development of specialty adhesives and performance additives for corrugated packaging manufacturers. The company had just come through a major change in leadership when they contacted SPARK Strategic Ideas for help. Historically, marketing had not been a priority for HarperLove. The new leadership determined it was time to refresh and reintroduce the brand and its communication approach and materials.

Solution:
The SPARK team began by creating a fresh new look to the existing logo. From there, a new identity package was developed including letterhead, business cards, a PowerPoint template and brand standards guide. In order to fully support and integrate this new look and identity, HarperLove asked SPARK to build a new website and develop a print advertising campaign. 

Print advertising for the company had previously focused solely on products and not attributes of the brand. SPARK created new ads featuring HarperLove’s distinct benefits:  top-of-the-line products, front-line service and bottom-line savings. In order to further communicate these strengths, create an impact and extend the media dollars, 1/3-page ads were designed (each communicate one of the benefits) and placed on consecutive pages in the publications. The ad designs incorporate a “corrugated cardboard” background to further break through the typical trade advertising clutter. In addition, full-page ads were created to further showcase the brand and featured cardboard “box people”.

The company also asked SPARK to develop a 20’ x 20’ trade show booth that would showcase the new brand identity and reinforce the new advertising messaging. The physical booth design featured centerpiece back-lit photography and side panels reflective of the print ad creative, as well as a back-lit cabinet featuring the new logo design. To carry the brand integration further, the booth space included a floor decal, a 6’ x 6’ hanging ceiling cube and sturdy cardboard furniture complete with brand-colored seat cushions and custom logo pillows. As a final touch, the “box people” from the print advertising came to life in large 3-D format.

Results:

Reception of the new brand identity, website and print advertising was very positive. And while the trade show booth fully incorporated the brand messaging elements, it went much beyond that. Admittedly, the corrugated industry is anything but sexy or inviting. The combination of elements in HarperLove’s booth shifted that paradigm and created an approachable, and yes, even fun space for potential new clients! Its début at the SuperCorr Expo in October 2016 was a hit.

Harper Love Trade-show
Harper Love Ads
Harper Love Cardboard
Harper Love Booth
Harper Love Booth Furniture