What are Some Products Sold as Something Different but Are Basically the Exact Same Thing?

In the vast world of commerce, one discovers a fascinating phenomenon: many products that are seemingly different are, in fact, the exact same items, sold under different brand names. This happens often through mergers and acquisitions, where companies strive to maintain the allure of established brands while aligning their product lines. This article explores some of these interesting examples, from the world of grocery stores and fast food to early computing history, highlighting how the same items can be marketed in vastly different ways.

Take, for example, Schilling and McCormick spices from US grocery stores. Schilling was based in San Francisco, while McCormick was in Baltimore. In 1947, McCormick acquired Schilling, and for decades the two brands coexisted as separate entities. However, in 1975, their operations were merged, and by the 1990s, the Schilling brand was entirely phased out. This acquisition demonstrated a common corporate strategy of unifying product lines to streamline distribution and marketing efforts.

Fast Food Merge: Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s

The fast food industry also has its share of mergers that result in identical products being sold under different names. For instance, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s were once distinct brands with unique menus. Carl’s Jr. first opened in Anaheim, California, in 1956, while Hardee’s was founded in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1960.

In 1997, these two brands merged in an effort to consolidate operations and unify their menus, making the vast majority of their items nearly identical. However, a few menu items retained their original names but just in different regions. The Big Carl and The Really Big Carl were found on menus in the West, while The Big Hardee and The Really Big Hardee served the East and Southeast. This merger is a classic case of how corporate strategies can lead to seemingly different products being the same under the hood.

Early Computing: ZX80, ZX81, and Spectrum 16k/48k

Even the world of computing has seen similar merging of products marketed under different brands. In the early 1980s, the British company Sinclair Radionics, under the leadership of Sir Clive Sinclair, and the American watchmaker and electronics company Timex both released similar home computers. Sinclair marketed the ZX80, ZX81, and Spectrum 16k and 48k in Europe under the Sinclair brand, while Timex sold them in the Americas. This cross-pollination of the market showed a global trend where products from different regions could be the same core product but sold by different brands.

Why Do Companies Do This?

Companies often adopt such strategies to leverage the established market presence and customer loyalty of one brand while consolidating operations. By merging two brands, they can often achieve cost efficiencies and broader market coverage. This approach also helps in maintaining brand variety, catering to different consumer preferences and market segments. Additionally, it can serve as a way to test and refine products in different markets before full-scale integration.

In summary, many products that are sold as something different are, in reality, the exact same things. This practice is a testament to the complexities of the business world and how seemingly separate companies can be tightly intertwined through corporate mergers and acquisitions.

Conclusion

From Spices to Fast Food and even early computing, the world of commerce is rich with examples where different brands sell the same products. This practice reflects a strategic balance between maintaining brand identity and streamlining corporate operations. Understanding these dynamics can provide valuable insights into the broader market landscape and the intricate nature of brand management in the modern era.

Keywords

Products sold as something different, brand acquisition, identical products