TY - JOUR T1 - Brand Extensions Differentiation: Implications for Strategy JO - International Conference on Marketing and Business Development Journal VL - I IS - 1 SP - 115 EP - 119 PY - 2015/7/21/ T2 - AU - Munteanu, Claudiu-Cătălin SN - 2344-5130 DO - UR - http://www.mbd.ase.ro/RePEc/aes/icmbdj/2015/ICMBDJ_V1_2015_78.pdf KW - brand extensions KW - differentiation KW - competitive advantage KW - competitive strategy AB - The purpose of competitive strategy is to create and sustain competitive advantage. Traditionally, this is done by finding a favorable opportunity in a well-defined market and creating relevant differentiation. In this framework, brand extensions can represent a favorable opportunity for developing a winning competitive strategy. However, a competitive strategy that is not based on meaningful differentiation of brand extensions leads to a transient competitive advantage. The solution proposed by this article is centered on creating brand extensions that provide momentum for the brand, yield positive energy, enhance differentiation and further intensify core brand associations. Furthermore, brand extensions should provide new features that transcend product category boundaries, thus increasing product functionality, reliability and capabilities. From a competitive point of view, brand extensions should decrease rivalry among competitors by establishing dominance on an untapped criterion of purchase. ER -