Brand development
BIC has invested heavily in brand development, to strengthen the recognition of the brand and its reputation among consumers. In 2003 BIC utilised Martin Johnson, the England Rugby World Cup winning captain. Johnson's association with the new 3-blade shaver, BIC Comfort 3 is another example of BIC vision = offer the 3-blade technology to all customers at a BIC Price.
BIC has also developed co-branding operations with Disney, and produces a range of writing instruments (mechanical pencils, etc) that feature Disney characters, and targeted to young children, a colouring range under the Disney Magic Artist BIC brand.
Fundamental values and company structure
A company's values are the guiding principles that determine the way it behaves. BIC's values relate to its products, which ensure they are:
-functional: designed to perform a specific function well e.g. to draw a line, produce a flame, shave hair. The key to achieving functionality is to adopt the most appropriate design, engineering and technology.
affordable: achieved by using appropriate design, materials production and distribution channels.
-universal: capable of being used by anyone worldwide e.g. the ballpoint pen, the pocket lighter, the one-piece shaver.
Building on these fundamental values, BIC has established three core categories for products, based on a global range, designed for mass appeal. BIC then helps local retailers to select the products that best suit their own customers' needs from this range.