I’ve selected several brands to keep my eye on in 2012.  They’re likely to shake things up, surprise customers and the Street, and make for an overall exciting year:
 

• -  Smashburger -- With 143 existing units and 450 franchise agreements on the books, QSR Smashburger is on a roll (pardon the pun!)  But don’t take my word that Smashburger is a brand to watch — Forbes Magazine recently named the chain "America's Most Promising Company.”  read more
• -  JC Penney – Former head of Apple retail, Ron Johnson, is now leading the venerable department chain.  Building a stronger brand portfolio is among his many efforts to “transform JC Penney into America’s Favorite Store.” read more
• -  Chipotle – The fast food chain appears on my list of brands to watch for the second year in a row because it continues to grow, innovate, and set the standard for the QSR industry. read more
• -  Bluetooth v4.0 and ANT+ -- These lightweight, low-power technologies are going to revolutionize wireless devices and applications and lead the way as digital health and fitness crosses the chasm into the mainstream market. read more
• -  Best Buy – The big box electronics chain is on my list again because this may be the year the company sizzles or fizzles.  On the upside, the company posted its first same store sales gain in two years last quarter, and its Geek Squad service (still the best option for PC owners) is a highly leverageable brand and business asset.   But Amazon poses an increasingly significant threat, especially given the mishaps with BBY’s online site during the holiday season, and televisions, one of its staple categories, is tanking.  Given how pervasive technology is in our culture today, there is still a great need for a national brick-and-mortar electronics brand – I hope BBY will rise again.

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