tellebrands

As the direct-marketing industry copes with the sudden death of pitchman Billy Mays (right), it's worth considering the fragile relationship between celebrity endorsement and mortality. The tragedy of Mays's unexpected death at age 50, of a heart ailment in late June, has practical implications for...

Can one of the most successful TV salesmen in history continue to move product from beyond the grave? It's a question with very practical implications for A.J. Khubani (left), CEO of direct-to-consumer merchandiser Telebrands. On Monday, Telebrands will roll out a national marketing campaign...

It's a little crass to acknowledge, but the death of a celebrity is, among many other things, a money-making opportunity. But perhaps it's best not to seem too eager to treat it as such, lest you offend those people whose dollars you covet. Today brings two examples of parties who crossed the...