Russia (82)
Take a cultural journey
44 Moscow metro stations have been recommended as interesting city sightseeing destinations by Independent Media because of their unique design and architecture. This has turned them from public transport sites to a destination for tourists.
Why it matters
Public transport traditionally plays a functional role for tourists but not leisure. Will new sites of interest like the Moscow metro stations put pressure on international airports and train stations to become travel destinations in their own right?
Introducing the blogozine
Coffee houses in Moscow have started sharing free monthly magazines that contain digital news, particularly interesting blogs, in printed form. (There is also an online version of the magazine with direct links to the blogs and interesting content).
Why it matters
Recently, people have started to find ways of bringing online social media spaces into the real world. Will we start to see branded social media, such as brand blogs and tweets, appearing offline?
Survival of the quickest
The unexpected Moscow smog became a real horror for citizens recently. Everyone began to buy face-masks, causing a shortage in stores. A weekly magazine was quick to respond by selling every issue with a free mask, greatly increasing sales.
Why it matters
As we are living in an increasingly fast-paced society, brands need to increase their pace in order to keep up. Brands must make sure that can be very responsive, adapting their offering and marketing quickly. Will we start to see a growth of micro marketing strategies with shorter shelf lives?
