Why CSR is so critical for brands.

It seems that consumers expect CSR to be a core focus in the culture of brands. CSR helps consumers align their personal values with that of the brands and give consumers reasons to purchase specific brands. CSR is critical for brands because it helps them to differentiate themselves among the shelves of products that are virtually identical.

If you know that a company donates part of its profits to the community or a nonprofit organization, are you more apt to purchase that product? If a brand markets that fact that they donate a portion of their sale to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research or Aids foundation does that make you want to purchase their product? Do the the compostable bags of Sunchips affect your purchasing decisions?

Very cool video - but the bags are so loud!

Do you buy specific products or shop at certain stores because of some aspect in their CSR?