It Pays to Pick a Side


Ben & Jerry’s lost masses of customers when they stopped selling ice cream in occupied Palestinian territories. But they gained millions more. Most companies would freak out at even considering such a divisive stance. Ben & Jerry’s believed something deeper: taking a clear position attracts fierce loyalty from people who share your values, even if it repels others. This politically charged example shows a counterintuitive truth about building product loyalty. The brands customers defend most...