Brand equity under attack from the East?

Today's Notable Quote: "Attack weakness, avoid strength." - Sun Tzu, legendary Chinese strategist.

Brand equity is under attack--due to what appears to be shoddy workmanship in the name of least-cost producer status and ever-higher margins. The American consumer is a tolerant beast--but a fickle one...

Household names should be wary of the risky game they are playing in the name of longer margins. Better to build better feature/benefit stories and user experiences into the product...

Fisher-Price, Big Bird and Dora Brand Names Take A Karate Chop in Toyland