Bouncy mattress or cuppa tea? Trump sells it all
Donald Trump, whose Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles has long been a headache for Rancho Palos Verdes, is betting on buying distressed golf courses, according to Businessweek, which reports Trump has purchased nine golf properties in the US, including four courses since 2008. From the magazine: '"Golf clubs, I think, are some of the few cases where we’re able to get great, great distressed deals,' Ivanka Trump, the Trump Organization’s executive vice president of development and acquisitions, said during the interview in her father’s office. 'You’re not seeing that here in the city in terms of commercial office.'" How interesting. But Businessweeek also ponders what the Trump name means anymore, quoting critics who say Trump suffers from brand dilution given that his name is slapped on everything from mattresses to vodka to a seminar company. Josh Feldmeth at consulting company Interbrand says Trump "has cashed out. He’s become kind of a circus sideshow. He’s not making smart luxury decisions.” Worse is what investors think: "He has a worse reputation with institutional investors than he does with mainstream America," according to John Arabia, managing director at Green Street Advisors. In an interview, Trump defends himself, saying the "Trump name is hotter than ever...It’s been hot as a pistol.” Even if it's no longer hot, does it matter? Trump's still rolling in it. His personal fortune is now estimated $2.4 billion, down from $3 billion in 2008, according to Businessweek.
· Trump Evokes Doubts of Fading Apprentice With Newest Link to Golf as Brand [Businessweek]
Filed under:
Loading comments...