Pink Panther changing stripes?

Last night a commercial featuring the Pink Panther theme caught my attention, so I stopped my reading to see if Owens Corning was having a "summer special" on insulation. We're moving into an older home this month that will need to have additional insulation added.

But the commercial featuring the Panther was for Sweet-N-Low!

Now I know the Sweet-N-Low package is pink. I also know animals attract attention, as do cartoons. So who better to be a spokesperson for them than the Pink Panther? I'd say almost anyone or anything.

Now whenever I see a Sweet-N-Low commercial, I'll think of insulation! And so will millions of other viewers. That can't be too good for Sweet-N-Low.

This demonstrates a twist on the positioning axiom that the first product in a category will be first in the collective mind of the market.

My observation: first association will be the only association remembered. Once an association has been established - Panther and insulation - there is no room for a second one.

Sorry Sweet-N-Low, even a Pink Panther can't change its stripes, or its history.