Final answer:
Madison exhibits spurious brand loyalty by choosing a different brand due to the unavailability of her preferred brand, Mr. Coffee. History shows that maintaining a consistent product helped brands develop nationwide loyalty. Madison's choice reflects the reality of consumer behavior in the face of situational constraints.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of brand loyalty that Madison is exhibiting is called spurious loyalty. Although she has a preference for Mr. Coffee machines, the fact that she was willing to purchase a Hamilton Beach coffee maker indicates that her loyalty to the Mr. Coffee brand is not particularly strong.
Spurious loyalty occurs when a consumer is inclined to buy a specific brand due to situational factors, such as availability, rather than a deep-seated preference.
This is in contrast to true brand loyalty where a customer may go to another store or wait until the preferred brand is available.
In the historical context, companies recognized the importance of brand loyalty, and those who could deliver a consistent product without the meddling of sales staff who might alter the product for personal gain, began to establish strong national reputations.
This was essential for companies to turn into successful national brands. Many of these brands have become household names that we trust and prefer due to their consistent quality and the value they provide. Madison's situation highlights the delicate balance brands must maintain to keep their customers loyal.