Final answer:
A brand difference is preemptive if competitors cannot easily copy the difference. Intangible aspects such as guarantees, reputation, and advertising can create substantial brand differentiation, leading to consumer loyalty.
Step-by-step explanation:
A brand difference is said to be preemptive if competitors cannot easily copy the difference. This is because preemptive brand differences provide a competitive advantage that others find hard to replicate. Such differences might stem from intangible aspects of a product, like guarantees, a reputation for high quality, or advertising that shapes customer preferences.
Companies may utilize various product differentiation strategies to stand out in the market. Differentiation can come from unique physical product attributes, the product's location, intangible aspects, or the consumer's perception of the product. Advertising can notably influence these intangible preferences, leading consumers to have strong brand loyalty for products that might otherwise be indistinguishable in a blind test.