The Michael Jackson Franchise

Death of Michael Jackson has led to speculation regarding the future earnings potential of its franchise. As expected, there was an increase in album sales for iTunes and Amazon MP3 after his death and that demand is expected to continue for several weeks. Experienced entrepreneurs have seized the opportunity to hawk memorabilia Jackson through online retailers like eBay and Craigslist. This type of activity is expected following the death of a high-profile celebrities. The question that remains to be resolved is the will of the Jackson franchise equal or superior to that of Elvis Presley, Graceland and other properties whose sources of ancillary income generates about 40 million euros a year. Presley continues to churn out impressive sales even though he died 32 years ago (August 16, 1977).

Early indications are that there is and will be a great demand for Jackson. At the time this article was written more than 1.5 million people had applied for tickets for July 7 memorial service to be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Thousands of fans gathered in New York for a tribute to Jackson at the Apollo Theatre. Unlike Elvis, fans of Jackson is global. Jackson is more popular in the United Kingdom, France and Japan with him in the United States.

On the negative side, the vision of transforming the Neverland Valley Ranch in a cash cow like Graceland can never come to fruition. The infrastructure of Neverland may not be sufficient to support the kind of Neverland could attract crowds. In addition, people living in the community are not in favor of having that kind of attraction in their neighborhood.

Despite the absence of an attraction like Graceland the Jackson franchise will prosper, because they can leverage off of a marketing tool that was not available to Presley in 1977: the internet. The ability to market on-line carries a viral Neverland to the customer. The market potential for online music and merchandise Jackson is unlimited. It will be very interesting and a little 'learning experience for us all as we watch the development of on-line franchise Jackson .......