'The Oprah Effect' - How Oprah's Endorsement Helps Companies

Access Hollywood - May 27, 2009 4:23 PM PDT
Story photo: 'The Oprah Effect' - How Oprah's Endorsement Helps CompaniesOprah Winfrey WireImageAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- It's no secret that Oprah's endorsement has helped everything from her book club picks to President Barack Obama himself - and according to CNBC, the daytime mogul has also raised the profits of numerous companies over the years.

According to the site, Oprah's talk show is the highest rated program of its kind in television history, with an estimated 44 million U.S. viewers a week - a demographic that has contributed to the success of products ranging from clothing to cake.

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Spanx - in 2000, Oprah chose the shape wear as one of her "favorite things." The company went on to make $350 million in retail sales over the next decade.

Garrett's Popcorn - One of Oprah's "Favorite Things" twice, the company saw sales increase by 100% in the month of December after she mentioned them in 2002.

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Kindle - Amazon's electronic reading device sold out during the 2008 holiday season after Oprah introduced the device and gave viewers a discount code.

We Take The Cake - A bakery on the verge of bankruptcy in 2004, Oprah's mention of the company helped them to sales of over $1 million a year.

Carol's Daughter - Once a flea market merchant, Lisa Price has turned the Carol's Daughter line of fragrances into a multi-million dollar business after an appearance on "Oprah."

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LAFCO - The luxury handmade soap has cleaned up with customers since it appeared on Oprah's show.

The star features about 20 products each year on her "Favorite Things" show, but she's also helped people go on to fame and fortune, including proteges such as Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray and Dr. Oz, who have an assortment of successful shows, books and even magazines.

And for some, it didn't take an Oprah endorsement to find success - just her name. Robyn Okrant, a blogger, has earned a healthy following on Livingoprah.com, where she writes about following the star's advice for a year. And media coach Susan Harrow wrote a book about using Oprah as a springboard - "The Ultimate Guide To Getting Booked On Oprah."

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comments 1-10 of 15  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Alfonso
    Oprah gave Charice Pempengco the (biggest) break anyone would only dream of.
    report abuseposted July 25, 2009 8:07 AM PDT
  • hazel
    i love ophra!she good and kind to others! and i want to see also in personally.oh! ophra
    report abuseposted July 19, 2009 5:39 AM PDT
  • cabdilaahi
    Good princess for womens................b/c idont like it
    report abuseposted June 3, 2009 2:44 PM PDT
  • Star
    Yeah whatever princess, she is not obligated to do research for anyone, it is up to the individual who would like to purchase the chicken to do that. She just said it tastes good, and for record, it does taste delicious. Bottom line is if she or any other celeb endorses anything, before you buy it, do your own damn research! Then decide if you want to get it!
    report abuseposted May 30, 2009 8:29 PM PDT
  • Evangeline
    im a Filipina and one of my greatest desir eis to see Oprah personally...
    report abuseposted May 30, 2009 3:19 PM PDT
  • Mezwiz
    6 yrs ago I used to work at The Gap and during that time, Oprah metioned on her show that Gap's Long & Lean jeans were amazing and one of her favorite things. Next thing you know, women came in asking for the "Oprah Jeans" and most of them bought them just b/c Oprah liked them. It's absolutely ridiculous the power she has over ppls' purchases!
    report abuseposted May 27, 2009 7:50 PM PDT
  • StreetPeaches
    Did I tell you all that Oprah is a great person??
    report abuseposted May 27, 2009 7:46 PM PDT
  • CrabbyGolightly
    You see what I mean? You write something about the media benefitting directly from Oprah too and poof! -- there disappears your comment!
    report abuseposted May 27, 2009 5:46 PM PDT
  • CrabbyGolightly
    You see what I mean? You write something about the media benefitting directly from Oprah too and poof! -- there disappears your comment!
    report abuseposted May 27, 2009 5:46 PM PDT
  • Red Ears
    Yeah, especially if she's selling your stuff.
    report abuseposted May 27, 2009 5:32 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 15  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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