You have probably heard of "N. U. D."

As a result of the Tom Joyner morning show related to CompUSA. NUD is the acronym for a very subtle and little-known marketing term specifically directed toward people of color.

NUD stands for Non Urban Dictate. These three words essentially mean that a company is not interested in the Black Consumer. An NUD label means that a company does not want their marketing and advertising materials placed in media that claim an urban audience as their main target. There are legitimate reasons for companies not using urban radio. It may be that Blacks don't index high in certain categories or that a company's strategy is to market to the Black consumer down the road after they have established a strong position in their primary target. But"NUD" usually means that a company is not interested in the Black consumer. Companies evade discrimination liability by embracing it as theory rather than policy. As a service to Black consumers, the Urban Institute will list all companies that have an NUD policy. Armed with this information, we feel that Black consumers will be able to make informed buying decisions.

Companies with NUD:

Starbucks

Jos. A Bank

CompUSA

Weight Watchers

Keebler

Life Savers

Continental Airlines

Northwest Airlines

America West Airlines

HBO - Apollo Series

Paternal Importers

Calico Corners

OM Scott

Pepperidge Farms

Ethan Allen

Busy Body Fitness

Mondavi Wines

Builders Square

Don Pablo

Lexus

Aruba Tourism

Ciba Vision

Kindercare

Grady Restaurant

Eddie Bauer

Please forward this information on to any other consumer that you consider a friend and advise them to do likewise.

Remember, we can't act wisely unless we are informed wisely.

STAY INFORMED

********************* FYI: The Urban Institute