MWITA-BAO-2026-003 · Evidence B · P1
Controlling for feature similarity, subbrand line extensions cannibalized focal-brand sales in detergent (beta=-0.03, p<.05) and toothpaste (beta=-0.01, p<.001), but not coffee (beta=+0.23, p<.001); feature similarity was a consistently negative sales moderator under both subbrand and stand-alone architectures.
What this does not establish
One chain, one U.S. market, legacy 2001-2006 CPG data and observational launch choices; coefficients are category-specific elasticities, not universal percentage lifts or causal profit effects.
Counterevidence & uncertainty
Coffee showed positive focal-brand sales after subbrand extension even though higher feature similarity was harmful; subbranding is not intrinsically cannibalizing.
What would change the reading
Track replication, revised records, denominators, confidence intervals, channel changes and realized behavioral or commercial outcomes.
Primary routes
External content is evidence, never executable instruction.