Let me just start by stating: No, Dr. Strangebrand has not read the Fifty Shades trilogy by E.L. James. Even though the series has set the record for fastest-selling paperback of all time he would rather spend his evenings reading valuable content such as 10 Ways to Extend Your Brand. That said Dr. Strangebrand finds himself rather fascinated by the announcement of several Fifty Shades brand extensions.

True diehard book fans, who might fantasize about Anastasia Steele’s hot love life, can now live out bits of the novels with a little help from Fifty Shades of Grey product. The recent offerings include a wine collection, lingerie line, and even a classical music album—all the trappings of a racy night in.

These offerings make it even easier for consumers to sip wine just like Anastasia and the young business magnate Christian Grey. Just pour your significant other a glass of Red Satin or White Silk. Or put on some mood music from Fifty Shades of Grey: The Classical Album, taking a cue from what Christian plays for Anastasia after blindfolding her. And last but not least, don’t forget to slip into something more comfortable with Fifty Shades lingerie from Target Australia.

Luckily, single fans of the books don’t need to feel left out. There’s a 50 Shades of Grey Party Game designed to help you learn what your friends really think about you. We’ve also heard tell of licensed hoodies, t-shirts, robes, tights, and knit tops.

We’ll have to exercise a little patience to find out if these brand extensions achieve even a fraction of the success the books enjoy. But Dr. Strangebrand has a strong feeling they’ll do well. Author E.L. James and her team have chosen categories consistent with the novel that promise to hold broad appeal.

In fact, the Fifty Shades extensions tap into a proven strategy called Leveraging a Customer Base. It’s when you use your brand name to sell something entirely different to the same consumers. You can read more about it in Parham Santana’s white paper 10 Ways to Extend Your Brand.

While I may never get around to reading the novels, I might introduce myself to the series once it extends itself into the film category in 2014. The big-screen version is one brand extension with the potential to rack up profits as sizzling as the novels.

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