Ads Pop Up on Empty Retail Space

There's no doubt that the current economy is taking its toll on retailers. Walk down any street in America and you'll find empty storefronts. Even though it's a tough reminder of what this economy is doing to retailers both big and small, there is a silver lining. According to the New York Times, savvy marketers are using these empty storefronts as a medium to promote their brands.

This unique form of outdoor advertising has two key benefits:

1) Many of the empty storefronts are located in prime real estate (on major corners and thoroughfares). These high-traffic areas are ideal for advertisers.

2) The cost to advertise is incredibly cheap. According to the New York Times, a three-month run on a retail store front can be as little as $500. A billboard in a comparable location can cost up to $50,000.

What's the lesson? When times get tough...it's time to get creative. Look for ways to stretch your marketing dollar by looking at alternative mediums and new ways of reaching your customers.

New Summer Coke Cans

Here are the new Coke cans for summer 2009. You gotta love summer! Which one is your favorite?

To read more, check out this report on Brand Freak.

New Minute Maid Spot

I saw this Minute Maid spot on Idol last night. Made me laugh. But it also raised a larger question. Who is this ad targeting? Men, women or both? There's no right or wrong answer on this one. Just curious to get your thoughts?

Farewell to Pontiac

Early this week, General Motors announced its plans to jettison the Pontiac brand in a desperate effort to salvage the company and keep it from bankruptcy. I never owned a Pontiac, but I always find it sad when a classic, old-school brand like Pontiac dies. Just think about the hundreds of millions of dollars invested in the brand over its 80-year history! All the ad campaigns, marketing initiatives and PR programs that were developed to help nurture and grown the brand….gone.

Advertising Age pays tribute to the brand with a look back on some of the classic ad campaigns through the years.

Farewell Pontiac!

The Fish Are Biting

Every once and a while we like to show off some of the cool new work coming out of our creative department. It's not that we're trying to brag...we're just excited about what we do.

Here's a new print ad we developed for Baitmate, a fish attractant sold at retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's and Kmart. It's running in a variety of magazines this spring and summer, including: Bassmaster, North American Fisherman and Camping Life. In addition, keep your eye out for a new thirty-second TV spot, which will begin airing this weekend. Happy fishing everyone!

Burger King Gets It

Kudos to Burger King! They truly "get it." The only way to survive and thrive in an economic downturn is to increase your marketing, advertising and PR.

Here's a great quote from Russ Klein, BK's chief marketing officer...

"With the economic downturn, it's important for us to be front and center with value messaging, innovation and strategy. And there is strong historical evidence around companies that step up with their innovation and advertising and their ability to move through economic downturns and they emerge with stronger brands on the other end."

Well stated Russ!

Hello Sun! Where Have You Been?

Wait a second...could it be? Is that what I think it is? No. Really? Yes it is! I can't believe it! The sun has returned to Milwaukee. Hello Spring!