Every city I've ever lived in has had some local business owner earnestly flogging their wares themselves, occasionally in an unknowing horrific way, but sometimes taking the criticisms for poorly written, produced or unwanted commercials, and converting that into intentionally tongue-in-cheek terrible ads.
For example, years ago in Winnipeg there was Kern-Hill Furniture Co-op, where the owner was entirely over the top in pitching furniture sales. His commercials became regularly nutty, and eventually his son took over in that tradition.
In Calgary, there's Flaman Fitness, with a fitness superhero spokesperson, and a local Realtor who has a line in one of his ads that sums up his approach: "Cheese?".
Cheesy indeed...
How about YOUR city? Is there someone that drives you crazy with agonizingly amateur commercials, but you never forget what their business is? Granted, you may never use that business because of the ads, but you do tend to remember the enterprise nonetheless...
Later!
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4 comments:
Dan, in the New York City metro area, there used to be an electronics chain called "Crazy Eddie's" (I think) that featured a hyperventilating spokesman shouting that the chain's prices were "insane!"
More recently, there's a car dealership in New Jersey that does commercials riffing on current events -- sometimes in sexist and/or conservative ways. Doesn't make sense to alienate female and/or liberal customers...
Great additions Dave - and yes, it is baffling that these business owners don't seem to get basic marketing.
So bad they're good???
I can think of another in Calgary, Spencer Diamonds I think it is. Overacting anyone? But, correct, you don't forget them!
So true - they stick like poison ivy leaves...
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