Philips Norelco Finally Brings Some Originality to Shaving Commercials

Throughout recent years, I have been repeatedly stunned by the complete lack of creativity in commercials for major brands in the mens shaving equipment industry. Every commercial has seemed to incorporate nothing more than a man shaving in the mirror, a digital close up showing how that specific razor removes hair more efficiently due it have one more blade than their last model, and then a satisfied wife (or girlfriend) walking up and admiring the exceptionally smooth skin of her significant other. Sex may sell, but constant repetition will do nothing to break through the noise and clutter caused by the thousands of other advertising messages that consumers are bombarded with on a daily basis. Thankfully, Philips Norelco has finally had enough and introduced a new edgy and humor filled campaign that is sure to grab the attention of male viewers of all ages. The new "I'd Date Me" commercial, features a young male, probably in his late twenties, standing in front of the mirror and deciding how to best go about removing his excessive amount of scruff. As he uses his new Philips Norelco electric razor, he begins to gain more and more self-confidence with each new style he chooses. Eventually he gains so much confidence, that he says aloud "I'd date myself". However, the bleep during his announcement creates a sudden shock factor as one may believe that another line was said instead. Although this commercial could lead to some backlash and negative comments from more conservative consumers, the ad will certainly receive a few laughs from the companies targeted young to middle age male segment.

    

Kmart Ships Itself Back Into Relevance With New Ad

After years of store closings, forgetful advertising campaigns, and declining sales; Kmart may have finally made a move in the right direction. In a new commercial designed to create awareness for their new free store-to-home shipping service, Kmart struck gold with a simple yet shocking phrase.

Within 3 seconds of the ad, one of the customers depicting in the scene says the words "Ship my pants" out loud. As one might expect, most of us who watched the commercial for the first time believed we just heard an entirely different phrase. As the commercial goes on and the phrase is repeated by everyone from a child to an elderly lady, one cannot help but let our inner 13yr old out and burst into laughter with every line.

 When the ad comes to a close, a Kmart employee turns towards the camera and reveals the true nature behind the phrase. Once the ad is over, you find yourself yelling out loud "How has nobody thought of this before?!". The truly great thing about the ad is the simplicity and the focus on the service. Some version of the "Ship my.." phrase makes up for nearly all of the dialogue, and has a lasting affect on the viewers likelihood to recall the message.

Now is this service really that useful? Probably not. But this commercial has already done wonders for the dieing brand. As the ad continues to catch fire on the web and spread through social media, expect to see slightly longer lines at your neighborhood Kmart. And if Kmart can capitalize on this opportunity, maybe they might just stay there.