On The Mark Blog for Robertson & Markowitz Advertising & Public Relations and Robmark Interactive http://blog.robmark.com/ On The Mark http://blog.robmark.com/ http://blog.robmark.com/rss_icon.gif 150 132 Blog for Robertson & Markowitz Advertising & Public Relations and Robmark Interactive February 6, 2012 - The Votes Are In: Super Bowl Ads 2012 Another Super Bowl has come and gone. Super Bowl Sunday is like Christmas in the advertising world, and in keeping with tradition, we are offering our thoughts on the best ads. We have to admit that there was not a clear homerun this year like there have been in years past. Betty White and “The Force” come to mind. However, there were a few ads that the office was able to come to a consensus on. They are:

Volkswagen’s “The Dog Strikes Back”

Dogs in advertising are a pretty easy sell, but an overweight dog on his journey to lose weight plus the continuation of the Star Wars theme from last year’s killer ad made this one an easy choice. The ad was clever, not too confusing, and you remember which product is being advertised, which is really the true point of spending all that money. It may not have been as overwhelmingly popular as last year’s “The Force”, which now has over 50 million hits on YouTube, but it was pretty darn close.



M&M’s “Sexy and I Know It”

One might wonder why M&M’s would even need to keep advertising in the Super Bowl. Hasn’t the brand recognition already been established? That’s what made their 2012 Super Bowl ad so memorable. We have to give a lot of credit to M&M’s creative team for continuing to find ways to refresh this timeless campaign and keep it updated with current pop culture. This time, they introduced a new character, Ms. Brown, and took cues and music from LMFAO’s hit song “Sexy and I Know It”. Very fun and hilarious ad.


What were your favorites?

 

 

]]> http://blog.robmark.com/article/286/ February 3, 2012 - Critz Holds Groundbreaking for New BMW Building Yesterday afternoon, Critz BMW held a groundbreaking for Phase Two of The Critz Project at BMW's new permanent location on Stephenson Avenue at White Bluff Road. The project incorporates the construction of a new BMW Sales and Service Center that will encompass 25,000 square feet of new development. Dale Critz, Jr., Dale Critz, Sr. as well as representatives from JT Turner Construction, Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung were present, and several Savannah officials were present.

The future BMW dealership encompasses BMW’s belief that architecture is critical to a client’s experience. The new facility features multiple interactive displays, a central café and open architecture for three-point contact between Sales, Service & Parts and Accessories.

Check out a photo from the groundbreaking below!

Dale Critz, Jr., Dale Critz, Sr., representatives from JT Turner Construction, Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung and Savannah officials break ground on the new BMW building.

 

]]> http://blog.robmark.com/article/285/ February 1, 2012 - Savannah Philharmonic Presents "Spring Awakening" Concert Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra presents their “Spring Awakening” concert that will welcome spring with three romantic selections from Beethoven, Bruch and Schumann. The concert is Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the lovely and historic Lucas Theatre for the Arts. Following Beethoven’s King Stephen Overture, audiences will have the chance to see soloist Ulf Hoelscher, a true German violin maestro, performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto. Hoelscher is a world renowned musician who has been a soloist with the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony, BBC and Philadelphia Orchestra, to name but a few. The concert will conclude with Schumann’s Symphony No. 1, the “Spring” symphony. Ticket holders will also have the opportunity to attend the educational pre-concert talk facilitated by the Savannah Friends of Music commencing at 6:30 p.m. Concert tickets are available for purchase at www.savannahphilharmonic.org or by calling the box office at (912) 525-5050.

]]> http://blog.robmark.com/article/284/ January 30, 2012 - JCPenney Launches "Anti Sales" Rebranding Campaign If you’ve watched primetime television lately, you may have seen the new JCPenney ads. No, they don’t feature any clothes, or accessories or sales promotions. In fact, you don’t even know the ad is for JCPenney until the logo flashes on the screen at the end. What you do see is men and women desperately cutting coupons, screaming over missed sales, and generally making fun of the mayhem that comes with holding a bazillion sales promotions on different items at one time, which JCPenney is known to do.

All this, along with a logo revamp, is the store’s latest rebranding effort brought by former Apple exec Ron Johnston who took over as the company’s CEO in November. It appears that constantly printing coupons and holding sales could actually diminish your brand. Who knew? Now the company is taking an “anti sales” approach, or what they’re calling “Fair and Square Pricing.”  This new initiative will also include “Monthly Value” discounts on select items and “Best Price,” which are items marked for clearance on the first and third Fridays of the month (hello payday). All changes will be revealed on February 1 (if you go to the JCPenney Facebook page, there’s a big countdown to that day).

In addition to the new logo, commercials and business philosophy, JCPenney has tapped Ellen DeGeneres to be the new brand ambassador and has welcomed fashion designer Nanette Lepore who will create an exclusive line for the department store. As we mentioned, all will be revealed on February 1, and the transformation is expected to take four years to complete. The question is, will anyone care? Are you excited about the new changes at JCPenney? Why or why not?

]]> http://blog.robmark.com/article/283/ January 27, 2012 - Social Media Super Heroes Happy Friday everyone! Here's a fun little illustration of the power hierarchy in the social media world using our favorite super heroes. :)

 

]]> http://blog.robmark.com/article/282/ January 26, 2012 - Kia and Bridgestone Release Super Bowl Teaser Ads With just over a week until Super Bowl XLVI, brands are releasing teasers of their anticipated ads. We discussed Volkswagen last week, and now Kia and Bridgestone have followed suit, enlisting help from several celebrities. Kia's teaser is only 16 seconds long and features Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima. There's not much to the ad except for her waving a flag, which is why it's a teaser. Bridgestone's ad explores the company's new venture into creating new athletic performance balls features professional athletes from various sports. The clip reminds viewers to watch the full version on February 5 and also directs them to Bridgestone’s Facebook page to learn more. Check out both teasers below. Which brands’ ads are you excited to see on Super Bowl Sunday?

 

]]> http://blog.robmark.com/article/281/ January 23, 2012 - This viral video rocks. THIS is how you make a viral video! Posted January 5, 2012 and has over 35,000,000 views! Just for fun! Enjoy!

]]> http://blog.robmark.com/article/279/ January 20, 2012 - Volkswagen Gives Us a Super Bowl Teaser Last year, Volkswagen wowed us with their innovative and very funny Super Bowl ad called “The Force”. This year, they are giving us a teaser of their Super Bowl ad that will premiere during the big game on Sunday, February 5. Keeping with the same Star Wars theme, we think it will be another audience favorite. Check it out below!

]]> http://blog.robmark.com/article/278/ January 18, 2012 - DjDave Goes from Whole Foods to Hyundai Another viral video has changed someone’s life. David Wittman is better known as DJDave to the millions of people who have viewed his satirical viral video where he raps about his frequent ordeals with the Whole Foods parking lot. This hilarious and well-written song has over three million hits on YouTube with lines like “it’s getting real in the Whole Foods parking lot” and references to his Prius, quinoa, iPhones and paying $80 for six items. You can view it below. It looks like all the positive attention he’s received has turned into something we’re sure he couldn’t have even imagined. Hyundia pegged him to be their MC/lyricist for their television advertising. The first spot aired late last year. We’re sure this won’t be the last we see of DjDave. The lesson here, kids, is make a viral video and you’ll be rich one day.

]]> http://blog.robmark.com/article/276/ January 17, 2012 - Home & Garden Show Coming to Savannah This Weekend!

In Savannah this weekend? Looking for ideas to improve your home or garden? Find thousands of square feet of landscapes, gardens as well as celebrity and gardening seminars at the 12th Annual Savannah Low Country Home & Garden Show at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center this Friday, January 20 through Sunday, January 22, 2012.

Highlights of this year’s show include booths featuring the latest trends in kitchen, bath and interior designs; pools, spas and hardscapes; complimentary gourmet food and wine tastings; Kids Zone; a huge plant sale; and an Art, Gift, and Gourmet Area. All attendees will receive a free tote bag (while supplies last) as well as admission to all seminars and discussions. Get expert advice with discussions led by Brian Santos, “The Wall Wizard,” and Paul Brown from Discovery Channel’s Auction Kings. Check out their website for more information!

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