No, we’re not in New York. Earlier this week someone sent me a link to a video of an ad campaign put on by Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic set up a luxury bench on Broadway in the Flatiron district, treating people who sat on it to first class service (watch the video below to see people’s reactions), complete with champagne, aliens and a string quartet. It’s not unusual for big companies to organize stunts like these in New York, take the David Blaine/Target promotion in 2006.
Or Kleenex, who had their “crying couch” set up in Times Square in 2007. Even Charmin tried to get in on the NYC vibe, hanging out with the Naked Cowboy™ in Times Square.
With a population of 19.5 million, companies love New York’s potential to get the word out. New Yorkers are constantly being bombarded with advertising and there are plenty of creative and unorthodox advertising methods happening at any given time.
But if someone stops to sit on a bench, maybe they’re tired or just want to be alone with their thoughts. I can almost guarantee that they aren’t expecting to be taken hostage by yet another ad campaign. Although, having a drink while being serenaded by a string quartet on the streets of Manhattan or on an airplane sounds pretty good to me.
How would you react?
Wonderful eclectic grouping – Kudos guys!
Thanks Maria, NY is a crazy place!