Five golden rings are popping up everywhere, mostly thanks to Chinese marketers who are burning through an immense amount of ad dollars to set up campaigns to promote the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
This Adidas ad features famed female Chinese basketball player, Sui Feifei soaring high above a crowd of black and white people. She, of course, is in full colour as she hurtles the ball toward the basket, her physique in perfect position as the fans below her cheer her on.
"Impossible is nothing," the ad reads. Adidas is the official sponsor of the games, and they've made themselves quite prominent through superb international marketing.
The spectators in the print ad are so involved with the game, showing China's dedication to their athletes; some are clamored up the net pole, while others appear to be supporting the star's foot. This is very reflective of the Chinese culture; they believe in connections and supporting each other, in networking, building relationships and sticking together. This ad reflects that very well.
"As the countdown continues for the Olympics, now only eight months away, activewear brands around the globe are already warming up for what observers say will be the biggest marketing platform to dateâ€"not to mention the most profitable in the event's history," Women's Wear Daily points out.
"Meanwhile, mega ad campaigns, colossal retail rollouts and product launches are breaking record speeds in the race to target the young demographic worldwide and to propel activewear behemoths' businesses in China, which is expected to be the largest sporting goods market anywhere by 2010."
Olympic Branding
Adidas Ad Features Sui Feifei
Trend Themes
1. Olympic Marketing - Opportunity for businesses to leverage the global platform of the Olympics to reach a massive audience.
2. Chinese Athlete Endorsements - Potential for brands to collaborate with Chinese athletes to tap into the growing Chinese sports market.
3. International Activewear Expansion - Expanding activewear brands targeting the young demographic in China can tap into the country's expected growth in the sporting goods market.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Marketing - Disruption opportunity for marketing agencies to create innovative campaigns for the Olympics.
2. Athletic Apparel - Athletic apparel brands can capitalize on the event's popularity to launch new products and expand in the Chinese market.
3. Sporting Goods Retail - Opportunity for retailers to establish a strong presence in the Chinese market and leverage the Olympic hype to drive sales.