American Apparel loves fleshy young ads, and now American Apparel is turning to crowd sourcing to determine what the retailer will display on the front of its Harlem store.
Choose from the slideshow and the winner will be dominating the street and sidewalks for weeks. The images are very tame by American Apparel standards, not the sexually charged photos usually associated with American Apparel.
Implications - In today's 24-hour news cycle society, corporations can create an indelible brand image by cultivating an edgy, controversial reputation. Ad campaigns that are highly sexually charged or feature suggestive words can draw attention from loyal brand consumers, brand opponents and the media. It is an effective way to create lasting brand awareness.
Crowdsourcing Billboards
American Apparel Wants You to Vote on Storefront Sign
Trend Themes
1. Crowdsourced Advertising - The use of crowdsourcing for advertising campaigns can effectively create lasting brand awareness and generate excitement among consumers.
2. Interactive Branding - Corporations can create an indelible brand image through interactive branding campaigns that engage consumers and promote a sense of community involvement.
3. Controversial Advertising - Controversial ad campaigns can draw attention from both loyal brand consumers and brand opponents, generating media buzz and increased brand recognition.
Industry Implications
1. Advertising - The advertising industry can leverage crowdsourcing and interactive branding techniques to create innovative and attention-grabbing ad campaigns.
2. Retail - Retailers can utilize interactive storefront signage to engage customers and create a sense of community involvement with their brand.
3. Media - Media outlets can benefit from covering controversial ad campaigns, as they draw attention and generate buzz among consumers and the public.