You're gonna like the way you look...
...I guarantee it.
So yeah, I decided to analyze the Men's Wearhouse commercials.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-495505599880266556&q=men%27s+wa...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekQ-oZX4ihM
http://www.menswearhouse.com/aboutus/index.jsp?n1=About+Us&n2=&n3=&FOLDE...
I chose Men's Wearhouse mostly because it offers an interesting glimpse into how important the context within which advertising and promotion is. I couldn't find many examples of the commercials save for the two posted, but they all follow a very similar strategy in that they usually contain some kind of a real world example, hypothetical situation, or anecdote, followed by the mention of how formal wear from Men's Wearhouse could have improved the situation (or had already improved the situation), and finally a personal endorsement by the founder, George Zimmer.
The commercials are, in my opinion, rather bland. They lack the catchy, wacky theme of such marketing trademarks like the Geico Cavemen or Burger King's creepy starchman, but they are still extremely effective. Why? Men's Wearhouse sells formal wear, that is, suits, jackets, tuxedos, dress shirts and slacks, and all the like. The company wisely realized that their target market, men who are looking for clothing to wear during formal, and generally important situations, will most likely not want an animated cat or flying pig telling them where to go.
I saw my first iteration of these commercials when I was in high school, and I remember getting a feeling of complete apathy towards the company and what they were trying to sell. I thought that the whole premise was silly, especially that of the weird old guy at the end giving me his personal guarantee. However, after going through several school formals, an international piano competition, and job searches (all of which involved a high degree of formal wear), I watched these commercials again. This time, they seem to radiate confidence, professionalism, and competence. The man at the end brings the entire industry of men's formal wear into a personable and sincere light.
So I think that this was a good example of how a viewer's opinion and interpretation of a piece of advertising shifts almost parallel to the scope of the context within which it is presented. I know our CD packages and promo stuff are stuck in a pretty tight context, but maybe shifting it around a little bit could produce some interesting results.
I would agree with what you were saying. That even the commercial is not catchy like the starchman it still has a strong presents and shows that their product is better. You had a few commercials for the 80's till now. It shows that the commercials have not changed over the years. It still shows that they are strong and their customers like their products. The coat i am currently wearing is for mens warehouse. Every time you go in the store you get that general feeling that the owner gives in the commercials.
Submitted by cloud586 on Fri, 02/29/2008 - 12:03.it's a nice coat
Submitted by Pan2 on Fri, 02/29/2008 - 13:28.I notice that with a lot of advertisements the ones that have a catch phrase really stick to you.
The best thing about this store is that for their commercials they show men that look like someone that you would actually see off the street, but just with a suit.
The promotional statement they give in these commercials is that, "you will come out looking good with our special advisers help and assumable that will best fit you and only you.
And for many guys, a little help with the whole clothing depart really is a great incentive to shop at this store.
Submitted by CatTail1986 on Fri, 02/29/2008 - 12:39.That's a good point about seeing someone you may see on the street, walking to work, except well dressed. I think it gives you the sense that, even if you look kind of scruffy in street clothes, going to MW will turn you into a suave, well dressed, tall drink of water.
Submitted by Pan2 on Fri, 02/29/2008 - 13:28.