Monday, April 15, 2013

S*&^ my pants!!!


It AMAZES me how social media channels can be used to spread awareness about the latest trends or events. The hype surrounding Kmart’s “Ship My Pants” ad is unbelievable. After only 5 days since its release on YouTube, the ad has generated 7.8 million views.

It really is a must watch!


                                         


“The pun-heavy spot in which Kmart shoppers are strongly encouraged to ‘ship their pants’ is quickly heading toward 10 million views on YouTube,” wrote Tim Nudd for Adweek.com.

According to viral experts from Unruly Media, one out of every nine viewers is sharing the ad. Currently, it was been shared 800,000 times and it is the second-most-shared ad of the last 30 days. I believe they are having great success by using social media channels to spread their commercial.

The article “Kmart’s ‘ship my pants’ ad causes shockwaves and smiles” reports that some social media users have criticized the ad and labeled it “gross” and vulgar” while others enjoyed its edgy sense of humor. According to the critics, “they are using a vulgar word that sounds very much like ship,” wrote Laura Petrecca for USAtoday.com

Whether or not the ad is vulgar or gross, it has still been a sensation on YouTube. I admire Kmart for taking this risk and transforming what some call a vulgar and gross phrase into a funny ad. Although the spot has only been released on YouTube, Kmart officials are seriously considering media payments to show it on TV. And honestly, why wouldn’t they? 




3 comments:

  1. I loved this - so funny! It's witty and well made, an excellent commercial. At first blush, however, I do wonder whether or not this is television ready. Can the audience really handle that heavy of a pun? While watching I was thinking "no way is this on TV right now...". But truth be told, you're right, why not? It's a great ad and if anyone can pull an ad like this off, I think it's K-Mart. A fun brand with a very strong following, K-Mart doesn't need to keep a serious or sophisticated reputation, so have fun with it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I saw this for the first time Saturday and I thought it was pretty clever. Just enough of an inappropriate factor without being gross, like Go Daddy!.
    As well, the joke would not be apparent to small children, so it is relatively safe. I imagine some parents may be up-in-arms about it, but that seems to be the norm pretty much always.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is probably the funniest new commercial out right now! Definitely could get away with the pun, without offending anyone. I feel that it's also good that K-Mart gets some attention. Having to compete with larger companies such as Walmart isn't easy, but bringing this kind of positive attention back to K-mart should bring some increase in sales.

    ReplyDelete