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Showing posts with the label Toys 'R' Us

Long-Term, Committed Monogamy in Cause Marketing

Some sponsors do so much volume and have such great visibility and recognition that they almost have the pick of charities to partner with. So, like actor George Clooney, some sponsors have been seen with a lot of different pretty faces over the years. Toys R Us has had cause marketing relationships with at least 4 charities in the last 20 years and is currently with Toys for Tots. In the last year Purina, the pet foods brand, has done cause marketing campaigns with Adopt-A-Pet.com, as seen at the left, and with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. But there is value to strict monogamy in cause marketing relationships. After all, which is cuter, George Clooney canoodling with girlfriend #32 or a couple that’s been married 65 years that still holds hands and snuggles? With that in mind, here’s my short list of the positives of long-term monogamous cause marketing relationships. Customers begin to think of you and your charity partner as an inseparable pair. And that’s good for both your brands...

Who’s Got Shaq's Back in This Cause Ad?

Shaquille O’Neal, NBA legend, rap artist and pitchman for Comcast showed up in his guise as ‘Shaq-A-Clause’ in this pre-Christmas circular from Toys ‘R’ Us benefiting Toys for Tots. The press release quoted Shaq saying : “My parents always encouraged me to give back to those less fortunate, and ever since I made it to the NBA, I’ve been visiting Toys“R”Us stores during the holiday season to buy gifts for kids in need.” There’s a Facebook component, special appearances by O’Neal at Toys ‘R’ Us stores, online videos, a microsite, support from Shaq’s own website and a $250,000 seed donation from Toys ‘R’ Us. Still something’s missing and it's called a copy editor. The second line of copy reads: “Cash donactions accepted through Christmas Eve.” Come on people, someone needs to get Shaq's back !