This clever college ad by office supply retailer Staples addresses a common problem many students face when going away to school -- leaving their loving pets behind. The commercial centers around a girl who is leaving home to attend her college of choice, only to find herself sad at the thought of saying goodbye to her family dog Stanley.
As she departs, her family gives her a present that she is instructed to open once she arrives at school. The college ad takes a surprising and hilarious turn when the student opens the care package to find dog-themed memorabilia like artwork, mugs and other dorm room accessories -- all paying tribute to her best friend Stanley.
While exaggerated in its concept, this commercial touches on a common issue many first-time college students face while highlighting Staples' fun customization and printing services as the same time.
Pet-Centric College Ads
Staples' Dorm Decor Commercial Touches on Students' Separation from Pets
Trend Themes
1. Personalized Dorm Decor - Opportunity for retailers to offer customized products and services that allow students to express their individuality and bring reminders of home and loved ones.
2. Pets in Advertising - Opportunity for brands to appeal to pet owners and animal lovers by incorporating pets into their advertisements, creating emotional connections with consumers.
3. Brands as Emotional Support - Opportunity for brands to position themselves as sources of emotional support through thoughtful and personalized gestures, fostering stronger connections with their target audience.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers can capitalize on the trend of personalized dorm decor by offering a wide range of customizable products and services for college students.
2. Advertising - Advertising agencies can explore the trend of using pets in advertisements as a way to create emotional connections and resonate with consumers.
3. Branding and Marketing - Brands and marketers can leverage the trend of providing emotional support through personalized gestures to build stronger relationships with their target audience.