AdopteUnMec.com (which translates to Adopt a Guy) is enticing its prospective clientele by putting hunky male models on show in the form of an 'Eligible Bachelor Pop-up Shop.' The nomad shop is a promotional advertising campaign that will move across various cities of France to promote the dating service by providing ‘samples’ of what interested clients may find on the website.
Standing in boxes like packaged Ken dolls, the single men smile and flirt with the crowd, encouraging them to take pictures and pine over them. Mr. Rocker poses with a guitar and strums a few chords, while Mr. Muscle seductively shows off his triceps. The AdopteUnMec website itself encourages single males to sign up and put themselves on display for women to browse through them as if they were shopping and scope out who best fits with their personality. Sign up is completely free for women.
The Eligible Bachelor Pop-Up Shop is presented like a store, making it seem like the Mr. Rocker and Mr. Hunky are only a card swipe away. Unfortunately, one may only look, not touch.
Men-as-Merchandise Stores
AdopteUnMec.com Makes Shopping For Men a Reality
Trend Themes
1. Experiential Marketing - Creating pop-up shops or experiences that allow potential customers to interact with a product or service in a unique and engaging way.
2. Personalized Dating - Incorporating elements of online shopping into dating apps, allowing users to browse and select potential matches based on personal preferences.
3. Male Objectification - Utilizing the concept of objectifying men as merchandise to create buzz and attract attention for marketing campaigns or promotions.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Exploring the use of pop-up shops and experiential marketing to engage customers and drive sales.
2. Online Dating - Incorporating features similar to online shopping to enhance the user experience and attract more users.
3. Advertising and Marketing - Taking advantage of unconventional marketing strategies such as male objectification to create unique and memorable campaigns.