This Skechers ad went viral as it boldly calls attention to the recent Nike PG 2.5 sneaker malfunction. During an NCAA match-up, American basketball player Zion Williamson's Nike-branded shoes fell apart. This unfortunate event has become a focus for the news and social media platforms who are extensively making jokes and offering commentary.
The Skechers ad is one of many brand reactions to the event that rendered the athlete unable to play due to an injury. The poster reads 'Just Blew It.' which plays on Nike's famous slogan. The marketing material is completed with 'We won't split on you.'
Aside from the possible moral implications and brand blow-back, the Skechers ad is quite successful in drawing the spotlight to itself and entering the public's consciousness.
Daring Brand Call-Out Ads
This Skechers Ad Takes a Risk as It Trolls the Nike NCAA Malfunction
Trend Themes
1. Brand Call-out Marketing - Opportunity for brands to create polarizing and buzzworthy advertisements that call out competitors or industry issues.
2. Viral Marketing Through Social Issues - Opportunity for brands to align themselves with social issues and create viral marketing campaigns leveraging current events.
3. Humor in Advertising - Opportunity for brands to use humor as a tool for creating memorable and shareable marketing campaigns.
Industry Implications
1. Athletic Footwear - Brands in the athletic footwear industry can utilize brand call-out marketing to differentiate themselves from competitors and align with social issues.
2. Sports Apparel - Brands within the sports apparel industry can leverage humor in advertising to create memorable campaigns and draw attention to their brand.
3. Advertising Agencies - Advertising agencies can recommend brand call-out marketing strategies as a way to create buzz and generate viral campaigns for their clients.