Target in Canada? Finally!

So, Canadians are finally welcoming the retail giant Target, as they set out to open 135 locations on Canadian soil beginning in 2013. What sort of tactics is Target going to use to generate buzz and excitement around their first store opening in Canada?

 First they should start by sending news and press releases to all major news outlets, radio stations, television stations, and bloggers. 

Social media should also be part of their tactics. Maybe starting online contest and competitions through social media channels, such as Facebook and twitter. Winners of these contests would receive a V.I.P shopping experience before the grand opening.

Another tactic would be putting up billboards in high traffic area, which display the highly recognizable target logo saying “coming soon”. They should set up events in local malls, engaging customers to take part in activities and contests, and be rewarded with gift certificates and special offers.

There are tons of tactics that Target can use, the possibilities really are endless! I am excited to see how they go about reaching their target audience. For now I will sit back and patiently wait for the doors to open.

Humour in PR, Comment #3

I really enjoyed reading this post. I feel that sharing a good laugh with someone is a great way to bond and get to know someone. Being part of the younger demographic, I personally feel that more companies should use a humorous approach while trying to get the message across. Not only does it make for a good laugh, but I feel it is more intimate than the regular, boring ways of getting a message across. Of course you need to be careful you don’t cross any boundaries, and make sure it is not disrespecting your target audience. The backlash you may face if you`re not careful can be detrimental to your campaign. Everyone remembers a good joke. If you know what you`re doing, and you can use humor in the correct context, then why not!

Not the best idea!

 Photo Credit http://www.dominiquediprima.com/?p=5611

Doing the back work in a PR campaign is absolutely vital in determining the success of your campaign. It is important to have all the information needed and to make sure you are getting the point across to your target audience. Make sure you do your research, and that your research is relevant. There are many failed PR campaigns out there, but one that really sticks to me would have to be the fiasco that is O.J. Simpson’s book (former NFL star, turned accused murderer). Entitled “If I did it” about the hypothetical murder of his ex-wife.  In today’s world of sensationalist news it might be possible (although would require a healthy dose of fantasy) to understand why some marketer out there thought this was a good idea.  It was scheduled to be published and promoted on a TV special by News Corp subsidiaries – but the general uproar over the book and a few affiliates refusing to run the show led to Chairman Rupert Murdoch stepping in and canceling both.  Oh – and the book’s super high profile editor was fired. In my personal opinion, this was a horrible idea. Not only O.J. writing the book, but the fact that people actually backed this insane idea and tried to bring it to market. I’m sure there are people in today’s society who are more than curious about what O.J has to say. Personally I wouldn’t waste my time or money on such a book. Not the greatest idea on both O.J and the publisher’s part.