NAMES & FACES: SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's Steve Woodward reports U.S. Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. has signed an endorsement deal with vitamin supplement maker Shaklee (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/26 issue)....The Casual Male Big & Tall "George Foreman Collection" launched last month, and in Miami, Elaine Walker reported while the company considered Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and American Idol Ruben Studdard as spokespersons, Foreman "scored the highest approval rating among consumers." Casual Male Chair Seymour Holtzman: "There are so many Kobe Bryant issues out there. When you use a celebrity spokesman, you want someone who exemplifies character. George Foreman is not just a celebrity; he's a name brand" (MIAMI HERALD, 4/25).
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| Miles Thirst A Polarizing Figure For Sprite |
I CAN SEE FOR MILES: Sprite's "Miles Thirst" ad campaign, via Ogilvy & Mather, N.Y., was surveyed by USA TODAY's Ad Track. Overall, 19% of those polled "like the ads a lot," compared to the Ad Track average of 21%. Of respondents aged 18-24, 22% "like the ads a lot." However, 18% overall said they "dislike" the ads, compared to the Ad Track average of 13%. Of respondents aged 18-24, 14% "dislike" the ads. Sprite Group Dir John Carroll, on Miles Thirst: "We're trying to pique the interest and make sure he's desirable. We're thrilled with this campaign. We've been trying to crack the code on great advertising for a few years" (Theresa Howard, USA TODAY, 4/26).
BUT SIRIUS-LY FOLKS: Sirius Satellite Radio, the official satellite radio partner of the NFL, runs a full-page ad in today's USA TODAY sports section, with the header "The Entire NFL. Every Week. Everywhere" (THE DAILY).
