Monday, February 15, 2010

Hugs & kisses? Or near-misses?

From the "What Were They Thinking Department"
This bad idea never have made it past the brainstorming session: Nivea plastered its ho-hum branding all over the New York City carriage horses on February 14, 2010. That's right, the horses were parading around with a ridiculous branded message across their backsides. Talk about product placement. How embarrassing. (Nivea isn't playing in the same arena as the bigger brands; otherwise, this gaffe would be up there with "New Coke" as a marketing debacle for the ages.)
"Share the hugs & kisses," tourists were exhorted as part of this branding flop. That's right, as the aroma of fresh manure wafted all around, fine ladies and gents clambered into the bedazzled carriages for a ride.
What can we expect next? Burger King branding? Big Mac coupons?
ACTION ALERT! This is too easy! Please contact Nivea (owned by Beiersdorf) and tell the company that you will not buy its products anymore. Let the company know the facts about New York City's carriage industry. Nivea got this wrong: It is a heartless industry. This is not about "sharing the love," but rather sharing the misery.

Leslie Kickham, 203-563-5821
email: lkickham@bdfusa.com

Christina Stejskal, 212-582-1111
email: christina.stejskal@pmkbnc.com

Ms. Kickham and Ms. Stejskal are in public relations for Nivea.





Sunday, February 7, 2010

Don't make a date with cruelty

Say "no" to a carriage ride
Not a drop of water for the horses on January 27, when this picture was taken at Central Park. This is in blatant violation of the law. The Department of Health is completely unable, and apparently unwilling, to enforce the laws requiring the industry to provide an adequate amount of potable water for the carriage horses.The spigots to these troughs are turned off for half the year, and the drivers claim they carry water in buckets. That would be a neat trick, since the horses need a minimum of 10 to 12 gallons of water a day in cold weather.
Photo by Donny Moss (January 27, 2010, Central Park)
Related post on Carriage Horses -- NYC blog