Bhutan is perhaps the only country in Asia that does not encourage advertisements. Bhutanese government has always put a lot of importance on conserving nature and has avoided the expansion of consumerism. In a website, I found about Bhutan:
“Instead of billboards advertising real estate deals or cheap cell-phone plans, Bhutan's ad spaces are consumed by slogans like "Love nature" and "Trees are deep, dark, and lovely."
Even BBC has stated:
“The capital, Thimpu, is remarkable for its lack of advertising. In an attempt to hold back consumerism the city council recently banned hoardings promoting Coke and Pepsi.”
So, Bhutan is not exactly the place to look for when it comes to innovative ads. That is why; I got shocked to see ads in uniforms of the parking fee collectors in the capital city, Thimpu. I got even more shocked to see that it was approved by Thimpu city corporation. I am quoting from a report of Kuenselonline.com:
“The orange fluorescent uniforms that the parking fee collectors started wearing from September 3 not only identify them as one but also provides free space for advertisements from savvy entrepreneurs.
The Lunar Infosys, which runs the parking fee system in the Capital, is charging interested advertisers, an annual fee of Nu. 5000 for a single advertisement.
“We have printed the ads on about 60 uniforms which are worn by our collectors all around the Capital,” said Wangchuk, the proprietor of Lunar Infosys.
This innovative idea was inspired from the ad-laden dresses worn by motorsport drivers abroad, according to Wangchuk.
He told Kuensel that the idea was well received by business houses in the Capital with 12 of them, mostly automobile workshops, having already printed their names.”
I liked the idea of putting ads on the uniform of parking fee collectors. It does not damage the environment or it does take much space either. For the companies, it is very cheep. So, it is good for everyone. Bhutanese government is not keen to allow big bill boards in the streets and the shops.
Hey peeps,
No doubt this is one of the most innovative and unique idea of advertisment that is also environmental friendly.
But the question would be "Is it really solving the advertisment purpose?"
Advertisment means to help the message reach its target audience. Ads on such tshirts will be merely visible and there would be a big question mark on its reach.
Posted by: Aeri | January 3, 2008 11:43 PM | Permalink to Comment