By: Layna Alvarez
Why is Product Placement Important?
Product placement is a silent yet influential approach to market the products and services of brands to potential consumers. Fans of the popular TV show, Stranger Things, noticed the grocery store scene that effortlessly integrated the Eggo brand. More recently, E.L.F. was dragged on social media for advertising their brand in the new Mean Girls, even though we all know Regina George would never wear makeup that cheap. Product placement sneakily influences consumers, and it pays off. In 2017, Eggo sales went up by 14% in the fourth quarter, largely due to its appearance in Stranger Things. Although it may seem that its appearance wouldn’t influence us to that extent, it can still affect our overall perception of that brand.
How Does Product Placement Affect Us?
Seeing our favorite characters on screen actually using these products can influence us to also purchase those items. I mean, last year of the winter semester, I walked to class in clothing similar to Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl because I wanted to radiate her confidence. And honestly, it worked. Although I wasn’t wearing expensive brands like Dior or Louis Vuitton, I was still influenced to purchase items similar to her style. We all have at least one movie or TV show character we admire, and seeing them use certain brands or products influences us to do the same.
Recap of Last Night’s Meeting
Last night, despite a lower turnout, our event was a success! We watched the original movie Mean Girls and learned more about product placement. We handed out sheets of paper to jot down as many examples of product placement as possible within the movie. The person who had the most examples written down won a $10 gift card to Starbucks. Keep an eye out on our Instagram page and Slack to learn more about our future events and when they’re happening!
Because things get real, real fast. 