Back in Time Today
The 1980s were an era of bold and outrageous marketing tactics that aimed to grab attention in the most extravagant ways. From soda wars that ended in naval fleets, to burger promotions that left the public bewildered, companies pushed the boundaries of creativity and sometimes sanity.
These gimmicks, whether successful or disastrous, remain unforgettable. Let’s explore 14 such marketing extravaganzas that defined the 80s and left a mark on pop culture.
1. Coca-Cola’s “MagiCans” That Literally Blew Up
Coca-Cola’s “MagiCans” were supposed to be a delightful surprise for consumers, dispensing cash and prizes instead of soda. However, many malfunctioned, with some leaking foul-smelling liquid or even exploding.
Instead of delight, the campaign resulted in dismay and safety concerns. The incident serves as a lesson on the importance of reliability in promotional products, and the need to ensure safety is never compromised for spectacle.
2. The Burger King “Where’s Herb?” Disaster
In a bid to create buzz, Burger King invented Herb, a fictional man who had never tasted their food. They promised cash prizes for spotting him in-stores. The campaign was a mess, as neither customers nor employees knew who Herb was.
Confusion overshadowed the excitement. This poorly executed idea became an embarrassing chapter in Burger King’s history. The campaign serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity in promotional efforts.
3. McDonald’s McDLT: The Burger That Needed Special Packaging
McDonald’s introduced the McDLT to solve the “warm lettuce” problem with their burgers. The unique packaging featured separate compartments for hot and cold ingredients. Customers were expected to assemble their own burgers, leading to inconvenience and excessive waste.
The novelty of this packaging failed to capture consumer enthusiasm, leaving McDonald’s to rethink their approach to innovation. While the product fizzled, it highlighted the era’s fascination with over-engineering solutions for simple issues.
4. The $30,000 DeLorean Giveaway That Backfired
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes attempted to leverage the iconic status of the DeLorean from “Back to the Future” by offering it as a grand prize. Unfortunately, the carmaker’s bankruptcy overshadowed the excitement of the contest.
With the prize suddenly losing its allure, it became a cautionary tale about timing and market dynamics. The campaign underlined the risks involved in tying promotions to volatile products, even in a decade known for its glitzy marketing maneuvers.
5. Dominos “Avoid the Noid” Campaign That Went Horribly Wrong
Dominos introduced The Noid, an animation character bent on disrupting pizza deliveries, to comic effect. However, reality took a dark turn when Kenneth Noid, believing the ads targeted him, held employees hostage.
This unintended consequence highlighted the potential pitfalls of using real names in marketing. The campaign, meant to be humorous, inadvertently became a case study in the need for sensitivity and foresight in branding.
6. Pepsi’s “The Choice of a New Generation” Stunt (And a Military Coup?!)
Pepsi took the soda wars to a new level in the 80s by engaging in a bizarre trade with the Soviet Union. The deal involved submarines and military vessels being exchanged for their sweet cola. This unconventional agreement temporarily made Pepsi the sixth largest military fleet globally.
Although the stunt was short-lived, it secured Pepsi a place in marketing legend. One wonders how far they’ll go to outdo Coca-Cola. This audacious move remains a classic example of over-the-top 80s marketing.
7. The KFC “I Ate the Bones” Meltdown
KFC’s attempt to market boneless chicken through exaggerated shock in their ads backfired spectacularly. The tagline “I ate the bones!” was meant to be funny, but it quickly became cringe-worthy.
The campaign was pulled as fast as it was launched. This episode emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer perception and the fine line between humor and awkwardness. Marketing should resonate, not repel, and this was a lesson KFC learned the hard way.
8. New Coke: The Greatest Marketing Disaster of the 80s
Coca-Cola’s attempt to reformulate its iconic drink with “New Coke” met with massive public backlash. Consumers missed the original taste, leading to a swift return of the classic formula. This marketing misstep is now studied as a classic failure in understanding consumer attachment to brand identity.
While it caused short-term chaos, Coca-Cola eventually regained its footing, showcasing the potential for recovery even from the most public of blunders.
9. The Kool-Aid Man’s Wall-Smashing Takeover
Kool-Aid’s mascot, the Kool-Aid Man, became famous for crashing through walls with a resounding “Oh yeah!” The imagery was both iconic and absurd, cementing the character in pop culture.
This boisterous campaign exemplifies the 80s’ penchant for larger-than-life marketing. While wildly entertaining, it also posed questions about the boundary between fantasy and realism in ads. The Kool-Aid Man remains a nostalgic symbol of a marketing era that embraced excess with open arms.
10. The “Crystal Pepsi” Hype Train That Went Nowhere
Pepsi attempted to revolutionize the soda market with Crystal Pepsi, a clear cola positioned as pure and healthy. However, consumers were indifferent, and the product quickly vanished from shelves.
The campaign reflects the 80s’ experimental spirit, where innovation sometimes outpaced demand. The failure of Crystal Pepsi underscores the importance of aligning product innovation with consumer interest, and serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in chasing trends.
11. The Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” Mania
Wendy’s struck a chord with the public using an older woman demanding “Where’s the Beef?” at competitors’ puny burgers. The phrase became a cultural phenomenon, even making its way into political discourse.
This catchy campaign highlighted the effectiveness of humor and simplicity in advertising. By leveraging a memorable line and relatable scenario, Wendy’s successfully etched itself into the 80s zeitgeist. It remains a prime example of how a single phrase can transform marketing.
12. The Levi’s “501 Blues” Ads That Made Jeans Seem Like a Lifestyle Choice
Levi’s 501 jeans were marketed through artsy commercials that suggested wearing them was a cultural statement. The brand succeeded in associating its product with individuality and rebellion.
Although button-fly jeans were not the most convenient, the allure of being part of a lifestyle resonated with consumers. The campaign illustrates the 80s trend of linking fashion with identity, a strategy that continues to influence marketing today.
13. The Red Lobster “Endless Crab” Disaster
Red Lobster’s “Endless Crab” promotion underestimated consumer appetites, leading to significant financial losses. While enticing in theory, the promotion proved unsustainable as diners took full advantage, eating far more than anticipated.
This miscalculation serves as a cautionary tale about balancing consumer offers with business viability. Despite the setback, it highlighted the 80s inclination towards bold, attention-grabbing promotions that sometimes prioritized spectacle over sustainability.
14. The “Toys ‘R’ Us Kid” Jingle That Brainwashed a Generation
The “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid” jingle captured the hearts and minds of a generation. Its catchy tune became synonymous with childhood joy and the excitement of toy shopping.
The campaign’s success lay in its ability to evoke nostalgia and a sense of wonder, making it one of the most memorable marketing efforts of the 80s. Even though Toys ‘R’ Us eventually went bankrupt, the jingle lives on in the memories of many.