Waiting for what? Godot?
There are some strange ads on teevee here in Denver right now. A series of athletes from all walks of life look at the camera and say crap like, “I really need a new fishing rod. But I’m waiting.” After about a dozen or so testimonials about waiting for new baseball gloves and the like the ad just ends. What are they waiting for?
The only clue is “dks” in small white letters at the beginning of the ad. DKS happens to be the stock symbol for Dick’s Sporting Goods (I think maybe they display it for regulatory purposes. Does the FCC require that advertisers identify themselves in some fashion?). Regardless, if you check their store locator there aren’t any in Colorado, but they are right next door in Kansas and Nebraska. I don’t think anyone would advertise in a state where they don’t have customers unless they’re planning on having some soon.
So is this an elaborate anticipation ad? Are all those people holding off on buying that glove at Gart’s because they know Dick’s is coming and is better/cheaper/has a funny name? That’s what I’m guessing, but I think the ad could be a bit more clear about that. I expect when they have a grand opening they’ll broadcast something that explains it all.
Update: And the mystery is solved!
Popularity: 1% [?]
I’m in Kansas City, and we have Dick’s around here. They recently bought out (and ruined) Galyans, which used to be my favorite outdoor/sporting goods chain in town.
Maybe Dick’s has just bought out one of your local chiains, too.
Yea, we have Galyan’s. We’ll see if they change their name.
Ack! So -that’s- what happened to the Galyan’s at the Broomfield GigaMall….
Really? I don’t get out to the gigamall (love that term, btw) anymore now that I’m in Aurora.
I love having a blog, I’d never have known all this without it. Perhaps I should keep posting this time.
Hi from Chicago! Yes, I have been seeing the same commercial over and over again.. so finally out of frustration I googled the DKS “Waiting” Commercial and spotted your blog. I was hoping it was some anti nike sweatshop thing.. haha.. but no. Damn.
I’ve seen these commercials in Grand Rapids, MI as well. And, I too, googled and found this blog. That is a weird way to advertise if it is Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The ad is for Dick’s. Check the update.
I found your blog through a Google search for “dks i’m waiting.” These ads are now airing in Nashville, and I’m glad DKS isn’t some strange cult with enough money to advertise during the baseball playoffs.
Hey, you’re not the Tom Campion, are you? The one who used to work with me at MCI in Raleigh, I mean.
Hmm, 23 year-old grad student. Nope, different Tom Campion.