KFC Launches Controversial Ad Campaign for the Double Down
KFC’s infamous Double Down sandwich was the most buzzed about topic on the Internet when it was introduced earlier this year.
But attention spans are short in cyberspace and sales of the Double Down have started to wane. So KFC is trying to get back some of the viral magic with an advertising campaign that is as controversial as the sandwich itself. KFC has enlisted shapely co-eds at several universities to don sweat pants with the words “Double Down" emblazoned across the rear, while handing out $5 KFC coupons. Feminist groups like the National Organization for Women are up in arms, calling the promotion “obnoxious” and claiming that the campaign sent a message that "it's okay to objectify and sexualize women." But KFC has no plans tohalt the campaign. After all, women are exactly the Double Down’s target audience. Young men are. Are frankly, they’re not complaining.
Lovin’ it. Everybody loves a cool, delicious smoothie. But these days, McDonald’s is loving them more than the rest of us. These newly introduced fruit drinks helped Mickey D’s attract the largest number of customers in more than twenty years, launching their shares to an all-time high. The company is also drowning the competition as chains like Wendy’s and Burger King continue to struggle in hard economic times. Look out for more menu innovations from Ronald and the gang, including all-day oatmeal.
To Russia, with burgers. The Iron Curtain may have fallen more than twenty years ago, but fast-food outlets have not been eager to embrace Mother Russia. At least until now. Last year, Burger King entered the country, and this year Wendy’s and Carl’s Jr. finally said ‘Da’ to Russia. Wendy’s has plans to open 180 locations nationwide. The timing seems to be right. Russians are getting a taste for fast food, with the market growing 15 percent last year, compared to a 12.6 decline for the region’s traditional caf?s and restaurants, according to the newspaper Pravda. Russians are also losing their taste for instant noodles, with only 19 percent of Russians snacking on them this year, compared to 31 percent in 2006. Which just goes to show you: no matter where you live, a bowl of noodles can never compete with a Wendy’s Triple Baconator.
