Debbie Phelps has become an ad star, too

Behind almost every great Olympic athlete is a dedicated mom. But only one has her own endorsement deals. Debbie Phelps, mother of the greatest Olympian ever, is proving to be a powerful brand in her own right. Johnson & Johnson, a family company, chose Debbie Phelps as the official "Mom of the Olympic Games." The distinction comes with a donation in her name to J&J's global charity program and of course, a sugary-sweet ad, "Thank You from Mom," which played during the Olympic closing ceremonies (and which, I admit, made me tear up like a total sap). Excellent pick, J&J. Debbie received more on-air time than most athletes, including those rowers you sponsored. All that exposure has also had another unexpected side effect: a boom for Chico's, a Florida-based clothing retailer, which has seen a spike in sales since Ms. Phelps wore their line almost exclusively at the Olympics. They're currently in talks to get her as an official partner. Despite the complete lack of a contract or the official right to use her name, Chico's has already added "The Debbie Phelps Collection" to its Web site (along with a horrible low-res picture of Ms. Phelps). Debbie, sweetie, you gotta remember: In this business, don't ever give it away for free.

—Posted by Rebecca Cullers

Published on August 26, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2)
Filed under Cullers, J&J, Michael Phelps, Olympics, TV

J&J realizing kids need a kick in the pants

Nice piece here from The Onion about Johnson & Johnson's "Nothing But Tears" shampoo, a product designed to "prepare meek and fragile newborns for the real world." "You'll notice a difference after just one use," says a J&J rep, "whether it's your newborn's more hardened appearance, the way he now approaches people with guarded skepticism, or just that look on his face that says, 'Oh wait, maybe life isn't all hugs and kisses and rainbows. Maybe I need to get my fucking act together.' "

—Posted by Tim Nudd

Published on August 18, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2)
Filed under J&J, Nudd, Parody