Reverse Ad Placement: Abercrombie & Fitch Offers To Pay Jersey Shore Cast To Stop Wearing Its Clothing

One of my lifelong commitments is to go to my grave without having seen a single episode of Jersey Shore, a show that from all accounts represents the de-evolution of our species. In a reverse of the booming business of ad placement in television shows, retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has reportedly offered a “substantial payment” to the cast if they would stop wearing their brand clothing on air. The store fears that the obnoxious characters are dragging down their brand.

There is no legal injury or claim to make against celebrities who hurt a business by embracing its products. This, however, could opened up a new market for reverse ad placement payments — pay us or we will show your products to millions.

Mike “the Situation” Sorrentino appears a particularly concern for Abercrombie & Fitch. A spokesman is quoted as saying “We are deeply concerned that Mr. Sorrentino’s association with our brand could cause significant damage to our image. We understand that the show is for entertainment purposes, but believe this association is contrary to the aspirational nature of our brand, and may be distressing to many of our fans. We have also extended this offer to other members of the cast, and are urgently waiting a response.”

This could finally open up a viable line of revenue for me — featuring myself on the blog wearing clothing to trigger payments from stores. Abercrombie & Fitch has never seen the horror of an endomorphic law professor squeezed into Algonquin shorts and Panther George tee shirt. Of course, the real horror (which I have found in shopping for my nieces) is the demand of $50 from Abercrombie & Fitch for a teeshirt. That could be the subject of its own reality show.

Source: CNN