Story Archive

Shaken

Struggling retailer Kmart has finally resonated with customers again, with a TV commercial that has gone viral online. The “Show Your Joe” ad sells Joe Boxer underwear, and features a line of men wearing tuxedos above the waist, and just their boxers below. They “play” Jingle Bells by swinging their hips, suggesting clanging ...uh... bells. Released November 15, so it had plenty of time to get around before the “Black Friday” start of holiday shopping, the online version alone broke 7 million views within days. But “One Million Moms” — an advocacy group sponsored by the American Family Association — has dubbed the ad “disgusting,” “inappropriate,” and “filth.” The chain said they “regret if some people found the commercial offensive,” but don’t seem inclined to stop running it. The “moms” complain Kmart made “a deliberate decision to produce controversial advertisements instead of wholesome ones. This is a terrible plan on Kmart’s part, especially at this time of year!” (RC/Los Angeles Times) ...Right: the Halloween to Thanksgiving season should be sacred.