Comments on: True Stories – Final Three Cuts

By: Best Buy CMO asks fans to help critique new ads | Business Blogging Blog

Best Buy CMO asks fans to help critique new ads | Business Blogging Blog — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:56:59 +0000

[...] CMO Barry Judge recently asked fans to critique the company’s upcoming holiday TV ads after posting early sneak previews on his blog. In his post, Barry gives a behind-the-scenes “what we were thinking” explanation at [...]

By: Mechelle

Mechelle — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:40:59 +0000

Barry these are great, I thought the last set were good but these feel even more personal to me, as an employee and customer these make me feel like part of the story. I think the visuals aren’t quite as busy as the last set.

By: Ben Nesvig

Ben Nesvig — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 04:46:46 +0000

A few comments about the ads:

- I love how they feel unscripted and unrehearsed. You know that they are real people and they are really passionate about Best Buy. So many ads come off as bland and predictable. These feel like they are sharing a great story with you, instead of pushing a product on you.
- Very well produced and directed. The visuals are great.
- They are on message. Best Buy employees (at least in my experience) are known for constantly asking people if they need help. This is one thing that distinguished you from another major retailer.
- I laughed out loud at the Geek Squad commercial.

Are you going to keep with the True Stories campaign after the holidays?

By: David

David — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:45:32 +0000

I am going to have to disagree w/ Jessica about the favorite. The first time I saw the military base commercial I really felt like Best Buy was pushing a strong “spend lots of money” undertone. I think that many will see it as finding that ‘perfect gift’ , so it may do very well, but personally it didn’t fell right to me. And also a pressure to perform…”This is their (your) shot” with an unstated “don’t mess it up”. That one just didn’t do it for me

By: Ed Nicholson

Ed Nicholson — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:03:37 +0000

Cool stuff, Barry. You guys are doing a great job. Know it’s a tough time. Hang in there. You’re definitely coming at the customer the right way (I’ve been to BB twice this week).

By: Jessica Hansen

Jessica Hansen — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:09:00 +0000

I think all six spots are great, but the story from the military base location is my favorite. Stephen Suttles’ enthusiasm is definitely contagious — “This is their shot!” I love that the stories are real, and that you can easily relate to them. I think the commercials make you think, “Oh, that’s a great idea — I could do that as a gift idea and make someone’s holiday brighter too.”
I love that the spots touch on a variety of scenarios — military families, families w/ special needs, younger children, people who celebrate Christmas as well as people who celebrate Hanukkah… It would be great to see a spot that speaks to those who may not be able to celebrate the holidays in the same way due to limited budgets — maybe a way for others to GIVE this holiday season? All are really great spots, though — I stop and watch each time one is shown on television.
Also, great job sharing the information through updates on Twitter and directing people to your blog — I look forward to seeing other comments and hearing more about how the True Stories ads are received this year. Congratulations on what seems to be a successful campaign for Best Buy.