Creativity in Public Relations

If you haven’t been to Times Square in NYC you at least know millions of people walk through it every day, millions of people who at some time in the day have to do a number 1 or number 2 (water the flowers, drop the kids off at the pool, etc.).  However you say it, finding any bathroom in Times Square has always been incredibly hard, and if you find one the chance that it would be clean has about the same odds as winning the lottery.  Thanks to our good friends at Charmin, makers of cuddly soft toilet paper, people can now find an oasis of cleanliness and comfort as Charmin has unveiled 20 new restrooms that are constantly cleaned, perfumed and fluffed as needed for the next visitor.  Each stall has a choice of Charmin toilet paper for people to try, a perfect product sampling exercise done the best way possible given the nature of the need for the product.

Charmin first unveiled the restrooms last year with reportedly nearly 1/2 million people stopping by.  This year the company has added the ability to buy t-shirts, stuffed bears, scarves and more - and of course pick up a coupon for Charmin.  The company also checked the green box, as each toilet is a water-conserving toilet.     

You can check out the campaign site to learn more of the new bathroom and download some fun things as well.  Just a great example of what to strive for with your next experiential campaign - does it naturally connect to the product, will it entertain consumers, is it an experience consumers are going to want to share, will the media think its interesting and unique enough to cover?  Check off these boxes and you are well on your way.