Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Marketing Strategy: From Pickpockets To Putpockets

Putting some fun into the crisis, in London, as part of an advertising blitz, former pickpockets does a reverse- they put-pocket or put money into people's pockets in stealth. (hat tip: Mark Perry)

From Reuters, ``Visitors to London always have to be on the look out for pickpockets, but now there's another, more positive phenomenon on the loose -- putpockets.

``Aware that people are suffering in the economic crisis, 20 former pickpockets have turned over a new leaf and are now trawling London's tourist sites slipping money back into unsuspecting pockets.

``Anything from 5 pounds ($8) to 20 pound notes is being surreptitiously deposited in unguarded pockets or open handbags in Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and other busy spots.

``The initiative, which runs until the end of August in London before being rolled out countrywide, is being funded by a broadbrand provider, which says it wants to brighten up people's lives in unusual ways.

"It feels good to give something back for a change -- and Britons certainly need it in the current economic climate," said Chris Fitch, a former pickpocket who now heads TalkTalk's putpocketing initiative."

Maybe if governments catches on to such an idea, they might incorporate this as part of their stimulus programs.

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