Retail “Brand Ambassadors”

by Deepak Sharma on Sunday, September 11, 2011

Retailers are hiring college students to represent brands on campuses across the nation.

On Campus, It’s One Big Commercial

IT’S move-in day here at the University of North Carolina, and Leila Ismail, stuffed animals in tow, is feeling some freshman angst.

A few friendly upperclassmen spring into action.

But wait: there is something odd, or at least oddly corporate, about this welcome wagon. These U.N.C. students are all wearing identical T-shirts from American Eagle Outfitters.

Turns out three of them are working for that youth clothing chain on this late August morning, as what are known in the trade as “brand ambassadors” or “campus evangelists” — and they have recruited several dozen friends as a volunteer move-in crew. Even before Ms. Ismail can find her dorm or meet her roommate, they cheerily unload her family’s car. Then they lug her belongings to her dorm. Along the way, they dole out American Eagle coupons, American Eagle water canisters and American Eagle pens.

One comment

Hi Deepak - I work for a fairly small label and in-store supplies supplier here in Houston, Texas. While we don't do anything like this for our retail business, I mean it just doesn't make sense for us, I've read about several companies having great success. It makes sense for clothing and food retailers - thousands of college kids with purchasing power. Smart move on their part.

Anyways, thanks for sharing! - Aly

by Aly on 9:24 AM. #