Lowe's advertisements
Go to this website: LinkLinks to an external site. (http://www.mouseprint.org/2016/08/22/lowes-pulls-misleading-tv-ad-after-we-cry-foul/Links to an external site.). Watch the short Lowe's video commercial. Then scroll down and look at the two Lowe's print ads, and read what happened with their advertising.
1. Did you find the Lowe's advertisements, both the commercial and print ad, misleading? Why or why not?
2. You are a senior manager at Lowe's, and need to manage negative public feedback about these commercials and print ads being misleading. What action would you take?
Yes, I found the Lowe's advertisements to be misleading. The commercial shows a woman using a Lowe's ladder to reach a high shelf in her garage. The print ad shows a man using a Lowe's ladder to change a light bulb in his living room ceiling. In both cases, the ladders are clearly shown to be standing on the ground, with the feet of the ladders fully extended.
However, the fine print at the bottom of the ads states that the ladders must be used on a level surface. This is a significant caveat that is not mentioned in the ads themselves. The ads make it seem like the ladders can be used on any surface, even if it is not level. This is misleading, and it could lead to accidents.
- You are a senior manager at Lowe's, and need to manage negative public feedback about these commercials and print ads being misleading. What action would you take?
- I would apologize to the public. I would make a public statement apologizing for the misleading ads and explaining that the company has taken steps to ensure that future ads are accurate.
- I would remove the ads from circulation. I would immediately remove the ads from all Lowe's websites and social media channels.
- I would offer refunds to anyone who was misled by the ads. I would offer refunds to anyone who purchased a ladder from Lowe's after seeing the misleading ads.
- I would review the company's advertising policies. I would review the company's advertising policies to ensure that they are clear and transparent. I would also make sure that the company's employees are aware of the policies and that they are following them.