November 14, 2005

Beyonce at Wal-Mart? New ads hard act to swallow

Next time you\'re wandering the aisles at the local Wal-Mart, you might run into singer Beyonce Knowles doing some shopping of her own -- or at least that\'s what the world\'s largest retailer would have you believe. In an effort to appear more upscale and appeal to a broader consumer base, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. last week rolled out TV ads featuring, among other stars, Knowles and other members of the group Destiny\'s Child surrounded by Wal-Mart products. \"Do I think Donald Trump consumes a lot of Domino\'s Pizza? No. Does that mean he never eats Domino\'s? No. But is he an authentic source to tell me, the middle class or someone hovering over the poverty line, I should eat Domino\'s?\" said Jeff Stoltman, a Wayne State University marketing professor. \"People just don\'t identify him with that product.\" Stoltman said while it\'s important for companies to use celebrities consumers can connect with the products they endorse, more often than not celebrities prove to be assets because they draw attention to a brand.

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