June 13, 2005
In the Neighborhood
HSBC has a great subway ad campaign highlighting the diversity of some of New York's neighborhoods (which is why you need "the world's local bank"). One ad series features Williamsburg. One banner reads "Williamsburg?" and shows a photo of a Hasidic Jew. The other banner reads "Williamsburg?" and shows a photo of an inked hipster. It's very funny.
HSBC should expand this campaign to feature some other neighborhoods. Here are some suggestions:
• "Upper West Side?" (Photo showing struggling actor that hasn't gotten a callback in six years) Then: "Upper West Side?" (Photo showing old lady kvetching at the guy behind the Fairway lox counter because the Eastern Gaspé is too salty)
• "Chelsea?" (Photo showing tank topped circuit boys with Prada messenger bags) Then: "Chelsea?" (Photo showing yuppie couple with stroller who moved to the high rise on 6th and 26th to be part of a "hip" neighborhood)
• "Murray Hill? (Photo showing generic 25 year-old frat boy) Then: "Murray Hill?" (Photo showing generic 25 year-old sorority girl)
