If you watch shows like Britain’s Got Talent and American Idol the “costumes” are often composed simply of t-shirts and jeans. This is especially true during the early audition stage of the programs when people show up wearing a myriad of outfits. Frequently the shirts are promotional clothing though because they contain a message. It is as if people instinctively understand that they have an important opportunity to let the world know what they really care about by including a logo or printed message or picture on their clothing.The popular shows including Britain’s got Talent, American Idol and the X-Factor are the genius creations of Simon Cowell. Mr. Cowell has experienced enormous success for himself by creating reality shows. Now he is insisting on having more control over the use of his creations.
Topshop owner Sir Philip Green understands marketing and he saw an opportunity for Mr. Cowell to gain some of the control he wants while giving Topshop the perfect marketing venue. There are ongoing discussions between Topshop and Simon Cowell concerning a merchandising agreement that involves using celebrities that emerge on the reality shows. This is a business model already used by Disney enterprises which combines television characters and product merchandising very successfully.
Topshop recently opened a new store in New York marking the entrance of Sir Green into the US market. The store opened this year, but Sir Green is ready to expand his US presence already. He has plans for 15 American stores and sees American Idol celebrities as offering a wonderful opportunity for solidly establishing the Topshop brands in the US.
Both Britain’s Got Talent and American Idol have seen phenomenal success. The shows success is due to both the onstage talent and the interesting mixture of judges who sally back and forth regularly on the shows. Household names rise to stardom which inspires dreams of success in the viewers. Combining fashion with the newly recognized talent names could turn into a brilliant partnership. One day, don’t be surprised if Topshop begins to sell printed t-shirts that include the faces or names of Simon Cowell’s discoveries.
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