How’s this for free publicity?

I had to double-check it wasn’t April 1st when I read this story.

A Jamaican rapper has boost the sales of Clarks’ shoes in a way that no advertising exec would could.

The British brand is known for its comfortable, sensible shoes, not for its street-cred, right? Wrong. A Jamaican rapper has released a song that has caused such a surge in their popularity that the price of the shoes has almost doubled. Shoe shops in Jamaica have raised the price per pair from $6,000 Jamaican Dollars to over $10,000 – the equivalent of £78.42 a pair.

‘Clarks’, by rapper Vybz Cartel, features the chorus line ‘Everybody haffi ask weh mi get mi Clarks’ and even has lyrics about the Queen wearing them. The CD cover features a picture of him carrying pictures of his favourite shoes – Clarks’ Wallabees, DesertBoots and Desert Treks. Since then popularity and sales of the footwear have gone through the roof.

I wonder if he knows that the ‘sensible’ shoes actually originate from a family company from Street in Somerset….

According to this Sky News article, Vybz Cartel has also since released two follow-up singles; “Clarks Again” and “Clarks 3”:

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Clarks-Shoe-Shop-Sees-Rise-In-Popularity-In-Jamaica-As-Rap-Artist-Writes-Song-About-His-Shoes/Article/201007215661488?lpos=Business_Third_Home_Page_Feature_Teaser_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15661488_Clarks_Shoe_Shop_Sees_Rise_In_Popularity_In_Jamaica_As_Rap_Artist_Writes_Song_About_His_Shoes

Clarks must be thanking their lucky stars!

Gemma Carey – Bluewood Training Ltd

www.bluewoodtraining.com

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