Social Networking Comes to Times Square NYC

Those who want their moment in the lights won't have 140 characters to do so, like they do on social media biggie, Twitter. American Eagle states that anyone who buys something in the store beginning Nov. 19 can have their photo and a message posted on the billboard within 15 minutes of the purchase...but they are limited to 50 words. No profanity. No political messages.

Tim Tompkins, president of Times Square Alliance, which represents area businesses. "I suspect this will become part of the Times Square experience." He says roughly 500,000 people walk through Times Square daily.

The real winner in this attempt to become a giant sized social media feed is American Eagle. Just having the media write about the giant electronic billboard in Times Square is enough to bring millions into American Eagle before the store even opens.

A few moments of fame on the American Eagle billboard is available to customers who buy anything in the store. The least expensive item at the moment is a $6.50 pair of socks. After purchasing an item, customers can have their photos taken in another area of the store and sign a waiver to have their photo posted on the billboard.

The photo is shot of the face and upper chest. AE will screen for inappropriate attire. Besides name and home town, each customer can post a 50-character message with the photo, but it can't include profanity or political statements. Steve Kubinski, AE's marketing chief states, "We want the messages to be upbeat."

The American Eagle store with the giant "social media" billboard is due to open November 19.

Cheryl Phillips
HULIQ.com

sources: AE.com, Forbes