The Best Idea You'll Never See

So, as most of you know, the Democratic National Convention will be held here in Charlotte next week.  A couple of months ago, I was trying to think of a guerilla idea that a local company could do to drum up some PR for them (and for me) during the convention.  As I ran through a number of ideas in my mind, nothing seemed to click.  But then, one day, as I was walking through SouthPark Mall (no relation to the South Park on Comedy Central), it hit me.  There it was, right in front of me ...Banana Republic.  As I stared at their logo, I just thought it would be incredible if, during the DNC ...they changed their sign to read "Banana Democratic".

I immediately took a photo of their entrance with my iPhone.  Then, after some quick Photoshop retouching, I put together a presentation outlining how successful companies stand out in the marketplace and how this disruptive idea would guarantee free publicity on a national scale, create a frenzy of social buzz unlike anything the world has ever seen (at least, not since Orson Welles' radio broadcast of "War of The Worlds").

Several weeks passed and finally got up the nerve to go make my presentation to the local manager of Banana Republic.  As I found a parking spot at SouthPark Mall, I rehearsed my introduction and support points.  I had it all worked out, even down to a slick Keynote presentation on my iPad with some razzle-dazzle transitions between slides.  I even had the presentation loaded on a flash drive to leave behind.  This presentation would be flawless. 

My pace quickened as I entered the mall (which is definitely something new for me.)  I was almost at a Ryan Hall pace as I zoomed past Urban Outfitters and the Apple Store.  However, as I passed the kiosk where the guy was demonstrating the remote-control helicopters, my pace slowed to a halt.  I stopped and squinted, not wanting to believe that what I was seeing was true.  As The Banana Republic (soon to be Banana Democratic) came into focus, there was something wrong.  Something terribly wrong.  Instead of the usual storefront, it was completely covered with a white banner from floor to ceiling.  The words on the banner read:  "We are temporarily closed for remodel."

I rationalized that some things just aren't meant to be.  I then consoled myself by purchasing a slice of Reese's Cup cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory and went home and ate the whole thing in one sitting.  Who knows, maybe someone will pass this story along to a marketing executive at Banana Republic and 4 years from now, we'll see a Banana Democratic.  Maybe even a Banana Libertarian.