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Martin Agency Recognized as Adweek's 2020 US Agency of the Year

Maintaining relevance and diversity proved crucial for its success amidst a turbulent year.

Advertising powerhouse The Martin Agency named Adweek's 2020 US Agency of the Year.
Advertising powerhouse The Martin Agency named Adweek's 2020 US Agency of the Year.

Martin Agency Recognized as Adweek's 2020 US Agency of the Year

The Martin Agency, a renowned advertising firm, began 2020 with an optimistic outlook, unaware of the chaos that was to come. However, their optimism paid off when they secured a new client, Old Navy, in February of the same year.

The acquisition was the result of a lengthy pitch process, and The Martin Agency proposed a unique idea for Old Navy. They suggested creating a massive installation made entirely of Old Navy clothes, to promote the brand's charitable effort. This idea was a response to Old Navy's $30 million clothing donation to families in need, which was announced shortly after.

Initially, the campaign idea was temporarily shelved due to the unexpected outbreak of Covid-19, forcing Old Navy to temporarily close its stores. However, the agency didn't let this setback deter them. They revisited the idea and approached local artist William PK Carter, a quilter and puppet artist based in Central Valley, New York.

Carter, who bridges the puppet and fine art worlds, was tasked with creating the large-scale installation. The result was a stunning display of creativity, showcasing Old Navy's commitment to giving back to the community. The installation became a time-lapse video, which became one of Old Navy's best-performing ads.

Old Navy's chief marketing officer, Jamie Gersch, confirmed the success of the ad. "The response was overwhelmingly positive," she said. "It was a powerful way to showcase our commitment to helping those in need."

The ad was not part of the originally planned campaign for Old Navy, but it proved to be a significant success. It demonstrated the power of creativity and adaptability in the face of adversity, a lesson that resonated with many during these challenging times.

As we look back on 2020, the Old Navy campaign stands as a shining example of how businesses can use their resources to make a positive impact, even in the midst of uncertainty.

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