For many, the shutdown of the federal government is no laughing matter. While some federal employees are losing income, recipients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children program are denied access to food for their children.
Nevertheless, a few brands have viewed the episode as an excuse for humor — or at least some real-time marketing that acknowledges what's going on in the real world. As the following tweets and Facebook posts show, the results are uneven. In fact, Kenneth Cole, known for his willingness to make light of any situation, no matter how dire, has emerged as the voice of reason:
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We might waffle but we never shut down. #alwaysopen #governmentshutdown
— Denny's (@DennysDiner) October 1, 2013
As Cap'n of a one-ship fleet, I answer to no mere governing body, @MrCott, but to a higher calling. They can’t shut down the Crunch.
— Cap'n Crunch (@RealCapnCrunch) October 2, 2013
We're on our way. pic.twitter.com/U1QJnk3SOY
— Red Bull (@redbull) October 1, 2013
Hey Government: You failed - 30 burpees.
— Spartan Race (@SpartanRace) October 1, 2013
Our government may be #shutdown, but we're not! Stop by for a treat on this beautiful day.
— 61Local (@61Local) October 1, 2013
Our federal Gov't #ShutDown, & 800k gov't workers shut out. Dysfunction at its finest.
— Kenneth Cole (@KennethCole) October 1, 2013
What do you think? Are these brands out of line or is this topic fair game? Let us know in the comments.
Image: Getty/Alexander Klein