Men’s Wearhouse Omits Ousted Founder From Latest Ad
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It appears Men’s Wearhouse is choosing to save itself some cash by eliminating its ousted founder, George Zimmer, from advertising.
For its annual National Suit Drive, the Houston-based retailer has recycled a 2012 ad, cutting out Mr. Zimmer and his unmistakable baritone voice. According to company filings, the retailer had a license agreement with Mr. Zimmer that allowed it to use his likeness in connection with advertising and marketing, so long as he was an employee, for an annual fee of $10,000. Now that Mr. Zimmer is no longer an employee, Men’s Wearhouse would have to pay up — to the tune of $250,000 per year — if it wants to continue using him in commercials.
Mr. Zimmer, who founded the company in 1973 and has long starred in its marketing, was fired last month. He began appearing in the company’s commercials in 1986, extolling the company’s low prices. The ubiquitous tagline — “You’re going to like the way you look. I guarantee it” — was created by ad agency Red Ball Tiger in 1997, Mr. Zimmer told Fortune magazine in a 2010 interview.
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