Gymboree: Never Gonna Give You Up

Gymboree, the San Francisco-based children's apparel retailer, has unveiled an exciting rebrand that includes an all-new collection – focused on quality fabrics, comfortable designs and amazing denim – supported by a national marketing campaign just in time for back-to-school.

Created by creative agency Where Eagles Dare, the integrated campaign introduces Gymboree’s new brand platform: "Made You Smile." The campaign utilizes fresh content, shareable experiences and entertainment to showcase the new collection and announce Gymboree's changes to existing customers while also aiming to attract new millennial consumers. The goal is simple: Make people smile and spread happiness.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a full-length music video (with cut-downs for in-cinema, connected TV and social/digital) that features kids wearing the new collection while adorably (and often hilariously) performing Rick Astley's 1987 hit-turned-internet-meme "Never Gonna Give You Up." Each cast member models a different denim fit and outfit, serving as a subliminal denim guide and a fun way to see the entire collection.

"In making the video, we wanted to stay authentic to the original '80s style Rick Astley dance, with shadow dancing and slow-motion moves," said Brian Franks, Founder/ECD of Where Eagles Dare. "But we made it more modern by introducing both a girl and boy lead and having a variety of kids showcasing their style, all set in and around a school as if the kids are running the town for a moment and doing an improvised version of the song."

In addition to the video, Gymboree is launching a custom interactive mobile app called "Made You Smile" (available for both iPhone and Android). Created in partnership by Where Eagles Dare and space150, the app includes a "Smile Generator" and lets users create their own animated characters, producing shareable content that unlocks a layer of augmented reality to bring Gymboree's new graphic tees to life. App users will have the opportunity to enter weekly drawings in Gymboree's Surprize Surprize Sweepstakes for a chance to win amazing prizes such as a trip to New York City or a new car, as well as instant win prizes while they shop in store.

Gymboree has also partnered with Color Factory to create an immersive experience for the whole family. Open to the public on August 20, 2018 in New York City, Gymboree and Color Factory worked with non-profit 826NYC to create a room within the Color Factory exhibit that will feature an ombre floating balloon installation and children's wishes for the future. Color Factory, a collaboratively-produced art experience, brings together talented artists, creatives and makers to conceptualize and collaborate on participatory, color-inspired installations.

The initial campaign will run through Labor Day. Gymboree's "Made You Smile" platform will continue to evolve into the fall and winter, offering new content via its mobile app and digital channels.