Great Minds Think Alike

What do the Jiffy Lube and Blockbuster Video franchise stores on Kitsap Way have in common? One similarity is that both are using an inflatable dancing man (see photo) in an attempt to attract customers. I have no idea if this advertising technique boosts sales although it did make me take notice. Plus it’s cheaper than posting a sign-waving minimum-wage employee out front like some mattress stores do and a bargain when compared to investing in a top-shelf LED message center.

There’s more information about these so-called dancing balloons at web sites like ArizonaBalloon.com, which also refers to them as wind dancers. Despite the latter name, the web site advises that they work a lot better indoors where wind and sun aren’t factors. That’s because the balloons can spend more time on the ground than dancing on a breezy day and the light spinnaker material they are made of doesn’t last long in strong sunlight. There’s a tradeoff though. If you want motorists on Kitsap Way to notice your business, they have to dance outdoors.