September 11 commemorations will feature a lot of special window displays — especially by New York retailers — but it appears that advertising will be at a minimum.
Sears Roebuck and Co. (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) told Crain's Chicago Business that it will not air regularly scheduled TV commercials on the anniversary of the 11 terrorist attacks, but will reschedule its ads for other times.
Target Stores (Minneapolis) is also putting off advertising plans, according to a company spokesman. Target will instead place an ad in a memorial section planned for The New York Times, the spokesman said. “We are somewhat quietly honoring those in New York City.”
A number of chains, particularly those in New York, were planning memorial window displays.
Crain's says the ad blackouts by retailers are expected to have a minimal impact on sales, as the anniversary falls on a Wednesday — though it comes at the peak of the important back-to-school season.
Sears said it does plan to go ahead with sales events planned for the following weekend.