Gap Inc. (San Francisco) announced the winner of Old Navy’s nationwide search for a new canine “spokesdog.”
Paco, from Venice Beach, Calif., edged out five other finalists to replace Magic, who appeared in the company's advertisements in the late 1990s. Paco will be featured in upcoming Old Navy advertising.
In April and May, Old Navy cast a search for the new Magic throughout the U.S. and Canada. Contestants submitted their dog's photo and personality profile online or by attending one of four casting call events held throughout the month of May.
A panel of judges — including actors Katherine Heigl (“Grey's Anatomy”), Alfre Woodard (“Desperate Housewives”), Malcolm David Kelley (“Lost”), Kristin Chenoweth (“RV” and “The West Wing”) and Betty White (“Golden Girls”) and dog trainer Andrea Arden — selected the finalists from more than 120,000 entries, based upon appearance and personality from each dog's online profile.
In late June and early July, customers voted for their favorite of the six finalists online at www.oldnavy.com/magic . Old Navy said hundreds of thousands of votes were cast during the two-week period.
“The response to our search has been overwhelming and we're thrilled that America has chosen Paco as our new canine mascot,” said Susan Wayne, Old Navy’s executive vp, marketing. “Paco perfectly captures the spirit and optimism of our brand.”
Magic first appeared in an Old Navy back-to-school campaign in July 1995. He went on to star in more than 60 ads, co-starring with the late style writer Carrie Donovan, Morgan Fairchild, Ivana Trump and gossip columnist Liz Smith. His last appearance was in the Spring of 2001.