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Advertising causes a stir in Hillsboro

by michellelummus (Subscribe)

Posted on: Jul 12, 2009 at 5:29 PM PST

Channel: On the Scene

Location: Hillsboro, OR

Hi my name is Michelle, I'm a co-owner of Cabo Tan in Hillsboro OR. Just wanted to give you some insight on what I'm doing to keep our business alive during this recession! I included a couple of pictures of current street sign advertising that seems to be causing a little bit of local controversy. We have had a lot of positive feedback as well as some angry callers upset over our attire. The pictures are of me and a couple employees holding signs while in bathing suits, I think it's perfectly harmless. What do you think?

Michelle Lummus
michelle_lummus@yahoo.com

OH says ...

On Sunday, Jul 12 at 7:08 PM

Commenter

No complaints here! Love it!

Me Likey says ...

On Sunday, Jul 12 at 8:13 PM

Commenter

I think it's great. But your campaign might really soar if we saw how your business makes tan lines a thing of the past... we can't see that with those pesky bikinis in the way!

furry_leaves says ...

On Sunday, Jul 12 at 8:38 PM

Commenter

How about a couple of hunky guys too? Then no one can claim it's sexist.

Craig B. says ...

On Sunday, Jul 12 at 10:27 PM

Commenter

I see nothing wrong with the female form and think that women who are offended by this are jealous. These chicks are hot. I would certainly hook up with them, so why not use their business. Great backside bikini girl!!

LB says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 12:14 AM

Commenter

As a woman, I don't see anything offensive about your "ad campaign". Heck, I see gals in MUCH less clothing walking into 7-11. Or the teenage girls hawking their cheerleader fundraiser carwash over on 25th & Cornell!

shorthair says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 4:08 AM

Commenter

What difference is there between what they are doing & the majority of TV commercials & shows. These girls were offered a job they accepted the offer that makes it their business as long as what they are doing is legal which it is.

babeduk68 says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 7:10 AM

Commenter

It's not demeaning to women. A smart women looks at the assets she has, & uses them to get what she wants. More power to them!

Annoyed in PDX says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 9:06 AM

Commenter

Congratulations! Nothing wrong showin a little skin to bring in some new clients. If you got it flaunt it right?

steve says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 10:29 AM

Commenter

wow great do it more

Can I says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 11:45 AM

Commenter

Can I get wallpaper size pics of these! bullzmilk@hotmail.com

bootlegger69 says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 11:49 AM

Commenter

More pwer to them in this day and age you use what you've got to make it. They have it so fantastic, they should also have a car wash going in the parking lot and make a little more or offer free wash with tan package.

Odd says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 2:15 PM

Commenter

I just think it is pretty cheap and trashy. The ploy is tired and transparent. I am not angry about it, just not real impressed with your marketing. Is it men or women you are looking to attract to your company? Those that love it seem to be men.

RalphCramden says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 2:22 PM

Commenter

Why is this news or really an issue. What happened to women's lib that allows a woman to do what she wants?

Max says ...

On Monday, Jul 13 at 6:51 PM

Commenter

Looks like your ad is working -- at least so far as getting attention. Heck I saw this link on CNN's local news feed. Hope it translates to $$ in the till and not just controversy or mild amusement.

Anonymous says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 6:33 AM

Commenter

I'm surprised the sun came out long enough for you ladies to put your bikini's on without freezing your fannies off. This is great advertising for a product in a sunshine-limited area.

matty says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 6:45 AM

Commenter

The female form whenin this condition and shape is simply Artful and wonderful. Over here in Europe they be naked advertising. Being a native oregonian Im assuming these are imported girls. The ones who complain are most doubtedly FAT FAT FAT

Tony says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 7:46 AM

Commenter

Looks good, cheaper than print or media ads. Also having this in KATU gets even more coverage! Nothing wrong, but eye catching and when we see pretty displays in the north where there is little sun even more so.

Mike says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 8:41 AM

Commenter

I think it shows how dumb men can be when it comes to a friggin boob. Who ends up being the boob? The dude who gets whatever is being sold when it is offered by a boob. Good for a laugh though! Am I supposed to tip them like strippers?

Gunner2754 says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 9:56 AM

Commenter

I think it's great, I agree with Matty that the ones complaining are most likely out of shape. I wished I had been there to see with my own eyes.

YestoBikinis says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 10:46 AM

Commenter

What law are they breaking? Quote me an RCW...Also, no one bats an eyelash when you see underage high school cheerleaders using this same tactic to attract people to their carwash fundraiser...Sket-chy!

TheCounT says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 10:49 AM

Commenter

You girls are in great shape. :) Will this bring in business, who knows. I say it's appropriate advertising, since you're in the tanning business. Looks like you girls were enjoying the sun that day too. For those who don't like it, don't look.

G-Money says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 12:09 PM

Commenter

No problems! Great idea. You've got to market strong and aggressive in this market. Get a guy out there with your ladies and it will be difficult for people to complain, but will also market to the ladies as well. Best of luck!

boysboysboys says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 3:50 PM

Commenter

I agree, where's the hot guy in a speedo?

Larry in La Center says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 5:08 PM

Commenter

good sight sensation and reason to visit hillsboro! speaking as one who's now past my salad days [now age 63] I see nothing obscene about a beautiful young woman's body! the partial clothed body is much more alluring than the complete naked body!

DD says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 14 at 7:16 PM

Commenter

Great Marketing idea if it brings in new tanners. Better yet would be to be open earlier and later than 11-6 & 8 and keep tanners from driving across town to tan on the way to work.

buster says ...

On Wednesday, Jul 15 at 8:47 PM

Commenter

seems to me most customers of this kind of product are women, yet you're only attracting the attention of men. not a very good marketing strategy. fun, though...

samdamm says ...

On Thursday, Jul 16 at 11:38 PM

Commenter

Men enjoy this advertising which uses women for self gain. If men were used like this for years it would be different story. Women posing for this stuff think they are using you, but they are being used too. How shallow is it to tease others?

samdamm says ...

On Thursday, Jul 16 at 11:43 PM

Commenter

It doesn't take much to think of this marketing approach. It probably says a lot about the owners of this company. Make a quick buck of teasing the consumers,by using women. How boring is this. No men in photo-womanizer?

Grand sander says ...

On Saturday, Jul 18 at 5:57 AM

Commenter

I Work at an autobdy shop. I was just wondering if there advertising caused any accidents? We need the work.

Gil R. says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 21 at 12:19 PM

Commenter

I mean I'd do em. My buddies and I are heading there ASAP in hopes of meating these, did I say meat? I meant meeting these beautiful pieces of meat, did I say it again? Let these beautiful women earn a living!

Kevin M. says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 21 at 12:35 PM

Commenter

Thank you Kevin M.... I mean Gil R. for that wonderful last post. I think this type of advertising is just disgusting. And your description of the photos as being "HARD" at work is just wrong. Just one step from being in the gutter... Literally!!!

Gil R. says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 21 at 12:51 PM

Commenter

Wow Kevin M. I am sorry you are such a prude! This is 2009 and we need to realize people like you who are holding these women back from professional careers are only hurting the Women movement in America. When is Mr. Peeps going to use this tactic?

Nichole W says ...

On Tuesday, Jul 21 at 1:03 PM

Commenter

Gil...your a pig. This isn't a joke! and Kevin if you think its disgusting then you must be gay. Women are beautiful and if its for non profit more power to them. Even if it wasn't, i'de show up!

CONFUSED says ...

On Wednesday, Jul 22 at 9:25 PM

Commenter

I AM 12 AND WHAT IS THIS?

Gil R. says ...

On Wednesday, Jul 22 at 9:47 PM

Commenter

I must digress however, I could never in real life pull down such good looking women, as all I do in my daily grind is jockey a desk. But luckily for me, I can comment on the news on KATU to make myself seem so brilliant and OMFG FULL OF WIN.

Shelby says ...

On Thursday, Jul 23 at 1:51 AM

Commenter

I think the girl in the front runs the store. I've seen her there a few times. She so sweet and I am glad to see a woman that runs a business well and does what it takes to survive in today's economy. Cabo Tan is a great place with her at counter.

Gil R. says ...

On Thursday, Jul 23 at 10:19 AM

Commenter

Wow, very surprised how many Gil R.'s there are in this area. Thought my name was pretty unique.

Gil R... says ...

On Thursday, Jul 23 at 10:29 AM

Commenter

There are a lot of Gil Ralphson's in the Metro area actually. In the 1930's a group of Gil Ralphson's traveled to Portland with the idea of creating a New World Order of Gil Ralphsons. Hence so many Gil Ralphsons commenting on beautiful women.

Gil R... says ...

On Thursday, Jul 23 at 10:49 AM

Commenter

Gil R...? Is that you? Gil R. is going to be thrilled I ran into you on here! Gil R. was just talking to Gil R. about you the other day! We were told by Gil R. that you and Gil R. had moved in with Gil R. Please email Gil R....GilRalphson@GilR.com

Gil R friend says ...

On Thursday, Jul 23 at 11:20 AM

Commenter

Gil what are you doing on the side of the road?

GIL R says ...

On Thursday, Jul 23 at 11:46 AM

Commenter

DID EVERYONE REALLY BELIEVE I WAS A GIRL. HAHAHA I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING FOR HALLOWEEN NOW. GOOD DAY EVERYONE!

Gil R. says ...

On Thursday, Jul 23 at 4:23 PM

Commenter

You've all ruined my life. Forget this, i'm going to an hero.

Gil R. says ...

On Friday, Jul 24 at 7:56 AM

Commenter

I'm good. No an hero for me.

gil r (ks) says ...

On Saturday, Aug 15 at 12:14 AM

Commenter

ill be your hero but i get the girls ok

yup says ...

On Tuesday, Aug 25 at 12:30 AM

Commenter

its not offensive but you would think that you'de be trying to attract women to a tanning place and I promise you..this isn't

just for fun says ...

On Tuesday, Aug 25 at 11:41 PM

Commenter

They are trying to attract women look how hot the girls look and just mybe I will look that hot to if I tan here also now that is just the way I like to see a women body being used

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