Times Square and Piccadilly Circus are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and as a result they have become an advertising hub for a wide range of companies. Some of the biggest companies in the world have billboard displays in the areas because they know they will be reaching millions of people every year.
Billboards have been synonymous with Times Square and Piccadilly Circus since the early 20th century. The key for marketing people is that they know they are communicating with people who have a lot of money. Tourists are happy to spend a lot of money in the area, and as a result businesses can make a massive ROI from the amount of visitors.
Some of the most famous brands in the world, such as Coca-Cola, have had a billboard sign in Piccadilly Circus since 1955, and many other big brands follow the same tact. This is for two reasons. Firstly, as mentioned, they understand that they are guaranteed a high footfall. Moreover, both Times Square and Piccadilly Circus are almost entirely pedestrianized , so every person spends longer looking at the billboards as they walk past. Big companies also understand that from a branding perspective, that displaying their products on a bright billboard, demonstrates their financial power, and shows the strength of the brand.
This info-graphic from Sign A Rama Toronto takes you through the rich history of Times Square and Piccadilly Circus, outlines the importance of billboard advertising in the areas, and predicts what the future may hold for both.
