They just don’t make them like they used to: A common saying among those looking back on things from their youth.
To some, television and radio shows aren’t written as well as they once were, and for others it’s the way in which clothes are manufactured that causes the phrase to roll off their tongue. One thing that we can all agree on however, is the changing pace of television adverts.
Advertising, in some cases, has come a long way since the 80s, and in others it’s definitely a case of “they just don’t make them like they used to”.
Examples of the former can be found in the marketing of Safeway and John Menzies, while yearns for the latter spark from the notorious Scott’s Oats ad.
So without further ado, here’s a breakdown of the good, bad and ugly advertisements for Scottish products during the 80s.
1) Safeway
We’re not quite sure what’s being marketed at 0.09, but it certainly injects life to Safeway’s 80s advertising strategy.
This clip of what is essentially a woman walking down the isle is making us fall asleep.
2) Irn-Bru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvkByxe33ZM
This is a prime of example of why we should be more than grateful for today’s Irn-Bru ads. Can you imagine those visiting for the Commonwealth Games last month enticed into trying our national drink with this?
3) McEwan’s Lager
Weird talking heads were the face of McEwan’s in the 80s. And it was just plain weird.
4) Scottish Widows
This ad doesn’t just depict women in the 80s. The audience also gets a look back on the previous four decades. But seeing as TV is now flooded with period dramas, we don’t need such flashbacks, and so Scottish Widows opted to use the woman-with-black-hood as the main event.
5) Penguin Biscuits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTQZD54xfOk
The song in this advert is annoyingly catchy. If you don’t want to find yourself with the sudden urge to p-p-p-p-p-pick up a penguin, it’s best to avoid watching this one.
6) The Beano
Dennis and Gnasher’s usual antics are animated for this Beano ad. It’s probably the most normal of the bunch so far.
7) Lipton Tea
Lipton’s ad might not meet the standards of those belonging to Tetley or PG Tips, but with the brand being Scottish, it’s got at least one thing good thing going for it.
8) Tennent’s Lager
Before Carlsberg stole the show with the “if Carlsberg did takeaways” gimmock, Tennent’s was speaking to football fans with this beauty. Hampden, an ice cold pint, and banter – what more would one need to start craving a drink?
9) Golden Wonder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IaWmj3a3Ts
Golden Wonder went for the whole “kids-acting-as-adults” thing for their 80s ad. It’s perhaps where today’s Haribo plug got its inspiration.
10) John Menzies
The perfect example of how not to promote toys to children. Although parents sick of their kids being sold into the latest must-have with today’s livelier methods might argue otherwise.
11) Halifax
Banking with Halifax was easy as a Sunday morning in the 80s. Today it’s a big song and dance.
12) Scott’s Oats
They definitely don’t advertise Scott’s Oats like they used to. But they should, it’s delicious.