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Gillette's Enduring Legacy: Pioneers of Sports Sponsorship Thrive into Paris 2024

Gillette's Enduring Legacy: Pioneers of Sports Sponsorship Thrive into Paris 2024
Monday 08 January 2024 - 16:40
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Established in 1901 in Boston, Gillette, under the visionary King Camp Gillette, disrupted the shaving industry with the invention of the first adjustable razor featuring disposable blades. This innovation allowed men to transition from barber visits to at-home shaving, propelling Gillette into unprecedented commercial success. Over a century later, Gillette not only adapts to evolving consumer preferences through product diversification but also maintains its status as trailblazers in sports sponsorship.

Despite the current trend favoring beards and a decline in the frequency of shaves, Gillette has successfully expanded its product line to cater to modern grooming needs. According to Christine Cabon, the Communications Director, men now have more than just razors in their bathroom cabinets, with a wide array of beauty products tailored to contemporary lifestyles.

A pivotal strategic move for Gillette was its early 20th-century embrace of sports sponsorship to connect with its audience. Cabon emphasizes the brilliance of King Camp Gillette in using sports events as a platform to engage with men. This tradition continues as Gillette assumes a prominent role as a key partner for the Paris 2024 Olympics, sponsoring several accomplished athletes who proudly represent the brand.

Addressing concerns about sustainability, Gillette is committed to incorporating recycled plastics and cardboard packaging into its products. Despite disposable razors constituting 22% of the French market, Cabon counters the notion of single-use by highlighting that these razors are reused an average of 10 times each.

Looking ahead, as the 2024 Olympics approach in their newly adopted home country of France, Gillette is poised to uphold its legacy of innovation and consumer connection through sports. The enduring impact of their sponsorship efforts continues to resonate, making Gillette an integral part of the sporting landscape for generations.


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