Advertising | 1920selmira

Aspirational Advertisments

Stores and marketers used advertising to convince customers that they could improve their lives and social standing by purchasing products. Through persuasive text and images, advertisements appealed to Elmirans’ insecurities and aspirations. Iszard’s department store frequently ran large advertisements in local newspapers. These advertisements told consumers that new products such as wallpaper, furniture, hats, and dresses, were superior to the old versions and would improve their personal appearance and that of their homes.

Iszard's Ad, 1922 During the 1920s, many middle and upper-class Elmirans moved to suburbs. Iszard’s offered special incentives to get suburban residents to travel back into the city to shop.	Iszard's Christmas Ad, 1922 In an Iszard’s Christmas advertisement from 1922, the company claimed that it could help shoppers solve all of their gifting dilemmas so they could have the “best ever” holiday. The store added another incentive to attract shoppers: the opportunity to meet Santa.	Lyceum Playbill, 1921 The M. Doyle Marks Co. advertised their pianos in local playbills. The advertisement targeted concert-goers with an interest in music who might aspire to have a piano in their own homes.

Aspirational Advertisments

Iszard's Ad, 1922

During the 1920s, many middle and upper-class Elmirans moved to suburbs. Iszard’s offered special incentives to get suburban residents to travel back into the city to shop.

Iszard's Christmas Ad, 1922

In an Iszard’s Christmas advertisement from 1922, the company claimed that it could help shoppers solve all of their gifting dilemmas so they could have the “best ever” holiday. The store added another incentive to attract shoppers: the opportunity to meet Santa.

Lyceum Playbill, 1921

The M. Doyle Marks Co. advertised their pianos in local playbills. The advertisement targeted concert-goers with an interest in music who might aspire to have a piano in their own homes.