To promote its new line of HEATTECH innerware (that’s the new word for thermal underwear), UNIQLO will be giving out free samples of it in a “giant human vending machine” from 10AM-1PM in the middle of Times Square on November 18th. Intrigued by the concept of a giant human vending machine but befuddled about its execution, I engaged in parlay with their PR flak, with amusing and quirky results. So now, we bring you the first installment in our new series: Conversations With PR Flaks…

from DCI_Kristen J. Fritz
to ben@consumerist.com
date Wed, Nov 5, 2008 at 4:10 PM
subject UNIQLO HEATS UP TIMES SQUARE WITH FREE HEATTECH GIVEAWAY — Nov 18

Dear Ben,

Uniqlo’s HEATTECH line of innerwear is shaking the world of fashion this month with a global promotion kicking-off November 18 from 10AM-1PM in Times Square, where a giant human vending machine will dispense free fashion to the public…

/snip/

Please let me know if you would like to receive an image of the giant human vending machine.

Best,

Kristen Fritz

from Ben Popken
to “DCI_Kristen J. Fritz”
date Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 9:19 AM
subject Re: UNIQLO HEATS UP TIMES SQUARE WITH FREE HEATTECH GIVEAWAY — Nov 18

Yes, I would like to receive an image of a giant human vending machine.

from DCI_Kristen J. Fritz
to Ben Popken
date Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 9:35 AM
subject RE: UNIQLO HEATS UP TIMES SQUARE WITH FREE HEATTECH GIVEAWAY — Nov 18

Good morning Ben,

Attached is a picture of the human vending machine. Please let me know if you have any additional questions and if you would like to join us at the event.

Best,

Kristenfrom DCI_Kristen J. Fritz
to Ben Popken
date Tue, Nov 11, 2008 at 10:52 AM
subject RE: UNIQLO HEATS UP TIMES SQUARE WITH FREE HEATTECH GIVEAWAY — Nov 18

Hi Ben,

I hope you are well. I wanted to check in to see if you receive the picture of the giant human vending machine and if you had any questions at this time regarding Uniqlo’s HeatTech gifting event taking place next Tuesday, November 18 from 10am-1pm in Times Square?

I hope you are able to write about the event and the technology behind this innovative clothing line.

Best,

Kristen

from Ben Popken
to “DCI_Kristen J. Fritz”
date Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 12:41 PM
subject Re: UNIQLO HEATS UP TIMES SQUARE WITH FREE HEATTECH GIVEAWAY — Nov 18

So do humans come out of the vending machine or clothes? Do you step into the vending machine and get the clothes? If the 2nd one, are the clothes just on shelves or do they actually come out of automated devices?

from DCI_Kristen J. Fritz
to Ben Popken
date Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 2:14 PM
subject RE: UNIQLO HEATS UP TIMES SQUARE WITH FREE HEATTECH GIVEAWAY — Nov 18

Hi Ben! Here is a link to a video to give you a better idea of what the machines will be like at the event: http://www.voteheattech.com/video.html. People will approach a giant human vending machine and push a button for men’s or women’s clothing. Models positioned inside the machine will then execute a choreographed routine and a package of free HEATTECH innerwear will pop out.

To answer your questions below, no humans do not come out of the vending machine. Only a package of HeatTech innerwear. No, the public will not step into the vending machine to get the clothes. Once the person pushes the button for men’s or women’s clothing, package of free HEATTECH innerwear will pop out of a slot.

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