Robbins Brothers Debuts Virtual Love Note

I've seen a lot of companies go into Chapter 11 and face financial trouble this year so it's rather nice to see one come out and thrive. Robbins Brothers jewelry stores had a rough start to this year but crisis often provides opportunity. The brand seems to have used the turmoil to change the overall slant of the popular West Coast engagement ring store. Where once their ads consisted of radio and television campaigns featured the eponymous brothers touting their low prices, now their television commercials boast a catchy tune, "Lovely Day" by Donavon Frankenreiter and show videos of happy proposals. It's a back to basics approach that seems to be resonating with customers who are looking for a little happiness in these trying times.

The company has now taken the song and idea behind it to create a new internet idea that won't cost you a dime. The Virtual Love Note allows anyone to create a personalized short video using the song and some basic themes. You personalize it with names, photos and other details to make it your own and can then send it to whomever you like. It can be used for proposals, announcements or just plain silliness (one of the examples is a woman's ode to chocolate). It's all part of the brand's mission to share the excitement of love, who's going to argue with that? The folks at Robbins Brothers also showed me the cute diamond ring keychains they give to customers (quick iPhone pic after the jump) and gave me four of them to give away. Want yours? Leave a comment below and the first four comments will each get one.