The text blocks, like "a good place to buy" were lifted from match book catalogs. In the corner of each one Art Chantry placed a ridiculous corporate logo he made for Urban Outfitters to resemble generic 40's and 50
s corporate logos. These were used interchangeably throughout the campaign. This campaign worked so effectively in stamping the brand in the consumer's mind that Urban Outfitters retained it as their corporate brand for several years. I can see why these are extremely effective. Urban Outfitters' demographic are trendy, hip consumers, these adds play off that retro/ trendy feel.

Sources: The Anatomy of Design