attention seeking - distracting and showing off

gimmick

gim·mick [gimmick gimmicks]   [ˈɡɪmɪk]    [ˈɡɪmɪk]  noun (often disapproving)
an unusual trick or unnecessary device that is intended to attract attention or to persuade people to buy sth
• a promotional/publicity/sales gimmick
• We don't use gimmicks to sell our products.
Derived Word: gimmicky  
Word Origin:
1920s (originally US): of unknown origin but possibly an approximate anagram of magic, the original sense being ‘a piece of magicians' apparatus’.  
Example Bank:
• The promise of lower taxation may have been just an election gimmick to gain votes.

• a new gimmick to encourage people to go to the cinema