WHO WILL BE CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE? (advert edition)

THE BATTLE OF THE CHRISTMAS ADVERTS 2019… IS IT TOO EARLY?

WHICH COMPANIES HAVE TAKEN WHAT APPROACH TO GET US IN THE FESTIVE MOOD THIS CHRISTMAS?

Tis the season where certain adverts hit our screens and we start to think about loved ones and how we will treating this year. This year the companies have had us scratching our heads even earlier than normal. With Halloween makeup still stained on our eyelids, we now get bombarded with Christmas ads, yes the competition has started. The competition for the best advert has commenced, with last years Iceland advert being deemed too political, but also the best campaign, the frozen food company take an entirely different approach this year.

This Christmas companies have stepped up the game with some more ridiculous than others, and there is also a return to the screen for ‘Kevin the Carrot’. Everything from animated Christmas elves, singing parcels, Disney characters, and even Mariah Carey looking like she has never eaten a crisp before. Different approaches for campaigns mean a range of feels, that mainly head straight for our hearts.

Although some major players in the advert game seem to be holding off with there release of adverts. The most anticipated advert every year is John Lewis, with last years Elton John addition going down like a lead balloon and having as much relevance as an Easter egg at Christmas, it will be a case of can they step up their game and get the audience back on the retailers side. Tesco, M&S and Sainsburys are also yet to air adverts with timing being key for sure. There must be some reason to why… with money no doubt being a key reason for releasing later than others.

The pick of the bunch that have been released has to go to Visa on their take on supporting high streets this Christmas, when purchasing gifts for family and friends. Where as every other advert is coming from retailers saying the complete opposite. There is so much truth in this ad and hits home about the high streets being bare and looking unloved. How will small business owners provide for families this Christmas with no customers? Food for thought…

On the subject of food, most of the adverts contain plenty of this and with the frozen food giants Iceland trying to pocket from starring the Disney characters from movie ‘Frozen’, very on brand, I like it. There isn’t much of a story but, it is mostly about timing with the second film coming out in December, good move by the company. But came at quite a cost by my reckoning.

Aldi brought back ‘Kevin the Carrot’ with a short episode of the ‘Leafy Blinders’ where he defeats the vegetable that rules Christmas, yes the sprouts. Kevin is kidnapped by the ‘leafy blinders’ a gang of flat-capped Brussels sprouts, but escapes with the help of a tomato. Yeah, really. It quickly turns from an dark episode of Peaky Blinders to the Greatest Showman in the matter of seconds, maybe trying too hard to engage with the audience. For some this will be a fave for others? Meh.

Asda looks at a brother and sister who look to spread Christmas magic around the town, letting everyone have an extra special Christmas. A very cute, heart warming, right in the feels advert. LIDL bring Christmas alive with their animated elves who seem to want to be centre of attention all the time, very cheesy, but one for the kids.

The Cheesiest of Cheesiest advert goes to Amazon, with a very smiley, happy, all singing, all dancing advert. They even brought back singing parcels. But can definitely see this as being one of the most successful with how it makes everyone feel. It does what its meant to, it makes you feel happy. It features a whole host of people singing and dancing to Solomon Burke’s classic track, “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love”. Job well done.

Argos looks at the ‘book of dreams’, not like anyone looks at the catalogue these days. Parents struggling with gift ideas, give your child a ‘book of dreams’ and see what is circled in a few weeks. Lets all hope its not a drum kit like the advert though. Wouldn’t want to be their neighbour on Christmas Day.

Last but not least, it looks like Walkers have been given a bigger budget this year. They have cooped Mariah Carey as their lead in the advert, with a comedic approach to sharing crisps, if that’s a thing? Although the most comedic thing is probably seeing her try and eat a crisp like its a cockroach on I’m a celebrity. Anyway it’s not like she needs the money anyway, Mariah cashes in 400 grand a year on one Christmas song every year just from royalties. All I want for Christmas is some Bacon crisps… Oh sorry I mean Pigs in Blankets (same thing isn’t it?).

To conclude, yes it is maybe too early for Christmas adverts. But it gives us something to talk about.

Our favourite so far? Probably got to go with Amazon, how can you top singing parcels! 🙂

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