Christmas ads from big UK retail brands get global attention. This week I came across enjoyable Christmas-themed ads from Sweden & Norway which are unlikely to get that kind of mileage but were just as compelling.
1. Elkjøp: To Give More
Elkjøp is the largest consumer electronics retailer in the Nordic countries. In this ad, they want to convey a simple message: a gift can be more than a gift with a little extra thought…a little extra devotion. But the execution is of epic proportions – pretty much like a big production Hollywood film. It’s the story of a little girl and her grandfather who gets her a suitably ‘thoughtful’ gift after the backstory reveals his passion. It’s a riveting film with some jaw-droopingly good visuals. Wonder what the production cost was, though.
Agency: NORDDB
2. LIDL: The Cell
Lidl is a chain of grocery supermarkets across Europe. In this ad a jail warden breaches protocol to let a wizened old prisoner in a jail break. But the twist in the tale, in line with ‘festive spirit’ ads brings a smile. The role of the brand is tenuous perhaps but ad scores high in the feel-good factor.
Agency: Folk, Finland
3. Coca-Cola and UberEats: Christmas feels like home
During festive season, those in the service industry and a few professions will be at work, while the rest of the world gets to celebrate. Brands have urged consumers to convey their appreciation in some form during such times. In a partnership between Uber Eats and Coca-Cola in Paris, those working during Christmas Eve can have their home-made Christmas meal delivered to their offices. Lovely service idea and a charming ad.
Agency: Romance, Paris
4. British print ads
UK continues to be the one market where agencies still try to convey a brand message with some charm in print media. Here are a couple of examples of tactical ads highlighting product features.
5. Burger King: Whopper Detour
This ought to be one of the smartest use cases of a mobile app, especially for a retailer. In the US, users are given an offer to order a Whopper for a penny through an enhanced Burger King app. But here’s the catch: the offer gets activated only when within 600 feet of a McDonald’s location. The app then navigates them to the nearest Burger King outlet to pick up the food.
introducing the #WhopperDetour. order a Whopper for a penny only “at” McDonald’s with the BK app. yes, you read that right. drive near a McDonald’s and use the BK app. no need to go to their drive-thru. get yours before December 12th. see details: https://t.co/qvUSSf4yuQ pic.twitter.com/Tya17Xo7J3
— Burger King (@BurgerKing) December 4, 2018
The app briefly hit the No. 1 spot in the US and has also acquired 1 million downloads. Loved the ingenuity of the idea.
Which one was your favourite? Do comment in.
