My abandoned blog has been rediscovered!

Firstly, I have to apologise for my lack of posts for nearly two months! It’s my last year at university and I am already completely overwhelmed with work, grad scheme applications and life! As I have completely abandoned this blog, I thought it would be necessary to share a few things that I have found interesting and hopefully you’ll enjoy this post!

Red Bull – Revolutions in Sound

Isn’t Red Bull just the coolest brand? People may disagree with me, but they are one brand that continuously push boundaries in order to create amazing and engaging content for their consumers. Collaborating with Felix Baumgartner free-falling from space last year was one thing, but now as part of their Red Bull Music Academy promotion, last night they decided to throw 30 gigs in the London Eye (I mean, not just anybody can hire out the London Eye). Bringing the best of the UK music and club scene together, artists such as Lily Allen, Shy FX and Miss Dynamite all came together to give different live performances in one of the 30 pods. Each pod was hosted by a popular club night in the UK such as “The Warehouse Project”, which ultimately is every ravers dream, bringing all the acts they love together for one night only.

Each pod was streamed online on Channel 4 at 7:30pm last night so viewers could tune into their favourite acts, as well as the campaign hashtag #RevsInSound that was being tweeted all night. The best thing I feel about the whole idea, is that people who appreciate the London music scene at the moment were given an exclusive chance to tune in or go along to be a part of the experience. There was a big push about “no repeats or replays” which meant that fans knew that the live stream was exclusive to them, at that time. I personally tuned in and was amazed by the fact that I could toggle which pod I wanted to listen to, and the website was really clear in who was performing where.

Overall, Red Bull as a brand embody “living life to the full” and these are the same values that make the UK Music/Club Scene thrive. This collaboration is brilliant because the people interested in this event would create positive connotations between Red Bull and music, therefore increasing the likelihood to purchase or even loyalty to the brand.

Christmas Adverts 2013 (a small round up)

Here is a small round up of how I am feeling about a few of the adverts for Christmas 2013.

– John Lewis – “The Bear and the Hare” – adam&eveDDB

 

As much as I have previously loved John Lewis and their Christmas advertising, this year I was underwhelmed. As much as I am a fan for cute cartoon animals, there isn’t really anything that pulls on my heartstrings like the little boy in 2011 or the snowman journey in 2012. Many people will say I have a heart of stone, however I think that next year, John Lewis should try to do the unexpected, whereas this year I felt like the story was too predictable. Lovely to watch, and I absolutely love the song, but just not ground breaking. I must say though that the advert has had more YouTube views and Tweets than last year, so I guess consumers love it…

– Sainsbury’s – “Christmas in a day” – AMV BBDO

I thought that this short film made for Sainsbury’s was really nice. I feel more emotion towards an advert that seems real, or that portray things (such as Christmas) in a way that I as a consumer can relate to. Similar to their adverts last year, Sainsbury’s have stuck to a real “family feel” advert that shows how many different families, from different areas and backgrounds, celebrate Christmas. There is a real light heartedness to this advert that doesn’t make you feel like your being sold something, but shows you joy at Christmas in all its different forms, from children seeing their presents for the first time or adults preparing Christmas dinner. I liked this advert a lot, it’s relatable and doesn’t give off the “try hard” factor like many other brands Christmas advertising.

– Aldi – “There’s a lot to like this Christmas” – McCann Manchester

I have always had a soft spot for Aldi ads, mainly because I find them hilarious, but also because they depict a true, imperfect version of British people. The cheeky sarcasm and humorous children add so much value to the advertising because the brand aren’t saying they are luxurious or making promises they can break. The brand are literally saying they have a wide range, to suit everyone’s needs, to penultimately have a great Christmas.

And here are a few more that people are talking about on Twitter ;

– Marks and Spencer – “Believe in Magic and Sparkle” – RKCR/Y&R

– Morrison’s – “Go on…it’s Christmas” – DLKW Lowe (I think the backlash and ASA complaints from their advert last year have steered them towards this)

– Cadbury – “Unwrap Joy” – Fallon

In my next post I will be talking about the “Customer Experience” and what that means to brands. Feels good to be back!

Ad of The Day- John Lewis Home Insurance – “Things Matter”

This is a really feel good, fun advert from John Lewis to promote their home insurance offering. I must admit, it’s quite refreshing to see a lovely advert for home insurance in comparison to the humorous ones that seem to fill the market. John Lewis are sticking to their brand values, focusing on family and home, which links nicely to the “if it matters to you, it matters to us” strap line. I think the ad targets both existing and new consumers really well. People who love John Lewis products will see their home insurance as an extension of their great service, and new consumers may convert if they feel that the brand is trustworthy. The soundtrack (Nina Nesbitt cover of “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac) combined with all of the other sound effects really do bring the advert to life as well as the beautiful visuals. I tend to forget about audio in an advert until an ad like this shows me how important sound can be for an overall “feel”. I personally think this is an ad you’d like to watch over again and feel good each time.

Agency: adam&eveDDB
Client: John Lewis
Sector: Insurance
Place: United Kingdom

John Lewis “Shop Spring” Campaign

John Lewis are set to launch their exclusive on and offline campaign entitled “Shop Spring” tomorrow. The campaign will run via print, online, in store and mobile/tablet with promotions, offers and gifts for each day during April.

 

John Lewis have said that they aim to “inspire” customers with this campaign initiative, as the products on offer have been specially chosen as the products that John Lewis consumers love. I think this campaign will be especially good for current loyal John Lewis consumers as there is a sense of excitement (just like a Christmas advent calendar) in opening a door each day to find a treat. I think that the campaign will definitely increase sales, and hopefully new consumers will find the creativity of the campaign inspiring enough to try John Lewis products.

I personally like it when brands use both online and offline elements as they complement each other well. The concept of interacting with the store at home from your personal device, and then walking into the store and the POS still making you feel like you’re “in” the campaign is why consumers fall in love with brands and are more likely to remain loyal. There is also going to be promotion in print publications such as The Metro and The Times, showing the exclusive offers each day. Creating an overall experience is what John Lewis have done here and I hope they’ve chosen good products as “spring treats”!

Agency: Adam & Eve DDB and Manning Gottlieb OMD
Client: John Lewis
Sector: Department Store
Place: United Kingdom

Ad of The Day- Aldi- “Champagne”

 

I am loving these hilarious Christmas ads that have been arising as of late. Aldi are known for their humorous comparison TV adverts, I absolutely love them, and this one is not excluded! A spoof of the John Lewis Snowman advert, Aldi have stuck to their guns and created a champagne comparison ad- the prestige versus the cheap. You could say the advert itself proves their “love this champagne” point, that we love the John Lewis advert but we also love the Aldi advert. I don’t know anybody who would have seen the John Lewis advert that wouldn’t laugh at the female snowman kicking the male snowman’s head like a football. Funny and clever way to target the mass market.

Agency: McCann Erickson (Manchester)
Client: Aldi
Sector: Retail
Place: United Kingdom

Battle of The Christmas Store Fronts- Oxford Street

I was walking down London’s ultimate tourist shopping spot Oxford Street yesterday, and all of the major stores running Christmas campaigns seemed to have one thing in common- their store fronts. Honestly, I don’t know how much it costs to power the lights and glitter that all of these shops have covered their buildings in, but I thought I’d highlight my top 5 and see what you all think!

5. Marks and Spencer

To go along with their celebration/greatest hits Christmas campaign, Marks and Spencer went for a beautiful curtain of gold lights. I don’t think they necessarily had any meaning other than to draw attention to the building and make people feel happy/want to celebrate Christmas. Definitely worked on me, but I am a huge fan of glitter so…

4. Selfridges

Not a very clear picture, but Selfridges opted for some hedges covered in lights as their exterior decoration. These hedges just remind me of expensive hotels and big stores in the USA like Macy’s at Christmas time. It reminds me of Home Alone 2 as well (don’t ask). Either way, the hedges represent excellence and luxury- and Selfridges believe that their products are these things, so overall was a good exterior idea.

3. Debenhams

I can imagine that Debenhams chose these coloured lights in aid of their “Christmas Made Fabulous” campaign. They are fabulous indeed and can be seen from far away! They also make me really crave those lace sweets covered in sugar that look like them. Irrelevant but overall I like the consistency of the fabulous campaign, and without these lights the exterior would not have been as glam.

2. John Lewis

I could see this store front from so far back, even when I was looking at the colourful lights that Debenhams had put up, the John Lewis store just seemed to glisten in the corner of my eye. I think they were trying to make it look like it was covered in snow, but I just thought the building looked like it was covered in diamonds and just looked fabulous! Definitely caught my attention and (if I had time) I would have gone in to see what they’d done for in store interior

1. Boots

Their lights weren’t as amazing as the others, but there was an additional feature of their exterior design marketing ploy that was hilarious! I looked up to the sky and it seemed as if flakes of snow were falling. Me and every single passer by had the same expression on their face, “is it snowing???!!?!?!?!”. Of course, it was just a fake snow machine planted way up high, but what a way to stop passers by outside the store for a few seconds- and potentially get them to come inside. The expressions on people’s faces really made me laugh, and then the sheer relief (or in some cases sadness) when it was revealed that the snow was in fact small drops of foam, was just priceless.

How important do you think store exteriors are from a Marketing point of view? Do they influence you in any way?

John Lewis Introduce In-Store Elements for Integrated Christmas Campaign

Following the wonderful John Lewis ad for this Christmas, the upmarket department store is planning to entice consumers this weekend with in store marketing. With the run up to Christmas, this weekend commencing 24th November is meant to be the busiest for Christmas shopping. With this in mind, John Lewis have developed in store activity for consumers such as a “snowman treasure hunt”, where if consumers find all 5 hidden snowmen in store they are able to win top prizes.

John Lewis have said “We’re hosting a weekend to excite and prepare you for Christmas. Get your home ready for guests and festive celebrations with useful tips and ideas, or start your Christmas wish list as you watch the latest technology products being demonstrated.” This is a great idea for PR and generally integrating the elements of the adverts in the stores will touch on people’s emotions and raise awareness that John Lewis is the place to go for Christmas.

Top 5 Christmas Campaigns!

Okay here it is, my top 5 Christmas campaigns that I’ve seen so far. And a few that have annoyed me.

At Number 5:   Coca-Cola “Holidays are Coming”

Okay well lets face it the advert isn’t original, we’ve all seen the Coca-Cola truck. BUT that being said, we all love the Coca-Cola Truck because it means Christmas is coming. Choir Voices, Sing with me “Holidays are coming, Holidays are coming”. Using Social Media during the campaign, Coca-Cola have hashtagged on the ad itself #holidaysarecoming, in order for viewers to get involved with polls, quizzes and comment on how they feel about Coca-Cola at Christmas. A Classic!

Agency: N/A
Client:  Coca Cola
Sector: Beverage
Country: United Kingdom

Number 4:  John Lewis “The Journey”

A cute snowman, his girlfriend and his journey across the UK to find her some gloves and a scarf. What’s not to like! The advert grabs your attention, everyone wants to know what the snowman is going to do. With the “power of love” soundtrack making your heart feel warm you have no choice but to watch until the end. Demonstrating people going the “extra mile” for the perfect gift awww.

Agency: Adam & Eve/DDB
Client: John Lewis
Sector: Retail
Country: United Kingdom

Number 3: Debenhams “Christmas Made Fabulous”

Debenhams have launched their “Christmas Made Fabulous” campaign, with an advert accentuating the sparkle at Christmas. Most women are looking for perfect “party outfits” for the Christmas season, and Debenhams have been clever to move away from the “family around the dinner table” approach, and more towards showing the glamour they can provide for Christmas. I love this advert because as a female myself, I just like to see glitter at Christmas! Lovely cinematography and just a pretty advert.

Agency: JWT London
Client: Debenhams
Sector: Retail
Country: United Kingdom

Number 2:   Argos “I Can Shop From Here”

I’ve already expressed my love for the Argos Aliens, but I’m not going to hesitate in saying I love them (again)!! This Christmas campaign makes me laugh every time I watch it. Argos are simply showing how easy it is to shop online, using the Alien’s in humorous situations. When the Alien Dad is on top of the Christmas Tree or Hi-Five’ing the snowman I can’t help but absolutely crack up! I think consumers in a general “family” would feel the same way as me.

Agency: CHI & Partners
Client: Argos
Sector: Retail
Country: United Kingdom

At Number 1: Sainsbury’s “Christmas Days”

This is my favourite campaign I’ve seen so far! Sainsbury’s have released a series of advertisements depicting REAL but joyful  moments that families and friends have in the run up towards Christmas. The moments aren’t exaggerated as well, they are small but beautiful moments that bring people together- and it’s these moments that make consumers go “awwww” and want to buy at Sainsbury’s. Simple, effective and joyful!

Agency: AMV BBDO
Client: Sainsbury’s
Sector: Supermarket
Country: United Kingdom

Now, the one’s that irritated me…

Morrison’s and Asda. Both using busy, stressed out Mothers who seem to be the only ones doing any work in the run up to Christmas. I understand the concept of appealing to the women out there who do have a lot to do for Christmas e.g. Wrapping presents and making costumes, and they generally are the main buyer of presents, but a lot of families don’t operate in this way! I think the idea of the Mother doing everything is outdated, borderline sexist and almost offensive. There are many households where fathers and children also do a lot in the run up to Christmas, and it should be a JOYFUL occasion- these adverts need to stop showing the women stressed just because of the commercialness of Christmas.

Here they are if you missed them;

Morrison’s “For Your Christmas”

 

Asda “Behind Every Great Christmas There’s Mum”

Let me know what your favourite Christmas campaign is!