'It's officially Christmas': M&S and Asda among first to launch

[ad_1]

Retailers have fired the starting gun on Christmas advertising season by launching their festive campaigns earlier than usual.

Marks and Spencer revealed its Christmas TV spot on Wednesday, several days earlier than last year, while Asda also released a teaser for its seasonal pitch to shoppers.

It comes as retailers aim to improve sales over the holidays following years of stretched finances for households after the COVID pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

M&S‘s advert stars celebrities including Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham and singer Sophie Ellis Bextor.

Ray BLK provides the soundtrack with a cover of Meatloaf’s I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).

The promo highlights the joy of “doing what you love” over the festive period, with the chain promoting its campaign alongside the hashtag #LoveThismasNotThatmas.

M&S declared on X, formerly Twitter: “Christmas has arrived”.

It comes after the brand focused on community causes and gift giving last year, as part of a partnership with The Neighbourly Foundation, with an advert featuring Harry Styles song Treat People With Kindness.