This year, independent retailers face varied decisions on Black Friday discounting. With the big day on 29 November, strategies differ significantly. Some are fully committed, seeing it as a vital sales opportunity.Others are opting out entirely, focusing on other sales strategies to maintain brand integrity.A group of retailers is exploring alternatives to traditional discounting, seeking unique ways to engage shoppers.These decisions are influenced by factors like customer expectations, market trends, and individual business goals.Retailers are weighing the benefits and drawbacks of participating in Black Friday to make informed choices.As Black Friday approaches, independent retailers are split on how to approach…
Author: Dave Antrobus
M&S Food welcomes back Dawn French for its 2024 Christmas campaign, offering an engaging festive experience.French reprises her role as the voice of the festive fairy, adding a personal touch by appearing as herself in the advertisements.The series of six advertisements debuts with French preparing for Christmas, overwhelmed by the tasks ahead.M&S Food promises visually captivating ads featuring their finest products, culminating with a cameo by Katherine Jenkins.The campaign aims to enchant audiences and push creative boundaries, enhancing the holiday spirit.M&S Food embraces the holiday season with the return of Dawn French for its 2024 Christmas campaign. Known for her…
This year’s Christmas campaign features twice the fun with Dawn French returning to the spotlight.Dawn French resumes her role as the beloved festive fairy and stars in the ads as herself.The campaign consists of six episodes, the first of which was launched on 4th November 2024.Each advertisement showcases opulent Christmas decorations transforming into festive feasts.Classical singer Katherine Jenkins is set to make a special cameo appearance in the final ad.In an exciting return, Dawn French has reprised her dual role in this year’s Christmas campaign, serving as both the voice of the iconic festive fairy and appearing as herself in…
Harvey Nichols welcomes esteemed stylist Kate Phelan as its new creative director with immediate effect.Phelan will guide brand campaigns and enhance the store’s visual identity.Her extensive career includes pivotal roles at British Vogue and Topshop.Phelan will work closely with CEO Julia Goddard to bring new energy to the brand.Her appointment aims to reinforce Harvey Nichols as a leader in luxury fashion.Renowned stylist Kate Phelan has been appointed creative director at the prestigious department store Harvey Nichols. This new role entrusts her with the strategic oversight of brand campaigns and the enhancement of the store’s visual representation, marking an exciting chapter…
Sainsbury’s unveils its 2024 Christmas advert, becoming the first UK supermarket to launch festive promotions this year.The advert features Roald Dahl’s BFG and highlights Sainsbury’s commitment to quality food sourcing.A real Sainsbury’s employee plays a significant role, adding authenticity to the campaign’s narrative.The campaign showcases Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range, emphasising superior quality and festive homeliness.Released on TV and social platforms, the campaign aims to connect with customers during challenging economic times.Sainsbury’s is leading the way this festive season by launching its 2024 Christmas advert, ahead of its competitors. The advertisement, which debuted on television and social media, combines nostalgia…
The financial landscape for Selfridges Group has seen substantial shifts within the past year.Pre-tax losses have surged to £340.3 million, marking an increase from the previous year’s £126.2 million.Sales nearly doubled to £1.6 billion, aided by increased customer footfall across stores.Central Group and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund now jointly own Selfridges Group.The restructuring within the ownership has led to workforce reductions and strategic realignments.The recent financial filings for Cambridge Retail Group Holding have highlighted a significant increase in pre-tax losses, now standing at £340.3 million for the year ending 3 February 2024. This figure represents a substantial rise from…
Fenwick’s Christmas windows in Newcastle unveil a modern twist on ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, captivating holiday shoppers.The display stars Foggy, a partridge on a festive quest, weaving a narrative of finding Santa and nurturing a pear tree.Creative head Paul Baptiste highlights the unexpected elements blended with traditional Christmas charm.Soundtracked by ‘The Unthanks,’ the display merges visual and auditory storytelling in collaboration with The Glasshouse.Celebrated illustrator Chris Riddell’s designs are realised by Propability, enhancing the festive spirit with British craftsmanship.Fenwick’s flagship department store in Newcastle has unveiled its 2024 Christmas windows, offering a contemporary reimagining of the classic ‘The Twelve…
Greggs teams up with Nigella Lawson for a festive campaign, marking its first-ever Christmas advert.Lawson features alongside festive decorations, highlighting the flavours of Greggs’ Christmas pastry.She expresses her excitement about collaborating and praising Greggs’ festive menu.Speculation about her refusal to endorse sausage rolls is dismissed by Greggs.Amidst the season’s advertising, Greggs stands out with its unique collaboration.Greggs, the renowned bakery chain, has embarked on a festive endeavour by partnering with celebrity chef Nigella Lawson for its inaugural Christmas advertising campaign. This strategic collaboration aims to celebrate the bakery’s seasonal offerings, a move anticipated to capture consumer attention as the holiday…
Sainsbury’s makes a strategic move by extending the Aldi Price Match to its convenience stores, enhancing value for shoppers.The retailer aims to streamline its price offering, replacing previous promotions with a more unified approach across all store formats.Sainsbury’s focuses on essential items as it adapts to consumer needs, especially during the festive season.The initiative supports households by covering key staples like bread, milk, and meat, ensuring affordability amidst rising costs.Sainsbury’s commitment to value is part of its broader strategy to keep food at the heart of its operations.Sainsbury’s has become the first UK grocer to extend the Aldi Price Match…
As businesses aim to secure customer loyalty, understanding successful programmes is crucial.H&M’s programme turns casual shoppers into brand advocates with sustainable incentives and seamless digital onboarding.The RealReal offers exclusive access to luxury items, promoting sustainability and personalization through its loyalty scheme.Adidas motivates through dual engagement in shopping and fitness, rewarding activity along with purchases.Sephora enhances customer experiences through gamification and community connection.In an era where consumer preferences are rapidly evolving, successful loyalty programmes have become essential for retaining customers. H&M’s loyalty initiative exemplifies how to transform casual shoppers into devoted brand advocates. The programme not only offers a simple digital…