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Hold onto your tinsel, folks - John Lewis is back, and this year’s Christmas advert, The Gifting Hour, feels like a warm mug of mulled wine on a frosty evening.
Gone are the quirky aliens and bouncing animals of yore; instead, the brand has dusted off its heartstrings and tuned them to the timeless notes of family, nostalgia, and finding that perfect gift.
The plot? Meet Sally, who’s racing against time to find a Christmas present for her sister, Lauren. But instead of settling for socks or scented candles, she stumbles upon a magical wardrobe in the middle of the Oxford Street store (as one does) and is whisked into a whirlwind tour of their shared memories. From sibling squabbles to tear-jerking family moments, it’s a greatest hits album of their lives, reminding Sally-and us-that the best gifts come from truly knowing someone.
The soundtrack? None other than The Verve’s Sonnet, oozing 90s vibes and striking just the right chord of wistfulness. And in a very 2024 twist, John Lewis is getting all TikTok-y, running a competition for up-and-coming musicians to reimagine the track. The winning cover will feature in a Christmas Day re-release, proving the ad can look back and forward at the same time.
The message lands like a hug: the perfect gift isn’t about the price tag – it’s about the thought. With The Gifting Hour, John Lewis has traded gimmicks for genuine, pulling off a festive comeback that’s as timeless as a good mince pie. Bravo. A lovely return to form.
→ Over 20 years experience across APAC and the UK helping redefine some of the world’s most iconic and effective brands, and leading complex research and segmentation projects from Budget Direct, Big4, Crime Stoppers, RACV and CommBank.