Harrods unveils Christmas TV ad campaign early

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Nov 2, 2016

 Luxury department store Harrods has launched its Christmas TV ad campaign earlier than any other major UK retailer with the debut of Hugh the Bear. The Harrods campaign is built around a teddy bear with the task of saving Christmas from an elf who wants to ruin the festive season.

Christmas advertising is a crucial traffic driver for stores but most wait until later in November to unveil their seasonal visions.

The 90-second Harrods animation, called A Very British Bear, features Hugh as one of the toys that help Father Christmas in his preparations for December 25 in a palace called Harrods.

It is closely linked to Harrods heritage with the store each year making a special gift teddy bear. Hugh, and The Very British Bear Tale story book, will both be available in-store.

John Lewis has led the charge of UK department stores into ‘statement’ Christmas campaigns with a series of memorable marketing concepts. The retailer, which is due to unveil its 2016 campaign later this week, kicked off the trend in 2009 and last year scored a hit with its Man In The Moon concept.