High street giant M&S is the first retailer to unveil its Christmas campaigns, with two adverts dropping on 01 and 02 of November 2023.
The Elite retailer launched its clothing and home campaign first, titled ‘Love Thismas (Not Thatmas)’ it aims to encourage people to join in, deciding what makes Christmas work best for them.
Set to a cover of Meatloaf’s ‘I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)’, re-recorded by artist and singer-songwriter Ray BLK, it features British actresses Hannah Waddingham and Zawe Ashton, as well as singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and stylist Tan France.
The M&S Christmas clothing & home campaign for 2023 was created by newly appointed creative agency MOTHER and director Ally Pankiw, best known for Feel Good and Black Mirror.
Anna Braithwaite, M&S clothing & home marketing director, said: “I’m sure everyone watching our ad will be able to relate to our fabulous cast of talent who so hilariously bring-to-life those little moments and dilemmas we all have at Christmas time.
“Before we created Love Thismas (Not Thatmas), we spoke to hundreds of our customers and they all told us that, at Christmas, they feel this pressure of having to worry about and plan so many things. We know it can often feel like the list is never-ending so this year we decided to celebrate and empower our customers to just do the things they love.”
“The soundtrack perfectly captures the tongue-in-cheek spirit of the campaign, empowering viewers to acknowledge the things we all do – some that we love, and some that we may like doing a little less – that makes the festive season a truly magical time with loved ones.”
Then on Thursday 02 November, it introduced animated mittens to its festive fairy, voiced by Dawn French. The Mittens, named Left and Right, are voiced by Hollywood actors turned Wrexham football club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
M&S Food has partnered with Wrexham AFC, the first club football partnership in the retailers’ history, for national and community-led activities designed to support children and families in the local area.
Reynolds said: “Our partnership with M&S Food is important to Rob and I, due to its established history with Wrexham and its commitment to supporting the local community.
“The connection we have to the club and its supporters is something we’re deeply proud of. It’s essential we partner with a brand who understands the broader goals for the community as a whole and is committed to making positive changes.”
M&S is set to open a new Wrexham Food store on 01 December 2023, it will continue to work with neighbouring Village Bakery, which have supplied stores with baked goods for over 15 years.
Sharry Cramond, M&S director of marketing and hospitality, added: “This year’s Christmas advertising campaign is possibly my favourite to date. Not only does it build on the unrivalled success of last year, it also introduces a sprinkle of Hollywood glamour with the addition of both Rob and Ryan.
“The warming tale is sure to tug on the heartstrings of the nation, whilst putting M&S Food at the heart – something we know our customers love. I mean, who doesn’t get the Christmas feels when they see M&S Food in all its glory on the big screen”
