John Lewis Unveils Nostalgic Christmas Ad to Spark Festive Cheer

blockchain This year, John Lewis is embracing nostalgia to ignite the festive spirit as it officially kicks off the countdown to Christmas with its much-anticipated 2025 advertisement. The ad features a rendition of the 1990s club classic Where Love Lives, aiming to resonate with both seasoned clubbers and their teenage offspring.

The latest John Lewis Christmas advert, which debuted on Tuesday, tells the story of a middle-aged father who finds himself transported back to his youthful clubbing days after receiving a vinyl record from his son. This year’s approach marks a departure from previous adverts that focused on endearing young children and animated characters, such as Monty the penguin and Buster the boxer. Instead, the new narrative centers on the importance of family relationships.

This year’s advertisement arrives a full ten days earlier than 2024's launch, reflecting a broader trend among retailers like Marks & Spencer and major supermarkets, who have increasingly embraced earlier holiday campaigns. In fact, John Lewis revealed its Christmas shop in stores back in September, with online offerings made available since the end of August. According to Rosie Hanley, the brand director for John Lewis, this early availability caters to shoppers eager to spread out their holiday spending over multiple paydays while taking advantage of discounts related to Black Friday promotions.

The soundtrack of the advertisement features Where Love Lives by Alison Limerick, seamlessly transitioning into a slower reimagined version performed by British singer and producer Labrinth. In a unique twist, John Lewis will be offering a limited edition vinyl record that includes both versions of the song, available through Rough Trade sections in their stores and on the John Lewis shopping app. The record, priced at £14.99, will contribute profits to the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme, which supports individuals who have experienced growing up in care.

The John Lewis Christmas advert has evolved into a significant cultural moment over the past 15 years, signaling the onset of the festive shopping season. This beloved series of ads, known for its emotionally resonant storytelling, has featured a variety of musical covers, including classics like The Smiths’ Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want and Together in Electric Dreams by Giorgio Moroder and Philip Oakey. Last year’s campaign showcased a performance by Richard Ashcroft featuring his song Sonnet.

As the holiday season approaches, competition remains fierce among retailers. Sainsbury’s has already rolled out its advertisement this past Sunday, while Morrisons is slated to launch its festive campaign on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Marks & Spencer has shifted its strategy, opting to produce multiple product-focused ads for clothing and homeware rather than a singular “hero ad” for television.

As the John Lewis Christmas advert takes center stage in the retail industry, it not only marks the beginning of the holiday shopping frenzy but also reflects evolving consumer preferences. With its focus on family connections and nostalgia, this year’s ad promises to resonate with audiences of all ages, ensuring that the festive spirit is alive and well. As the countdown to Christmas officially begins, shoppers are reminded that the magic of the season is just around the corner.