Divided Opinions at BC HQ: Is John Lewis' Snapper Ad a Bold Move or a Festive Flop?

There’s been a lot of debate in BC HQ about this week’s #FridayAd.

Whilst some of us are merrily putting up the Christmas tree already (yes, really!), the rest of us are looking on in shock given it's still 38 sleeps until the big day.

But whilst it’s still only November, and far too early to think about Christmas, we’ve already seen a number of big brands launch their festive offering.

So, we want to focus this week on one of the more contentious contenders – John Lewis & Partners ’ Snapper: The Perfect Tree. This week we’re including two different thoughts on the ad – let us know what your take on it is.?

First up, Loren Leavey says...?

As much as I enjoy the hype around the John Lewis ad and its green light to the festive season, I’ve been feeling the pressure on their agency’s behalf for a while now. Imagine being the creative team?tasked with the responsibility of creating THE ad, rehashing a similar story every year and still hoping to go one better than the last. Where does it end?!?

Which is a big part of the reason I really like this year’s take, because it feels like they’ve released a pressure valve. Without even an acoustic 80s power ballad in sight, this ad was nothing like I was expecting. I love the ugly little plant guy.

It says to me that despite your best intentions, sometimes Christmas isn’t quite what you had in mind. I recognise the mum’s struggle for the insta-worthy tree and it resonates because I think we’re all guilty of piling on the pressure for perfection at Christmas time.

So to me, this ad is a little celebration of imperfection - and a reminder that whatever you do (or don’t do), the kids will love it anyway. John Lewis warm and fuzzies restored. It’s a big yes from me.?

?Adds venus fly trap to son’s Christmas list?

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Cheryl Wills says…?

Christmas ads are where the big brands come out to play. This is where I expect to see huge, brand building campaigns that draw us in and either make us laugh or cry. I want a story that takes me on a journey and evokes a sense of nostalgia or excitement. And I don’t really feel anything watching this.

Maybe a bit confused, slightly bored even. Don’t get me wrong, some of the John Lewis ads of old were a bit leftfield and switching things up was the right thing to do. I just don’t feel like this was the one.

Give me Monty the penguin anyday!?