The presence of fake snow, reindeer, elves, Christmas trees and jolly Santa Claus himself inside Selfridges' department store might not seem odd until it becomes clear that this is all part of a Christmas in August campaign.
Selfridges got into the Christmas spirit 143 days early, mocking the race for retailers to be the first with the best toys, decorations and gifts, causing consumers to wonder "When is it too soon to start thinking about the holidays?"
Considering that many PR agencies are now gearing up for the holiday season with special previews and events, Selfridges has cast summer to the wind and is ready to embrace the winter shopping season fully. Selfridges has been in direct competition with John Lewis for the past few years during the holidays, but this Christmas in August campaign should give Selfridges a boost even before the cold weather hits.
Premature Christmas Campaigns
Selfridges Starts the Holidays Early with Christmas in August
Trend Themes
1. Early Holiday Campaigns - Many retailers are starting holiday promotions earlier and earlier, creating new opportunities for disruptive marketing strategies and consumer engagement.
2. Competition for Early Market Share - Retailers are racing to be the first to capture holiday shoppers, presenting opportunities for innovative product launches and pre-holiday promotions.
3. Seasonal Event Marketing - Holiday-themed events and promotions presented in new and unique ways can provide differentiation and increased attention for brands.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers are taking advantage of early holiday campaigns to attract more shoppers and differentiate themselves from competitors.
2. PR and Marketing - PR and marketing agencies are gearing up for holiday season earlier, creating opportunities for innovative and disruptive holiday marketing strategies.
3. Events and Experiential Marketing - Creative event marketing and experiential campaigns around the holiday season can provide companies with a unique way to build brand awareness and engage with consumers.