Online department store Very launched its Christmas ad campaign using projections on iconic London buildings, as well as targeting consumers on the street. The activation featured a 60-foot wide projection of the animated advert onto London's County Hall, and a countdown moment initiated by TV presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Laura Whitmore. The London Eye was turned pink for the occassion to match the Very brand colours. Earlier in the day, an army of gift givers took to London's streets to greet passers-by with surprise presents, including popular high-tech gadgets, designer perfumes, jewellery and luxury cosmetics.
On 4 November, print company Photobox launched a Christmas grotto pop-up that allowed guests to create and wrap personalised gifts free of charge. The pop-up was staged at the Getty gallery in central London, and invited visitors to turn their photos into festive presents for friends and family. It included a photobooth, where guests could take a snapshot of themselves to print onto a mug or bauble. They also had the option to create retro bunting featuring their photos. Staff were on hand to showcase the Photobox app, as well aid guests in wrapping their personalised gifts.
On 3 November, Londoners witnessed three eight-foot neon yetis skating through the streets to mark the launch of digital retailer Argos' ‘Christmas Yetis’ campaign. They were seen at several London locations, including the festive ice rink at the Natural History Museum, Millennium Bridge and Westminster Bridge. The yetis were laden with gifts to give to lucky passers-by, and aimed to kickstart the festive spirit across the UK. The festive yeti fun will continue instore, with guests able to visit Argos stores and take a 'yelfie', or take a snap of themselves wearing a downloadable yeti mask.
Children's toy retailer Toys R Us staged a 'quiet hour' on 6 November, aimed to give children with autism, as well as their families and carers, the chance to browse for Christmas gifts in a calm environment. Children affected by autism may find it difficult to cope with normal shopping environments, particularly in the busy run up to Christmas when shops are full of browsing customers. The toy shop made a number of alterations to the shopping environment, including dimmed lights, reducing the number of fluorescent lights where possible, stopping music and tannoy announcements and utilising autism-friendly signage.
Hamleys' Regent Street takeover
Toy retailer Hamleys is bringing an all-day to parade to London's Regent Street for the second year in a row. The parade will take palce on 20 November, and aims to bring a sense of festive magic to the Capital in the run up to Christmas. The event will feature well-known characters from TV and film, marching bands, festive floating blimps, street theatre, dancers and toy vehicles, accompanied with music from Magic FM. As well as the parade, guests are invited to experience activities such as the Sky Cinema Movie Bus, CBeebies Village, NERF Vault, Power Rangers Power Dome and My Little Pony Bus. Hamleys' main stage will be placed outside the London store, and will host entertainment from midday, with an exciting finale set for 4.30pm.
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