In our second annual series of Christmas Commercials that Connect, McDonald’s once again successfully connects a product with the holidays!
This time, as the team makes their rounds doling out gifts from rooftops, it’s the reindeer who yearn for a treat that’s healthier than the cookies left for Santa. Spying a McDonald’s, jolly old Saint Nick knows just what to do. He orders a sack full of “Reindeer Treats,” the holiday-labeled packets of carrot sticks that can be substituted for French fries in your child’s Happy Meal.
Photo Courtesy of McDonald’s
Leo Burnett’s 90-second commercial was preceded by 10-second teasers promoting the re-packaged carrots on McDonald’s website as “deliciously crunchy reindeer treats.” Families in McDonald’s restaurants will be gifted with packets of “reindeer treats,” until Christmas. Begging the question, “Are you #ReindeerReady?”
Media Training
But the McDonald’s spokesperson could have used some Los Angeles media training to seem less commercial. “Our new ‘Reindeer ready’ campaign aims to remind customers that we are there when they need us at this time of year – from a Christmas shopping coffee break to a pre-party burger or even a mid-present delivery carrot stop,” said Ben Fox, marketing director at McDonald’s. “From TV to out-of-home, social to in-store, we will make sure there is a little reindeer magic for everyone this Christmas.”
Instead, he might have mentioned that his fast food franchise appeals to parents’ desire for healthier alternatives and gives children a small chance to give rather than simply get.
Kids and animals are always a winning combination in television.
Another retailer, Hobby Lobby puts their products in the hands of children, too. And adds a 50% sale to tempt shopping-weary parents.
Photo Courtesy of HobbyLobby
A little girl gives a quilt she’s sewn by hand to keep a newly-sheared sheep warm in the barn. The commercial connects with the audience on a deeper level, reflecting the original Christmas story. And reminds parents that they can be proud of how kind and compassionate their children sometimes are. It reminds us that the season should be about giving. The tagline says it all.
“Christmas is what you make it.”
https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/mcdonalds-reindeerready-leo-burnett-london/1519051
https://www.ispot.tv/ad/dm5t/hobby-lobby-christmas-sale-50-percent-off?autoplay=1