Freemans.com has launched one of the first festive ads of 2024, just two months before Christmas, aiming to inspire shoppers and help them spread the cost of holiday shopping.

The online department store’s new campaign is led by a 30-second commercial featuring singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the face of Freemans, delivering gifts on the snow-dusted ‘Sleigh Street’ alongside a stylish “Style Squad,” all decked out in the latest seasonal fashion.

Arriving in a retro delivery van, the team hand-delivers gifts, echoing Freemans’ nationwide delivery service. Highlighted products include a leopard-print handbag, an LED facemask, and Adidas trainers for kids, showcasing Freemans’ extensive range of over 60,000 items.

The campaign also features content creators and influencers, offering gift advice through Freemans’ “Style Squad” across digital and social platforms from October 24, with the ad airing on TV from October 26. The promotion will be further amplified through YouTube, social media, digital channels, and PR efforts.

Freemans launched its ad early, with research showing 36% of consumers begin Christmas shopping by October, and 23% start in early November.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year and I hope we’ve packed that special feeling into these 30 seconds. The festive season is about spreading cheer, giving to others, celebrating our families and friendships and yes, treating ourselves too. I had so much fun making the ad with Freemans and I hope it puts everyone in the Christmas spirit a little earlier this year.”

Richard Cristofoli, Chief Customer Officer, Freemans said: “Tis the season to start Christmas shopping. The two-month Christmas countdown is on and most consumers are starting early to spread the cost of the festive season. By launching now, we have two pay days to go until the big day and we’re offering more help and advice than ever before via our Style Squad, making it easier for customers to nail the perfect gift and manage their festive finances.”

“Everyone is extra busy at Christmas, so our new ad shows shopping early can take the pressure off – and you can get the perfect presents delivered straight to your door from Freemans.  While we can’t promise Sophie will deliver them, we can promise you’ll find the right gifts at the right price when you shop with us.”

Loren Cook, Creative Director, MullenLowe said “Our aim was to deliver a campaign that showcases Freemans as the destination for stylish, curated, and thoughtful gifts this festive season. This is our second campaign with the formidable Sophie Ellis-Bextor and I think anyone would be incredibly thrilled if she turned up on the doorstep with your perfect gift.”