holiday

Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas?  What does Christmas "look" like?  Is it the unveiling of Simon Doonan's witty, irreverent windows at Barneys? Santa's reliably jovial appearance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade?  Salvation Army bells on every corner?  The "miracle" tree at Rockefeller Center?  The rush, bustle and flurry of gift buying, receiving, and yes, sadly occasionally returning? I guess the question on everyone's minds this year is what does a pared back Christmas look like?  We're interested in observing how some of America's biggest brands are approaching their consumers this year, examining which carefully crafted holiday campaigns will set just the right tone and hit their mark:

Williams-Sonoma Brands: Thanks and Giving campaign to support St. Jude's Hospital.  For the fourth year, a portion of proceeds from holiday purchases will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  The campaign has helped raise over $6.6 million dollars for the cause.  The takeaway?: Let your holiday purchases make a difference to those less fortunate.

The Gap Brands: NEW! Shopping made Simple: 4 Stores - 1 Checkout. Gap has finally, cleverly grouped their four brands (Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Piperlime) into one shopping experience with one low flat-rate shipping price ($7), and free returns.  The takeaway: Gap makes it easy to get through the holidays with your mind and wallet intact.  

Barneys: Have a Hippy Holiday Sweepstakes:  Barney's offers good vibrations with peace-themed gifts, free shipping on all online orders, and a chance to win a $2500 shopping gift card.  The takeaway: Even luxe consumers could use a little lovin' this season.    

Bath & Body Works: Experience the Season: Buy 1, Get 1 at 50% off: Bath and Body Works invites consumers to get in the holiday spirit with three new tantalizing fragrances, Twisted Peppermint, Vanilla Bean Noel, and Winter Candy Apple.   The takeaway: You can get in on the holiday spirit even on a budget.