Going Beyond The TV: John Lewis' #ManOnTheMoon

Around about this time every year we find ourselves eagerly awaiting John Lewis' next Christmas campaign - usually with a pillow to cry into at the ready! And this year, they've done it again with the heartstring-tugging advert, Man on the Moon. 

We're always going to adore whatever John Lewis puts in front of us, and while this year's advert might not be their most poignant, to date, Man on the Moon has much more depth than their previous Christmas campaigns.

We explain why, from a marketer's perspective, #ManOnTheMoon is so wonderful...

Collaborating For A Cause

Amid increasing hype around John Lewis’ seasonal ad, which has come to mark the beginning of the Christmas shopping season for many of us, the department store has partnered with Age UK, to increase awareness about isolation amongst the elderly, as well as raise money to help support the charity.

Leveraging Their Reputation

With over 250,000 Twitter followers and almost 1 million Facebook fans, their reach is set to be enormous - and that's before the latest ad! One can only hope that video views, likes and follows will translate into profits for the charity, this Christmas, as well as a raised profile and ongoing support.

Going Beyond The TV Screen

There are many branches to Man on the Moon. Alongside Age UK, John Lewis will be hosting a series of dinners, workshops and social events that intend to help the elderly. Furthermore, they're encouraging employees and customers to join a local charity to help care for the elderly who might otherwise be alone this Christmas. The retailer will also donate the proceeds on sales of certain products, such as mugs and cards, to the charity.

Inspiring Change

Craig Ingis, John Lewis' Customer Director said: "We hope it inspires people to find really special gifts for their loved ones and through our partnership with Age UK, raises awareness of the issue of loneliness amongst older people and encourages others to support in any way they can."

So without further ado, watch (and weep at) Man on The Moon, here: