After Past Campaigns with Michael Bublé and Buddy the Elf, ASDA’s New G-Team Brings Humor and Adventure to the Holiday Season
Written 4th November 2024 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter
ASDA's 2024 Christmas advert is here, and this year, it takes a decidedly whimsical twist, trading celebrity icons for an unlikely cast of heroes: garden gnomes. Known for its memorable holiday ads in recent years, ASDA has delivered a playful campaign that centers on a team of CGI-animated gnomes, cleverly set to the iconic A-Team theme. This "G-Team," as they’re affectionately dubbed, comes to the rescue to deck out a snowed-in ASDA store, packing the ad with gnome-themed puns and a spirit of festive determination.
Watch the advert:
In the past, ASDA’s holiday ads have leaned into star-studded campaigns, featuring big names like Michael Bublé and Buddy the Elf, which charmed viewers with nostalgia and celebrity allure. Last year, Michael Bublé brought a smooth, cozy vibe to the ASDA holiday experience, capturing hearts with his signature crooning and seasonal warmth. The previous year's Buddy the Elf campaign leaned heavily on humor and familiarity, tapping into the beloved character's quirks and charm, making it a fan-favorite.
This year’s gnome-centric campaign, however, feels like a bold step into new territory. The gnome characters, in contrast to ASDA’s past celebrity-centric ads, aim to bring a sense of adventure and humor. The A-Team soundtrack underscores a playful sense of urgency, as the gnomes work to transform the store just in time for Christmas. Though visually entertaining and filled with clever puns, the ad may not have the same heartwarming or iconic appeal that Bublé’s soothing tones or Buddy’s joyful antics brought to previous campaigns.
Adding a unique twist, ASDA’s "Mrs. Claus" gnome character returns, joined by five new gnome friends that will also be available on ASDA shelves this holiday season. These new brand mascots are intended to bring additional festive cheer, encouraging customers to engage with the brand's seasonal merchandise.
Set to premiere on TV during Coronation Street on November 6, ASDA’s 2024 ad campaign will likely resonate with those who appreciate humor and novelty in holiday advertising. Yet for those who favor tradition and nostalgia, this pivot to a CGI-animated, gnome-led campaign may not quite live up to the charming intimacy of past ASDA Christmas ads. Nevertheless, ASDA’s choice to focus on original characters might signal a refreshing attempt to build an ongoing holiday narrative, one where familiar brand mascots replace the need for celebrity presence.
Whether it captures the enduring magic of a classic Christmas ad or not, this year’s campaign certainly adds a playful and lighthearted flavor to the festive season, appealing to families and anyone with a penchant for humor and whimsy.
