If you come to my blog often, you know how much I enjoy writing about commercials. Typically what interests me is the music used as the soundtrack for the ads – like this one from L.L. Bean or this one from Chipotle. I haven’t written about Home Depot before. That is, until now. Check out their jolly hunt for Santa in this documentary/reality TV-style Christmas commercial.
Until the last 25 seconds, there isn’t music to speak of (except the accidental ringtone) and it’s interesting, too, that the song used is mostly associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations, not Christmas as much. It’s “Auld Lang Syne,” which is a great song, anyway.
Instead of music, I’ll mention a few things about the ad I found interesting.
The location. They reference their location in Fairbanks, Alaska. The address for this Home Depot is 1301 Old Steese Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99701. On Google maps, it shows the store next to a Walmart and a Lowe’s. Nothing like competition right next door!
Is there a North Pole? Surprisingly, there is a place called North Pole, Alaska. However, the sign in the ad is a bit misleading. Why would it be facing away from the traffic taking the off ramp?
No comments. I wonder if the employees have to sign an NDA because none of them could confirm or deny that Santa shops at this store. Evidence might prove otherwise as the ad goes on to show a few things that sell well in December: reindeer feed, red paint, coal, and tiny gloves. Not to mention that one of the store managers gets a phone call from a suspiciously familiar-looking customer named Nick.
Genuine. The employees in this ad are real Home Depot employees. I think that authenticity really comes through. For a more in-depth look at the folks who came up with the ad and what they had to say about the production and the employees, check out this well-written Adweek article by Samantha Nelson.
Final Thoughts. This ad is great. The use of humor with the “office” style shooting and interviewing to the clever wrap-up (didn’t meet Santa but met people who know a thing or two about giving – the employees), the ad agency that created this ad ought to be proud. So show the Home Depot folks in Fairbanks a little love if you happen to be in the area. All around, it’s in my top 3 favorite holiday ads this season!
Thanks for stopping by!
-Out of the Wilderness
Out of the Wilderness 