This Christmas, Argos is setting out to prove there’s more to the retailer than just toys, with a new blockbuster campaign that sees iconic brand mascots Connie and Trevor, ready to set the record straight. Once again proving that Argos is the definitive destination for desirable gift giving this season.
The hero film, directed by David Kerr, opens on a relatable last-minute Christmas shopping scene. The main protagonist, Tom - played by the multi-award-winning actor comedian, Simon Bird - is seen getting into his car, chatting on the phone about buying his sister’s gift. He dismisses Argos as only being good for toys. It’s at this point, Tom glances into his inside rearview mirror… only to discover two gatecrashers: Connie & Trevor. Summoned by his festive faux-pas, they’re ready to set him straight. In a humorous & action-packed sequence, the duo takes Tom on a journey to a warehouse, only to unveil an unexpected festive array of desirable, premium gifts - from high-end tech to stylish homeware, highlighting that there really is more to Argos this Christmas.
Simon Bird, Actor, said: “Like most people my age, I spent 80% of my childhood circling dream presents in the Argos catalogue. They’re such an iconic British brand, so getting to front the latest Christmas ad - especially one as unique as this - was an honour and a privilege.”
Laura Boothby, Head of Campaigns at Argos, said: “We knew we needed a bold and playful campaign this Christmas and so we've unleashed Connie and Trevor to mischievously show the huge range of desirable gifts and top brands we have for the whole family. Elevated by the comedic charms of Simon Bird, it’s a fun Christmas campaign like no other."
Matt Moreland and Chris Clarke, Executive Creative Directors at T&P, said: “At Christmas people often think of Argos as just for toys and miss out on all of the other great products. So this year we really wanted to intervene and deploy Connie and Trevor to help a very famous shopper see the error of their ways. We love this next installment of the campaign. It’s fun, festive and very different. We certainly can’t recall the last time an ex-Inbetweener was intercepted by a toy doll and dinosaur in a Christmas ad.”
David Kerr, Director, said: What could be more Christmassy than a tiny doll and plastic dinosaur delivering a surprise to an unsuspecting shopper, Simon Bird? Such a funny idea - but getting the most from the comedy meant being true to the drama of the situation. We needed a hint of tension to reinforce the humour - and Simon’s reactions hit exactly that sweet spot. Visually, it was all about sustaining a noirish mood - until the joyous rug-pull reveal. ETC brought so much delicious detail to the animation of Connie and Trevor. Somehow these minuscule characters become credibly commanding. I wouldn’t want to be on their naughty list.”
There’s More to Argos launched in 2023 and is fronted by the two characters Connie and Trevor, who are used to bring the retailer’s quality offering of products to life. Building on its position as one of the most cherished and reliable brands in the UK, this next campaign aims to shift perceptions about the premium and most surprising products available at Argos.
The campaign launches on the 1st November.
For more information, contact:
Caroline Frith - Head of Growth Operations
caroline.frith@tandpgroup.com
+44 (0)7885 183143
About Argos:
Argos offers outstanding convenience, choice and value. Established in 1973, Argos is a leading UK general merchandise retailer offering more than 60,000 products. Its range of technology, home and garden, toys, appliances, and health and beauty products are available through its website, apps, stores and convenient Click & Collect points inside Sainsbury’s supermarkets. Argos is a technology-led retailer; its website receives on average a billion visits a year and 70% of sales originate online. Its market-leading Fast Track delivery service is available across more than 90% of UK postcodes, seven days a week, and offers home delivery in as little as four hours up to 10pm.
About T&P:
T&P is one of the world’s leading full service creative and media agencies, connecting talent and tech to drive growth for brands. Formed by the integration of The&Partnership and mSix&Partners, it brings together content and distribution into a single, holistic end-to-end marketing solution. Backed by WPP and combined with the agility of an entrepreneurial Partner-led mindset, the multi-discipline agency spans four continents with 45 offices and over $1.2 billion dollars in billings globally. As an early adopter with the first ever AI-generated TV ad for Lexus in 2018, T&P is focused on harnessing AI across all its outputs with its 1,900 people already trained on WPP’s proprietary AI platform Creative Studio, to deliver enhanced outcomes for clients. www.tandpgroup.com.
Credits
Client: Argos
Chief Marketing Officer: Mark Given
Marketing Director: Heni Hazbay
Head of Brand Comms: Laura Boothby
Brand Comms Manager: Abbey Garrood
Brand Comms Executives: Courtney Preston; Amber Holden
Agency: T&P
CEO: Victoria Appleby
Executive Creative Directors: Matthew Moreland and Chris Clarke
Associate Creative Directors: Matt Deacon and Ben Fallows
Creatives: Melissa DeStefano and Andrea Rambert
Chief Production Officer: Charles Crisp
Senior Agency Producer: Charlie Thacker
Assistant Producer: Lakhbir Tari
Social Producer: Nick Drewett
Senior Art Buyer: Emma Modler
Creative Services Director: Tom Loxley
Business Lead: Florence Prevezer
Senior Account Director: Alex Fitzsimons
Account Director: Daisy Penny
Senior Account Manager: Freya Hogan
Account Executive: Isiuwa Ero
Chief Strategy Officer: Rebecca Munds
Planning Lead: Alex Dobson
Senior Strategist: Anna Lilley
Production Company: Hungryman
Director: David Kerr
Managing Partner: Matt Buels
Executive Producer: Jo Maitland-Robinson
Producer: Camilla Cullen
Production Manager: Tom Martin
Director of Photography: Haris Zambarloukos
Production Designer: Olly Williams
1st AD: Ben Gill
Editor: Adam Spivey @ Assembly Rooms
Offline Producer: Phoebe Armstrong-Beaver
VFX Studio: Electric Theatre Collective
Executive Producer: Vic Lovejoy
Senior Producer: Rosalien van der Bom
Creative Director: Dean Robinson
Animation Supervisor: Andras Ormos
CG Supervisor: Matteo La Motta
Lead Lighter: Wes Roblett
2D Supervisor: Soledad Martin
Colourist: Luke Morrison
Audio Post Production: Wave Studios
Sound Designer: Munzie Thind
Audio Producer: Hils Macdonald
Hero Casting: Talent Republic
CEO & Founder: Anne Batz
Head of Talent Production: Sophie Jacob-Melhuish
Account Lead: Disha B.B
Talent Production Assistant: Emily Curtis