Today sees the release of John Lewis’s ever-favourite Christmas commercial and with less than 50 days until the big day, these much anticipated retail ads have already started to appear on our screens.  So let’s look at a round up of the best ones so far:

John Lewis UK – Give someone the Christmas they’ve been dreaming of. #MontyThePenguin

John Lewis never fail to disappoint and this year sees the debut of Monty the penguin. This is a tale of friendship, love and giving someone the gift they’ve been dreaming of this Christmas. Tied together with it’s own microsite (www.johnlewis.com/christmas-advert-2014-montys-christmas), book, iPad and Andriod app, merchandise, twitter feed and multiple charity cross promotions you can safely say John Lewis have ticked all the boxes.

Coca-Cola US – #sharethegood

A lovely feel-good story encouraging sharing and giving of a Coke over the festive period.

Debenhams UK – Found it!

Set to an orchestral score of Paul McCartney’s ‘We all stand together’, the department store encourages customers to explore the magic of a Debenhams Christmas as the search begins for your most fabulous festive season yet. To integrate it through social media they then ask you to share the ad and share your #foundit moment at foundit.co.uk

David Jones AUS – The things we do for love

Following the ever successful John Lewis formula (aka, story of little boy impatiently preparing something for Christmas, set to a classic track sung by a solist with piano accompaniment), David Jones has finally stepped up the mark with this lovely piece of film reminding us that Christmas is that time of the year when love is put into action. Well done DJ’s.

Lidl UK – The Lidl Present

Lidl has unveiled its Christmas ad campaign that highlights its new Deluxe ranges and pitches them against upmarket rivals M&S and Waitrose.

Stay tuned for a follow up of the best festive retail ads from around the world. Only at rethink-commerce.com #retailchristmas #besttimeofyear