But Iceland has decided not to join the unofficial competition this year, and instead, has taken a bit of a different approach.
With the rising cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt nationwide, and thousands of families once again struggling to cover all the expenses that come along with the festive season, the supermarket has decided to take the route of “supporting customers” over investing in a promotional Christmas campaign this year.
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Iceland’s executive chairman Richard Walker called the decision to ditch the advert a “no brainer”.
Rather than spend millions creating and sharing a TV ad, we chose to invest the money supporting our customers during the cost-of-living crisis. No-brainer. #DoingItRighthttps://t.co/a02tYmcaSD
“As a business we were faced with a decision,” he said in a statement to Grocery Gazette, “Do we spend millions creating and sharing a TV advert or do we invest the money supporting our customers during the cost of living crisis?
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“This was a no brainer for us. I am grateful that as a family-run company, we can make the decisions we believe are right for our business and our customers.”
Walker said that the supermarket has chosen to invest in “keeping prices low” for customers instead, through initiatives such as its Christmas Bonus Cards Saving scheme – which gives shoppers £15 back when they top up £100 – as well as deals such as a turkey roast dinner bundle for up to 10 people for just £30.
The frozen food retailer has also notably slashed prices on over 1,000 household staples, and has expanded its £1 value range too.
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Iceland has ditched its Christmas advert this year / Credit: Iceland
Iceland has been met with praise for its decisions this festive season, with many taking to social media to share their reaction’s to Mr Walker’s announcement.
One customer wrote on X: “At last someone who has the right values and puts his money to doing good … We need more doing the same”, while another called it “brave and brilliant”, adding: “The Christmas ads must cost an absolute fortune, so to pass the savings on to your customers is the right thing to do. Well done Iceland.”
“Definitely the right approach,” another satisfied shopper wrote.
The supermarket retailer has made the decision to ‘support customers’ amid the cost of living crisis instead / Credit: Iceland
“Personally, I’m less likely to shop somewhere that can waste millions on glossy adverts. I prefer to buy from independents and I’ve also started shopping at Iceland because I believe in your ethos”.
Another shopper commented: “I love Iceland. Instead of “can I interest you in these products” at checkout to entice further purchases, they instead ask “can I interest you in purchasing these for your local food bank.”
“It’s a lovely gesture from a fantastic community centric supermarket.”
Featured Image – Iceland
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KFC have launched their own perfume – oh, and a new burger
Danny Jones
Fast food giants KFC have launched their very own perfume in one of the weirdest marketing stunts we’ve seen in a long while.
That being said, we definitely want a bottle.
KFC‘s fried chicken-themed fragrance launches next month and is fashionably named ‘No 11 Eau de BBQ’, a nod to their newest menu item, the Ultimate BBQ Burger, which we also want in our possession as soon as humanly possible.
The franchise’s new signature scent launches in just a week’s time and, yes, you can genuinely buy it along with the new burger for a limited time only.
Again, this is a real thing you can pay actual money for. (Credit: KFC UKI)
The UK-only release actually sold out when it came to pre-orders but Brits will be able to get their hands on another batch when the second lot drops on 7 May.
Promising a charcoal and smoky wood-scented aroma that immediately transports you to your mate’s back garden as he turns cheap burger patties into overly blackened dry pucks of meat that you definitely would’ve cooked better if you were in charge, the stunt is also helping raise money for non-profits.
Available in 100ml bottles and for just £11, 100% of the proceeds of every sale will go towards the KFC Foundation, which supports grassroots organisations empowering young people to unleash their potential and build a positive future in local communities across the country.
As for the burger that inspired it, the special edition menu item is a nod to BBQ season gradually approaching and they’ve even made a nod to our famously reliable British weather and its attempts to derail the art of outdoor grilling in a new advert.
KFC perfume and a new burger? Christmas has come well early this year.
The Ultimate BBQ Burger has already launched and will be on the menu until 9 June, priced at £6.49 or £9.99 for a box meal which comes with the burger, a regular mini fillet, regular fries, BBQ sauce and a drink.
And don’t worry, it’ll be available on delivery too — we know we’ve had problems with that when it comes to specials in the past.
As KFC’s No 11 Eau de BBQ perfume, you can wait in the online queue like everyone else HERE and let’s just say you’ll be fighting us and plenty of other Mancs for every last drop.
River Island reopens Manchester Arndale store – and it’s unrecognisable
Daisy Jackson
River Island in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre is ready to reopen after a major makeover, and it’s bigger than ever.
The stunning space now spans 13,947 square feet and comes with interactive fitting rooms where you can order extra sizes on an iPad, self-checkouts, and a limited-edition collection exclusive to the Arndale.
The huge shop’s refurb follows a similar move at their Trafford Centre store, where River Island moved into the former Topshop unit.
Now, the three-storey store in the heart of the Arndale has been given a lick of duck-egg blue, and transformed into a beachy paradise.
Officially throwing its doors open this morning, Thursday 25 April, with Lucy Mecklenburgh cutting the ribbon, the huge shop is already welcoming hordes of shoppers.
Over the weekend, you’ll spot plenty of activations to celebrate River Island’s relaunch.
There are people carrying gigantic shopping bags handing out scratch cards with different discounts on, a Spin the Wheel with prizes, free coffees, a pop-up flower cart and loads more.
And the first people to spend more than £55 on each day between 25 and 28 April will receive a limited-edition tote bag.
High-tech changing rooms at the new River Island in the Manchester ArndaleAccessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale storeThe kids’ clothing collection in River IslandAccessories in River Island’s new Manchester Arndale store
This new River Island store has a limited-edition collection of one-off, premium pieces featuring exclusive fabrics and luxury detailing.
The 19-piece, bohemian-inspired collection starts at £45 and will only be available in the Arndale store.
Inside you’ll find all the usual River Island goodies, including a huge amount of holiday shop items, plus denim, occasion-wear, shoes, handbags, and kids’ clothing.
The new River Island store will open on 25 April in The Arndale shopping centre in Manchester.
Emily Sergeant -
15th November 2023 
