Walmart unveils TV-inspired ad campaign for Black Friday
A new way to shop: immersive storytelling
Walmart is transforming the typical ad experience this holiday season with an unprecedented twist by crafting an ad campaign that feels more like a binge-watchable TV series than traditional commercials. The retail giant is gearing up for Black Friday with a ten-part “series” designed to get consumers excited about the deals at Walmart stores.
Star-studded mini-series
The campaign boasts a cast of well-known actors including Taye Diggs, Lisa Rinna, Ian Somerhalder, Anthony Ramos, Chad Michael Murray, Jake Shane, and Walton Goggins. Each vignette is crafted to echo the viewer’s favorite TV dramas such as “Bridgerton,” “Yellowstone,” “Friday Night Lights,” and “Vampire Diaries.” This approach leverages the storytelling techniques that have captivated audiences worldwide, aiming to do the same with Walmart’s promotional content.
Sneak previews and irresistible deals
Each episode in the series offers a sneak preview of the next, cultivating anticipation and encouraging viewers to stay tuned. The sneak previews will not just hint at the storyline but also spotlight Black Friday deals that shoppers can look forward to. The campaign’s inaugural preview is set to launch on Monday, kicking off the holiday excitement.
Strategic approach for a busy season
“The holidays are an incredibly busy time of year for people and an incredibly cluttered time of year for advertisers,” remarked William White, Walmart U.S. Chief Marketing Officer. To stand out, Walmart focuses on creative ads that spark discussions and engage customers. The commercials will promote various deals, including highly sought-after items like the Apple iPhone 13 and Jessica Simpson women’s puffer coats.
A shift in Black Friday marketing strategy
Over the years, Walmart has continually innovated its Black Friday marketing strategies. Past campaigns have included reunions of actors from hit films such as “Mean Girls” and “Office Space.” This year, the emphasis is on genre emulation and serialized storytelling, promising quicker recognition and deeper engagement from shoppers.
Multichannel advertising
To ensure the campaign reaches a broad audience, Walmart will place these ads in high-visibility locations, extending beyond traditional TV to platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The retailer has even commissioned special out-of-home advertising in bustling areas like New York and Los Angeles, with billboards mimicking those promoting new TV shows.
William White emphasized the importance of capturing consumer attention during the critical holiday period. “The fourth quarter is a very big part of our business,” he stated, underscoring the high stakes of the holiday season. The lead-up to Black Friday has always been saturated with promotional offers and ad campaigns. However, the introduction of a new “Black Friday” NFL game from Amazon Prime Video adds another layer of competition.
Last year’s inaugural game featured commercials from major brands such as Google, Carnival Cruises, Hasbro, Bose, and Columbia Sportswear, setting a high benchmark for this year’s advertising battles.
Embracing chapter-based storytelling
“We see that our customers love chapter-based storytelling. It has resonated with them,” said White. Walmart’s strategy taps into popular genres and features talent that excites people, ensuring that each ad delivers not just a sales pitch but an engaging mini-narrative that keeps viewers hooked.
Expanding beyond traditional media
In a bold move, Walmart extends its promotion beyond conventional media. These entertaining spots will appear prominently across social media platforms, particularly TikTok and YouTube, targeting tech-savvy, digitally inclined shoppers. Out-of-home advertising in major cities will further cement the campaign’s presence, ensuring that it catches the eyes of urban shoppers.
In an ever-competitive holiday shopping landscape, Walmart’s innovative storytelling ad campaign is poised to cut through the noise and capture consumer attention in a unique and compelling way.
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