Visa have launched a Christmas shopping campaign this Christmas.
The campaign encourages people to switch their focus from what they are buying to where they are buying, urging shoppers to show their local high streets some love this Christmas and beyond.
The TV advert features 13 real shopkeepers and will put the spotlight on over 150 independent retailers nationwide, featuring them in personalised adverts on prime city-centre billboards, as well as geo-targeted ads on social media.
The campaign also features a nationwide competition inviting shopkeepers to recreate Visa’s Christmas advert. The winning retailer will see their advert air during a prime-time advertising slot in the run-up to Christmas for millions to see.
Research commissioned by Visa found that 73% of consumers say that shopping locally makes them feel happy, with 42% citing supporting local shops and knowing where their money is going as the main reason. Spending time with friends and family (22%) and offering a sense of community (21%) were other reasons cited for why high streets make people happier. The research also reveals that half of consumers (50%) feel that their high street gives them a sense of pride in their local community. Independent retailers echo this positive sentiment with 73% optimistic about the future of their high street, up from 52% in 2018.
Jeni Mundy, managing director for UK & Ireland at Visa, said: “High streets and independent retailers are at the heart of communities across the UK, providing employment and acting as the driving force behind local economies. That’s why, through our Christmas campaign, we want to inspire people to visit and support their high streets, not just over the crucial festive period, but throughout the year.”
