I'm a sucker for a good story

Who isn't? That's why we love spending time with friends telling and listening to them, money on going to the cinema or renting films to watch from the comfort of our sofas, and some of us even still read books.
Heavens!

Usual Fiona Fail for not seeing this utterly brilliant TV ad for John Lewis (a UK Department Store that's so much part of the fabric of middle English society, goodness knows what would happen if they ever disappeared).  But  thank goodness for the interweb and the fact that it's online as I think I've had to watch it twice a day since I came across it a few days ago. It pulls heart strings, teases the emotions and generally leaves you with a smile on your face.  A very John Lewis genteel delight. Truly charming.

The accompanying soundtrack version of "she's always a woman" is back in the charts and getting lots of radio air play too. Music is a brilliant anchor, and now each time I hear it I'm back to that story & John Lewis.  Ownable memory anchors are the pillars of storytelling :-)

Nice that it manages oh so subtly to get all the product plugs in without you really even noticing: they cover nursery furniture, garden furniture, kitchen appliances, sofas, kitchen equipment, tableware, kids clothes,  mens clothes, ladies clothes, casual clothes, maternity clothes, work clothes.... , not to mention a fair few super-subtle references to their supermarket arm (Waitrose) for yummy birthday cakes, entertainment catering services and I could go on....  Lots of cues that re-inforce what every John Lewis and Waitrose shopper already knows and makes you feel great about shopping there. 



Simple. Fabulous.