The Magic of Marketing: The Bodhi Team’s Favorite Holiday Campaigns

November 19, 2024

As a marketing agency, our team lives for moments that make us say, “Wow, they nailed it!”. Holiday ads are no exception. There’s something about the combination of nostalgia, joy, and emotional storytelling that makes these campaigns unforgettable and effective. From a penguin and octopus to Mean Girls and neighbors falling in love, here’s a roundup of our team’s favorite old and new holiday campaigns. Spoiler: They’re guaranteed to inspire you and maybe even make you tear up.

John Lewis: Monty the Penguin

Let’s kick things off with a classic. The UK’s John Lewis has a way of tugging at heartstrings like no other, and Monty the Penguin was no exception. This sentimental ad brought imagination to life, following a little boy and his penguin friend through the season of giving.

The genius here? John Lewis tapped into our inner child, reminding us of the magic of Christmas through a beautifully crafted story filled with activities we cherish, like sledding, decorating a Christmas tree, and movie nights with the family. Instead of selling a product, John Lewis strategically focused on selling moments, the kind of gift that withstands the test of time.

Why it works:

Called for deep emotional resonance.
Seamlessly tied back to the brand’s mission of creating a happier world.
Included complimentary in-store experiences (e.g., Monty plush toys) that extended the magic into shoppers’ homes.

Google: Santa Tracker

Combining nostalgia with a tech twist, Google’s Santa Tracker is the ultimate interactive holiday experience. Beyond just tracking Santa, the site offers games, activities, and even educational content, blending holiday cheer with engagement.

Inspired by NORAD’s tracker, Google elevated it with sleek design and tech-savvy features. Plus, it was an amazing opportunity for families to learn, play, and countdown to Christmas together, all while keeping Google top-of-mind during the holidays.

Why it works:

Leveraged the nostalgia of NORAD’s tracker and modernized it for a digital audience.
Created a multi-touchpoint experience that kept users engaged through the Santa tracker, games, and charity information.
Reinforced Google’s brand as innovative and family-friendly.

Publix: Home for the Holidays

Publix knows how to warm hearts. Their Home for the Holidays commercials are leaders in emotional storytelling. Beautifully shot and centered around the idea that food brings people together, these ads show the true meaning of family during the holidays.

Whether it’s a mother welcoming her grown child home or a family baking together, Publix’s ads resonate deeply with viewers. The result? A strengthened association between the brand and the comfort of the holiday season.

While it is an oldie from 2008, one of our favorite commercials from Publix’s Home for the Holidays is their Holiday Surprise commercial.

Why it works:

Strong emotional appeal that connected with family values.
Perfectly aligned with the brand’s core product: food as a centerpiece for memories.
Beautiful visuals that felt cinematic and authentic.

Hobby Lobby: Christmas Is What You Make It

If there’s one brand that lives and breathes creativity, it’s Hobby Lobby. Their Christmas Is What You Make It campaign has become an annual tradition, encouraging viewers to embrace the joy of crafting and decorating to connect with others. Each year, Hobby Lobby delivers heartwarming commercials that subtly highlight their extensive and affordable selection of Christmas decor, DIY kits, and crafting supplies.

One of our all-time favorites is the Neighbors commercial, which captures the spirit of caring for your community during the holidays and a simple love story. With its touching storyline and message of love, it reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about what you buy—it’s about the moments and connections you create. And really, who doesn’t love a cute Christmas love story?

Why it works:

Tapped into the universal appeal of creativity and togetherness.
Reinforced their position as the go-to store for DIY enthusiasts.
Supported the campaign with video tutorials and how-to guides, extending its reach.

Barbour: Collaboration with Shaun the Sheep

Who doesn’t love a little stop-motion magic? Barbour’s partnership with Shaun the Sheep was clever, funny, and adorable. Without needing words, they conveyed their message of gifting warmth this winter— literally and figuratively.

By pairing classic British humor with nostalgic animation, Barbour not only celebrated the holiday spirit but also reinforced their brand’s heritage and coziness.

Why it works:

Simple storytelling that transcended language barriers.
Tied their products (warm winter jackets) seamlessly into the plot.
Used a beloved character to connect with audiences of all ages.

Walmart: Mean Girls Black Friday

On Wednesdays, they wear pink—and in November 2023, Walmart’s Black Friday deals started on Wednesdays too! Walmart brilliantly capitalized on the buzz around the new Mean Girls movie released in January 2024 by bringing back beloved characters from the original film. This campaign combined nostalgia with savvy product placement, cleverly tying in the classic with something fresh.

From the iconic “Jingle Bell Rock” performance at the talent show to the classic “Burn Book” moments, Walmart’s ad reminded millennials why they love the holidays—and shopping. It also cleverly positioned the brand as a go-to for unbeatable deals, all while giving us a fun, cinematic holiday moment.

Why it works:

Played on cultural nostalgia to capture millennial attention.
Seamlessly incorporated product placement into storytelling, like Levi Strauss & Co., Roku TVs, and even Squishmallows.
Reinforced the key selling point: Black Friday starts early at Walmart.

Disney: The Boy & The Octopus

Disney has mastered the art of pulling at heartstrings, and this season’s The Boy & The Octopus holiday short was no exception. Using The Little Mermaid’s iconic songs and clever nods to Toy Story, Star Wars, Finding Nemo, and numerous Disney favorites, the ad highlighted the magic of unexpected friendships and their key messaging of the greatest journeys starting with a dream.

Even better? In the EMEA region, the campaign supported Make-A-Wish International, reminding us all of the true spirit of the season: giving back.

Why it works:

Nostalgic for adults and enchanting for kids—a perfect mix.
Tied Disney products into a timeless, emotional story.
Supported a meaningful cause, aligning the brand with goodwill and generosity.

Inspiring Campaigns, Timeless Lessons

From heartfelt stories to tech-savvy innovations, holiday campaigns remind us that great marketing is about more than selling; it’s about connection. Whether it’s through nostalgia, creativity, or emotional storytelling, each of these ads found a way to bring the magic of the holidays to life.

As we gear up for another season, let these campaigns inspire you to think big, dream boldly, and, most importantly, connect with your audience on a deeper level. After all, isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

Cooper Shaw

With an eye for strategic content creation and crafting marketing campaigns, Cooper is a creative marketer who loves combining visual and written aspects of storytelling.

Bodhi and Co. recognized as a Best Women-Owned Business by SC Biz News in South Carolina

October 24, 2024

“In the Lead: Best Women-Owned Businesses” is a new recognition from SC Biz News that celebrates businesses that are owned by women and demonstrate success across many areas.

Founder of Bodhi and Co., Dani Wilkinson, was announced as one of the recipients of this award, along with many other outstanding women-owned businesses in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston.

“It’s a huge honor to be recognized for this nomination in South Carolina. I started Bodhi and Co. when we first moved to Greenville from the UK in 2020 right before the Pandemic hit, and I never expected the business to take off and grow so quickly. I’m proud that we partner with so many exciting new businesses in the South, see them flourish, and continue to grow with fresh new ideas,” says Wilkinson.

To be named one of the Best Women-Owned Businesses, a company must be entirely or substantially based in South Carolina. Honorees are recognized for growth in revenues or employees, demonstrating strong and consistent community engagement for trailblazing initiatives and innovation, and continuing to break through glass ceilings.

Congratulations to all the “In the Lead: Best Women-Owned Businesses” honorees for your hard work and contribution.

SPOTLIGHT ON BODHI AND CO.

Top female executive: Dani Wilkinson, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer

What does it mean to you to be a women-owned business?

Being a female founder from a minority group is important to our agency, what we do, and how we solve problems. We want to embrace working parents and bring different and fresh perspectives to the work that we do.

What challenges have you faced as a woman-owned business?

People are often surprised when they first meet me or speak to me that I’m 1) from the UK and 2) female — I guess Dani could be a man! When they learn about my background leading social media for Dyson in the UK, US, and China, the creative conversations soon get going.

How do you support women in your business and community?

The women-owned business community in the Upstate has been amazingly supportive of our work and helped me when I set up Bodhi and Co. Being originally from the UK, my support network has helped me to find great partners to work with and this has all come through women in business connections.

What recent accomplishments are you most proud of?

Our client roster has grown and grown these last 18 months and I’m most proud of our non-profit work and also really making a difference to the smaller but growing businesses in the Upstate. It’s been great to see companies flourish in the local area with our support.

Bodhi and Co. are taking on new clients, so get in touch with Dani Wilkinson if you are interested in our marketing services.

Cooper Shaw

With an eye for strategic content creation and crafting marketing campaigns, Cooper is a creative marketer who loves combining visual and written aspects of storytelling.

Hope Ball Raises $3 Million in 10 Years

May 16, 2024

In a celebration marked by elegance and generosity, the 40th Biennial Hope Ball illuminated Greenville on Friday April 26th, 2024, raising over $704,000 in a single night, marking the largest amount ever raised in the history of the Hope Ball.

Held for the first time at The 405 Venue with catering by Table 301, 522 guests and over 44 sponsors gathered to raise money for Neighborhood Cancer Connection. With cocktails from Six and Twenty Distillery and live music from Atlantic Party Fantastics, it was a spectacular event, and a great time was had by all that attended.

Since 1984, the ball has proved the power of giving and the resilience of our Greenville community. A now tradition in the Greenville calendar, this year marked a significant milestone as The Hope Ball celebrated their 40th anniversary of this special event.

Held every two years, the Hope Ball is an elegant, black-tie dinner and dance. The glamorous event is organized by a dedicated team of 50 volunteers (all of whom are female) and provides funding for the Neighborhood Cancer Connection, for over 2 years, helping over 2,000 cancer patients and their families.

44 Sponsors helped to make this year’s event truly special. Special mentions go out to Gastroenterology Associates, Interim Healthcare, ProSource, Prisma, and Bon Secours.

As we reflect on this milestone, we are reminded of the impact that collective action can have on our community. Bodhi and Co. are incredibly proud to have played a part in making this year’s event a huge success, along with many other sponsors and partners.

“Events like these are vital for a local charity like ours and the cancer patients who depend on us,: says Angela Green, Chair of the Hope Ball. “Over the past 10 years, the Hope Ball has raised over 3 million dollars to help cancer patients and their families in Greenville. We can’t wait to do it all again in April 2026.”

The support the Hope Ball receives ensures the Neighborhood Cancer Connection can continue to help local cancer patients in our community. From financial aid to counseling, nutrition to equipment, the local charity takes a holistic approach to helping local cancer patients.

The Hope Ball and the supporting events that led up to the big night were organized by a dedicated group of 50 volunteers with a variety of backgrounds and professional expertise. Dani Wilkinson founder and CMO of Bodhi and Co., worked on the PR and Marketing Team, helping to spread the message of the work done and the money raised, as well as building excitement in the run up to the event.

Ana Dennis

Ana is driven by a passion for content creation and marketing campaigns and excels at blending visual and written storytelling to create impactful marketing campaigns.

A Tradition Unlike Any Other: How The Masters Logo Has Maintained Brand Equity Over The Years

April 3, 2024

Ah, the Masters, the epitome of golfing glory. A time when players, spectators, and TV viewers embark on a pilgrimage to Augusta National. But did you know the Masters is also a wiz in marketing and brand protection?

As you sip your Arnold Palmer and munch on pimento cheese sandwiches, let us take you through how the clever brains behind the Masters have created one of the most wanted brands in the world and what they have done to protect the integrity of the famous neon-yellow and rich green logo and flag.

The Origins of the Logo

The Masters logo is one the most iconic sports logos and golf’s most iconic logo with neon yellow and rich green as the core colors. A crudely rendered, elemental 3D outline of the United States, with a flagstick pegged in the vicinity of Georgia, the logo dates back to the club’s existence and the first Masters in 1934.

One of the key elements of the logo has always been the distinctive typeface. The earliest versions of the Masters logo featured a font that closely resembled New Baskerville which was a serif typeface. Recently, however, the Masters logo has undergone some changes, including a shift in the typeface to two fonts – Gotham and Hoefler Text.

It is worth noting that the Masters logo has also seen other small alterations over the years. The most recent version features a wavy northern border around the Great Lakes region, while the curve of the northwestern border with Canada has been eliminated.

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

The iconic phrase “A Tradition Unlike Any Other” was coined by golf commentator Jim Nantz during television coverage of the tournament and has since become synonymous with the Masters. The team behind the Masters, even bought the rights to this phrase, to make sure it was theirs and theirs only.

The Green Jacket

The coveted green jacket, awarded to the winner of each Masters Tournament isn’t just a symbol of golfing triumph; it’s also a prime example of trademarked color. Crafted from a specific Pantone 342 green, this symbol is protected.

No ‘Dupes’ Allowed

At the event, you can hear and see people going wild for the merchandise. The famous motto, “Swipe the credit card now, ask questions later. Get me something with that logo on it”, is true.

The Masters has always made it very hard to buy merchandise online to avoid dupes, fakes, and replicas. It’s always been a tradition that to get the ‘authentic’ merchandise, you need to be at the event to buy it.

Companies like Titleist and TaylorMade might have green and yellow merchandise available each April, but they won’t be Augusta’s colors and will not reference the Masters. Authentic Masters merchandise is always difficult to get hold of, and that scarcity makes it even more special when you do get your hands on some.

This extensive brand protection even extends to the tournament’s famous snack fare. The classic pimento cheese sandwich and Georgia peach ice cream sandwich are protected trademarks.

A Lesson in Branding

There are two essential reasons why the Masters logo is so successful:

Reason #1: It is everywhere. It is fashioned out of flowers on the roundabout at the club’s entrance. It is on the wooden podium that Chairman Fred Ridley stands behind when congratulating the tournament champion each year. It is on the commemorative cups fans stack by the dozens to bring home to family members.

Reason #2: Augusta National protects its logo like a first child. The club has issued cease-and-desist letters to apparel companies, golf courses, and even a group of English golfers who used to compete each December for their own green jacket.

The Masters Tournament is not just a showcase of the finest talent in golf; it’s a prime example of how branding and protecting your brand can help you build and sustain one of the most iconic sporting logos. So, as you settle in to watch the Masters with a peach ice cream sandwich, take a moment to appreciate the marketing genius at play this year.

Cooper Shaw

With an eye for strategic content creation and crafting marketing campaigns, Cooper is a creative marketer who loves combining visual and written aspects of storytelling.

5 marketing trends that will dominate 2024

January 8, 2024

Here are our predictions at Bodhi and Co. on 5 things that will dominate 2024 when it comes to all things marketing.

Rise of AI-powered marketing – The rise of AI in marketing is set to continue transforming the industry. Personalized experiences will be a big focus. Voice search optimization will continue to grow, with over 200 million users in the US alone, using voice assistants last year.

Hyper-personalization – Following #1, with machine learning, marketing can tap into customer data and better curate and personalize content, offers, and recommendations.

Video dominance – Short-form videos, live streaming and interactive content will continue to be a big focus. Brands should be focusing on Reels / TikToks / Shorts, live Q&As, and more to reach a bigger audience.

Influencers will be the marketing mix – There is big talk of influencers now being the leading factor in the marketing mix. A shift from being one area of the marketing mix to activate. Strategies are starting with influencers first, and those who are ‘influential’ are building out their strategies too. Who they want to work with and what categories they want to influence for themselves.

First-party data is the new standard – As data privacy comes under continued scrutiny, businesses must prioritize consumer trust and data protection. It is a clear way to gain a competitive advantage. It’s about the long game, rather than the short-term data sales play.

Dani Wilkinson

Dani has a passion for making brands sparkle. From Dyson vacuum cleaners to Pies, she built brands from the ground up and has a strong perspective from both high-level, to actual practicalities and how to get something done.

Tag: 2024

The Magic of Marketing: The Bodhi Team’s Favorite Holiday Campaigns

John Lewis: Monty the Penguin

Google: Santa Tracker

Publix: Home for the Holidays

Hobby Lobby: Christmas Is What You Make It

Barbour: Collaboration with Shaun the Sheep

Walmart: Mean Girls Black Friday

Disney: The Boy & The Octopus

Inspiring Campaigns, Timeless Lessons

Cooper Shaw

Bodhi and Co. recognized as a Best Women-Owned Business by SC Biz News in South Carolina

SPOTLIGHT ON BODHI AND CO.

Cooper Shaw

Hope Ball Raises $3 Million in 10 Years

Ana Dennis

A Tradition Unlike Any Other: How The Masters Logo Has Maintained Brand Equity Over The Years

Cooper Shaw

5 marketing trends that will dominate 2024

Dani Wilkinson

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