John Lewis drops Christmas ad and its a banger
By James Herring on Tuesday, November 4, 2025
John Lewis has dropped its 2025 Christmas ad a week earlier than usual, with a two-minute tear-jerker that leans into 90s nostalgia, emotional storytelling, and a new retail strategy built around music.
This year’s message from the high street retailer is “If you can’t find the words, find the gift.”
The ad focuses on a teenage son who uses music as a medium to express the feelings for his dad he can’t find the words for.
Created by Saatchi & Saatchi, the spot revives the club classic “Where Love Lives” by Alison Limerick, which is also reimagined in a new version by Labrinth.
More than just a tearjerker, the campaign is the launchpad for a new music-led in-store experience.
John Lewis is rolling out Rough Trade concessions across all 34 UK locations and launching Listening Lounges in seven stores, where shoppers can preview curated records tied to past ads.
A VIP lounge at the Oxford Street flagship, with free drinks and massages for loyalty members, has already seen over 2,000 bookings.
The limited edition vinyl, featuring both versions of “Where Love Lives,” is available in-store for £14.99.
See our round-up of the best Christmas adverts of 2025
