Viewers are divided over Christmas ad from major retailer as some call it ‘creepy’

SHOPPERS are divided over the new Argos Christmas ad as some have showered it in praise, while others think it’s “just too creepy”.

Many viewers took to social media to celebrate the arrival of the 2024 Argos Christmas ad featuring Trevor the T-Rex ripping up the electric guitar.

Dino Trevor, who is rocking out to “20th Century Boy”, a song aptly chosen from the discography of rock band T.Rex, attracted much amusement online.

One viewer wrote: “A T-Rex playing T.Rex? Love it.”

Another said: “The best advert on TV. I love Connie and Trevor.”

But not everyone was pleased with the pun, with some questioning what relevance it had in a festive supermarket ad.

Someone wrote: “It has very little to do with Christmas. Look at Tesco or John Lewis on how to do a Christmas adverts.”

Others slammed the retailer for the “creepy” cartoon doll which appeared throughout the advert.

“Next year something new I hope”, a user wrote.

“Those dolls are just too creepy.”

Another viewer criticised: “@Argos_Online Please – quit it with the weird doll adverts – it’s ******* CREEPY.”

And a third said: “That Argos “doll” is creepy as ****.”

The doll being criticised is Argos‘ other brand mascot Connie, who features in the retailer’s adverts all year round.

Some pointed out that it was reductive to have a female doll be the vacant and blinking “fan girl” while Trevor the T.Rex gets to centre onstage.

But Laura Boothby, Head of Campaigns at Argos, said customers love the mascots.

She said: “Our customers love Trevor the dinosaur and Connie the doll, so we’re thrilled they’re back again to spread some festive fun and magic in such an energetic and upbeat way.

“At Argos, whatever your loved ones are dreaming of this Christmas, we’ve got it covered. Whether it’s the latest and best in sound and tech, or the top toys of the season”.

Set in a magical Christmas dreamscape, Trevor lives out his rockstar fantasy by belting out the T.Rex tune atop a mountain of Marshall speakers.

Trevor headlines the gig before a hoard of screaming fans – every one of whom are his best friend, Connie the doll.

At the end of the ad, Trevor wakes from his stupor to realise he is sat on the sofa with Connie and it’s Christmas day.

She hands him a gift and he opens it, only to discover she has gifted him the present of his dreams – a Marshall speaker.

They high-five one another and the song resumes through the speaker.

The uplifting message aimed at viewers is that whatever you’re dreaming of this Christmas can be made possible at Argos.

The campaign is built on the company’s “There’s More To Argos” brand platform which launched last year.

Another Christmas ad facing backlash is the Boots 2024 campaign, titled “The Christmas Makeover”.

Viewers have jumped to defend the beauty brand which has been slammed as “grotesque” and “woke” and has generated a #boycottboots hashtag.

Featuring Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh, 61, as Mrs Claus in a “werkshop” with her team of fashonista elves – traditional Brits were less than impressed.

But Adjoa came forward to defend the ad.

She said: “How beauty can make you feel and how it shapes your identity is very important to me, so when Boots asked me to be a part of their festive campaign and play the vital and often under-valued role of Mrs. Claus, I was thrilled.

“The creative brilliantly shows how beauty can help us feel empowered and fabulous.” 

Viewers are also disappointed with the much-anticipated John Lewis Campaign this year as it failed to tug on heart strings.

Many have classed Tesco’s 2024 ad as “better than John Lewis” as it delves into what it’s like to grieve a family loss over the Christmas period.

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