Boots Christmas 2025 Advert: Puss in Boots Steals the Show This Festive Season

Every year, there’s one Christmas advert that seems to get everyone talking — and for Christmas 2025, that honour firmly belongs to Boots. 

Their new festive campaign, “Gift Happily Ever After,” puts a fabulously flamboyant CGI Puss in Boots front and centre, whisking us into a fairytale world filled with sparkles, snowy forests, and (of course) some very thoughtful Christmas gifting.

It’s whimsical, it’s warm, and it’s already one of the standout festive films of the season.

A Fairytale Christmas Brought to Life

This year’s Boots advert tells the story of Puss desperately trying to find the perfect gifts for his friends before the Snow Queen’s Ball. Consulting a magic mirror, as all stylish cats surely do, he’s transported from an enchanted kingdom straight to a modern UK high street. And where does he go for the perfect presents?

To Boots, naturally.

Once inside, Puss in Boots confidently pads through the aisles selecting beauty sets, fragrances, grooming gifts, and little luxuries for each member of his fairytale crew. 

Cinderella gets something glamorous, Rapunzel receives a sleek styling tool, Prince Charming gets a handsome new mirror… and Puss himself? 

Well, he looks pleased enough with his own fabulous reflection.

The advert then returns to the magical realm, where our feline hero arrives at the Snow Queen’s Ball with the perfect presents in paw, all set to a nostalgic blast of Duran Duran’s “Girls on Film.”

It’s playful, polished, and packed with festive sparkle.

Why the Advert Works So Well

Boots has intentionally leaned into the feel-good charm of classic fairytales — and it works.

Here’s why the campaign is hitting the mark:

1. Nostalgia meets modern gifting

Puss in Boots is instantly recognisable and appeals across generations. The blend of childhood storytelling and up-to-date gifting makes for a comforting and clever pairing.

2. Showcasing Boots as the ultimate one-stop Christmas shop

Everything Puss picks out is readily available in store or online, making the advert both magical and useful. It highlights the brand’s huge range of beauty, grooming, fragrance and accessory gifts without feeling like a hard sell.

3. A message about thoughtful gifting

Boots says the heart of the campaign is about “meaningful gifts that show care,” and the advert reflects that. Whether you’re buying for a princess, a prince, or a slightly dramatic talking cat, the idea is that it’s the thought that counts.

4. Proper festive escapism

From snowy palace courtyards to twinkling city streets, the visuals deliver a lovely hit of escapism, something we all crave at Christmastime.

Reactions So Far

Unsurprisingly, viewers have fallen in love with the character animation and the advert’s sweet, storybook tone. Many have praised its cinematic quality and the nostalgic vibes brought by the music choice.

Of course, some critics have called it a little over-the-top (it is essentially panto with better lighting), but at Christmas, isn’t that exactly what we want? And the whole concept is a bit of cheeky British panto humour as Puss in Boots first performed in the early 19th century and performed every year since then.  

What It Means for Christmas Shoppers

Boots is positioning itself as one of the go-to destinations for beauty and gifting this year, with more than 50 new brands added to its festive ranges.

So if, like Puss, you find yourself searching for that perfect something, whether it’s a cosy fragrance set, a skincare trio, a men’s grooming kit, or stocking fillers that don’t break the bank, Boots is gently reminding us that it’s all waiting on the high street.

And unlike our dashing feline hero, you won’t need a magic mirror to find it.

A Touch of Christmas Magic

As adverts go, this one captures what so many of us adore about the season: sparkle, nostalgia, a little silliness, and gifts chosen with real care. Puss in Boots fits right into the Christmas landscape, dramatic, dapper, and just the right amount of over-the-top.

If this is how Boots is kicking off the Christmas countdown, we’re in for a wonderfully enchanted festive season.

And to see exactly how the advert was made please check out this video

When Poundland Closes Its Doors: A Christmas Heartbreak for British Shoppers

For many households across Britain, Christmas begins with a trip to Poundland. 

It’s where we pick up the glittery wrapping paper, the surprisingly lovely baubles, the bargain stocking fillers, the tubs of festive sweets, and the little extras that make the season sparkle without frightening the bank balance.

But this year, as yet more Poundland branches close their doors for good, a surprising number of people are feeling genuinely sad — and on That’s Christmas 365, we completely understand why.

A beloved festive staple is fading from the high street

Poundland has long been one of the unofficial cornerstones of the British Christmas season. 

It’s where families could stock up on decorations for a few quid, grab novelty toys for Christmas Eve boxes, or top up the snack cupboard with chocolate coins and candy canes.

When news spreads yet another branch is shutting, it isn’t just a commercial story. It feels personal. For many communities, especially smaller towns, Poundland wasn’t just convenient, it was the place where Christmas magic became affordable and accessible.

The closures hit harder at Christmastime

Festive shopping is more than a transaction. It’s ritual, nostalgia, and tradition. Losing your local Poundland means losing:

a reliable source of budget-friendly decorations

an easy stop for stocking fillers

the simple joy of browsing aisle after aisle of festive bits and bobs

a place families could visit together without worrying about overspending

And during a time when many households are tightening their belts, the closure of a low-cost retailer feels particularly cruel.

The emotional impact of a disappearing high street

Shops come and go, but certain retailers become woven into our Christmas memories. Poundland earned that place by making festive fun accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.

When another branch goes, it’s not just a building going dark. It’s a sigh across the community. Shoppers feel it. Staff feel it. And high streets, already struggling, lose yet another piece of their festive soul.

What comes next for Christmas bargain hunters?

Even as branches close, many Poundland stores remain open, and still offer their famous aisles of seasonal treasures. But with fewer locations, many people may need to:

travel further for their festive essentials

switch to alternatives like B&M, Home Bargains, The Range or Wilko (where available)

explore local markets and small shops for affordable Christmas items

lean more heavily on online bargains

But the truth remains: nothing quite replaces that familiar green sign at the start of December.

A goodbye nobody wanted

Here on That’s Christmas 365, we celebrate the joys, quirks, memories and traditions that make the festive season special. And for millions across the UK, Poundland was firmly part of the Christmas soundtrack, cheerful, helpful, affordable, and dependable.

As more stores close, it’s perfectly natural to feel sad. It’s another reminder that our high streets, and our Christmas rituals, are changing faster than many of us would like.

But as ever, the festive spirit adapts. New traditions form. And somewhere out there, someone is still proudly hanging a £1 bauble bought years ago from a Poundland branch that’s now gone, a small glittering reminder of Christmases past.

A golden Christmas: Degussa shows how wealth-building begins during Advent

During the festive season, our attention turns to what matters most: lasting values. More and more people are choosing gold as a reliable form of investment – a symbol of permanence, security and responsible asset management.

 As the year draws to a close, Degussa demonstrates how precious metals can bring not only joy, but also help build and preserve wealth across generations.

Gold: bringing cross-generational value

Ever more investors are now seeking stable alternatives. Gold represents a solid foundation for long-term security. Whether small units or larger bars – even modest amounts can make a crucial contribution in building lasting wealth.

Christian Rauch, CEO of Degussa, told That's Christmas 365: "Gold is something that retains its value across generations. It represents security, trust and the responsibility of passing on wealth wisely. 

"This year, we’ve put together something special for the Degussa Advent calendars in our branches,  inspiration for all those who want to give a gift with genuine value at Christmas."

Inspiration for lasting value at Christmas

The Degussa Advent calendar highlights a broad range of gift ideas during the run-up to Christmas – from small tokens of appreciation to high-quality, valuable gifts. Precious metals can accompany family and friends throughout their lives. Degussa supports customers in their desire to share lasting value in the form of coins, bars and individual gift ideas.

Holiday opening hours

They are here for you during the festive season, too, to ensure you can purchase your gifts in good time and with no stress.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Wednesday 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

He added: "Pay us a visit and find out how easy it is to offer a gift with lasting value."

https://www.degussa-goldhandel.de

Give the Gift of Motoring Safety This Christmas with a Halfords Gift Card

Give the gift of motoring safety this Christmas with a Halfords gift card, perfect for winter car checks, essential accessories, new drivers and cyclists.

Christmas gifting doesn’t always have to be about novelty socks, box sets, or yet another tin of biscuits. 

Sometimes the most thoughtful presents are the ones that keep people safe and make everyday life just a little bit easier. 

This year, one of the smartest and most practical gifts you can pop under the tree is a Halfords gift card, a simple stocking filler with huge potential to support safer motoring all year long.

Why a Halfords Gift Card Makes Such a Sensible Christmas Present

Whether you’re buying for a new driver, a busy commuter, a friend who loves a weekend road trip, or someone who just wants their car to run smoothly through winter, or a cyclist, a Halfords gift card is wonderfully versatile. It’s one of those gifts that strikes the perfect balance between useful and thoughtful.

Here’s what makes it such a brilliant festive choice:

1. It Can Be Spent on Essential Winter Car Checks

Winter takes a toll on vehicles, especially in the UK where frost, rain, grit, and short daylight hours can cause all sorts of issues. Your recipient can use their gift card to book vital seasonal safety services, including:

Winter car checks

Battery health checks

Bulb replacements

Wiper blade fittings

Tyre inspections

These quick services can prevent roadside breakdowns and ensure safe, confident driving through the harshest months.

2. Perfect for New Drivers

If someone in the family has just passed their test, a Halfords gift card can help them buy the kit they need: L-plates, dash cams, emergency breakdown tools, screenwash, jump leads, or interior accessories to make their first car feel like home. It’s a practical vote of confidence for their new independence.

3. Ideal for Those Long Winter Journeys

Visiting family and friends at Christmas often means long motorway stretches, unpredictable weather, and heavy traffic. A gift card can help them pick up essentials such as:

De-icer and ice scrapers

Snow socks and chains

Emergency torches

Phone mounts

In-car chargers

It’s the kind of gift that says, “I care about you getting there safely.”

4. Great for Cyclists Too

Halfords isn’t just for motorists, cyclists have plenty to gain from a well-timed gift card. From helmets to lights, reflective clothing to winter servicing, it’s an excellent present for those who prefer pedal power.

5. A Stress-Free, Last-Minute Option

Running short on time? A Halfords gift card can be bought in-store or online, making it a clever last-minute gift that doesn’t feel last-minute. Slip it into a Christmas card, pair it with a chocolate reindeer, and you’re sorted.

A Practical Gift That Shows You Care

At a time when many people face rising motoring costs, especially during the winter months, a Halfords gift card can genuinely make a difference. 

It helps loved ones stay safe, avoid unexpected expenses, and keep their vehicles in top condition when the roads are at their most challenging.

This Christmas, consider giving a present that’s more than a festive novelty.

Give a gift that protects, supports, and lasts well into the New Year.

https://www.halfords.com

The Elf on the Shelf Phenomenon: Why We Still Can’t Get Enough of Christmas’s Cheekiest House Guest

If there’s one modern Christmas tradition that has completely embedded itself into British festive culture, it’s the annual return of the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon. 

Once a simple storybook character, the Elf has become a full-blown festive phenomenon, part mischief-maker, part family entertainment director, and, if you’ve splashed out on the official accessory kits, part miniature interior designer and patisserie chef, too.

Parents swear the Elf encourages good behaviour. Children love waking up to see what chaotic, silly, or surprisingly industrious antics their Elf has been up to overnight. And adults? Well, we secretly adore the excuse to unleash our inner set designer and stage whisper: “Just one more photo… move his little arm to the left…”

A Modern Christmas Classic

Every December, social media fills with Elf escapades: zip-wiring down curtain rails, commandeering toy trains, trying to post themselves to Santa, and (inevitably) getting tangled in the biscuit tin. The charm is in the surprise. The more imaginative the scenario, the bigger the reaction in the morning.

But over the past few years, the accessories have moved the game on. Now the Elf has wardrobes, pets, craft sets, sleighs, playhouses, and even a fully fledged baking station. Yes—your Elf can now officially work hard in the kitchen.

Kitchen Chaos: The Elf Who Bakes

One of the most popular official kits this year is the Elf on the Shelf Sweet Treats or Baking Set, which includes miniature ingredients, tiny utensils, and props to make it look as though the Elf has been sweating over the stove all night. Think rolling pins, mixing bowls, flour bags, and adorable little “cakes” that look good enough to eat (but aren’t, because the Elf is famously carb-averse).

Parents have great fun staging scenes such as:

The Elf covered in “flour” (icing sugar works beautifully)

A tray of fairy cakes half-decorated, as if he got distracted by Midnight Mischief

The Elf perched with a whisk bigger than his entire torso

A disaster zone of sprinkles, toppers, and a stern note: “I tried my best!”

Children absolutely love it. The idea that their Elf has been hard at work, making festive treats just for them, adds a magical boost to the morning routine.

More Accessory Kits = More Stories

The official kits mean your Elf can take on roles beyond baking:

Movie Night Set – popcorn, blankets, tiny drinks

Spa Day Kit – cucumber slices, towels, bubble bath

Christmas Countdown Kit – chalkboards, clues, messages from Santa

Elf Pets Sets – because even Elves deserve fluffy companions

These kits turn the Elf from a lone troublemaker into a whole cast of festive characters. They also make your life easier: instead of cobbling together props at midnight, you’ve got everything ready to go.

Why Adults Love It Too

Let’s not pretend the Elf is just for children. Adults get a huge kick out of staging scenes, some sweet, some daft, some bordering on avant-garde theatre.

It’s a chance to play, to be silly, to embrace a little Christmas magic at a time of year when everything else can feel a bit frantic. And honestly? It’s a lovely creative outlet at the end of a long day.

Plus, the look on the kids’ faces in the morning is priceless.

Making Elf Memories That Last

Whether your Elf is mixing batter, stealing Quality Street, attempting yoga, or hiding under the tree pretending to be a bauble, the fun is in the shared surprise. 

These little nightly transformations create lasting memories, ones your children will look back on fondly long after they’ve stopped believing the Elf truly moves on his own.

So if your Elf hasn’t yet tried his hand at baking, this is the year to give him a shift in the kitchen. Just be prepared to sweep up imaginary flour for the rest of December.

You can buy your own Elf on the Shelf and official Elf on the Shelf accessories at the That's Christmas 365 online shop powered by Amazon https://amzn.to/3XEXnai

Could Britain See a White Christmas in 2025? Forecasters Say “It’s Possible”

As the festive season approaches, meteorologists are once again analysing Britain’s notoriously unpredictable winter, with early indicators suggesting that a White Christmas in 2025 is possible, though far from guaranteed.

The Met Office notes colder Arctic air patterns are expected to influence the UK in late December, increasing the likelihood of snow showers, particularly in northern and elevated regions. 

However, forecasters emphasise conditions remain highly changeable, and long-range predictions should be treated with caution.

Where Snow Is Most Likely

Current models show Scotland as the frontrunner for Christmas Day snowfall, with the Highlands having the highest probability of seeing flakes. 

Northern England may also experience wintry showers if temperatures drop sufficiently. 

The Midlands sits firmly in the “wait and see” category.

Further south, prospects weaken. London and the South East are expected to remain milder, with rain more likely than snow unless a sudden cold snap arrives in the days leading up to 25 December.

A Tradition of Uncertainty

Despite the public’s yearly anticipation, genuine, widespread White Christmases remain rare in the UK. Officially, the Met Office declares a White Christmas if any snow is observed anywhere on Christmas Day—even a single flake at a weather station counts.

Bookmakers have already reported an uptick in seasonal bets, following public interest boosted by early cold spells in November and December. Social media speculation has also driven renewed attention to the forecast, with many Britons hoping for a postcard-perfect festive scene.

Travel and Safety Considerations

Should snow materialise, authorities are urging travellers to stay alert for potential disruption. Roads, rail services and airports could all be affected by sudden freezes or wintry showers, particularly in northern regions.

Outlook

While it remains too early to confirm, meteorologists say the ingredients for a White Christmas in 2025 are present, though Britain’s winter weather has a well-known history of last-minute surprises.

A more definitive forecast is expected closer to the big day, as short-range models provide clearer data.

Blue Christmas Services: A Gentle Light for Those Feeling Lonely This Festive Season

A gentle guide to Blue Christmas church services, offering comfort and reflection for anyone feeling lonely or overwhelmed during the festive season.

For many people, Christmas is a time of joy, glittering lights, family gatherings and comforting traditions. 

But for others, it can be a season that highlights loneliness, loss, or emotional strain. 

This is where Blue Christmas services, sometimes called Longest Night services, offer something truly meaningful: a quiet, reflective space for anyone who finds this time of year difficult.

These services have been growing in popularity across the UK, not only within Anglican and Methodist churches but also among independent Christian communities who recognise Christmas can be emotionally complex. 

They provide a space to pause, grieve, remember, and breathe, away from the noise and pressure of festive cheer.

What Is a Blue Christmas Service?

A Blue Christmas service is usually held in the week leading up to Christmas, often on or near the winter solstice. It’s designed for people who might be:

Coping with loneliness

Grieving a bereavement

Feeling overwhelmed or anxious

Struggling with health or financial pressures

Experiencing family estrangement

Facing the season alone for the first time. Or again

Unlike traditional Christmas services filled with upbeat carols, Blue Christmas gatherings are quieter, gentler and more contemplative. Churches often dim the lights, light candles, play soft music and offer readings focused on comfort, hope and resilience.

Why They Matter: Recognising That Not Everyone Feels Merry

In a culture where “Christmas spirit” is everywhere, from supermarket ads to office parties—people who aren’t feeling joyful can begin to feel even more isolated.

Blue Christmas services acknowledge this reality without judgement. They send a powerful message:

It is okay not to be okay at Christmas. You are not alone.

By holding space for sadness, churches help reduce stigma around loneliness and mental health. They also create opportunities for pastoral support, community connection, and gentle companionship during a time of year when those things matter most.

What to Expect if You Attend One

Every church will shape its service slightly differently, but most include:

Candle Lighting

Each candle may represent loss, love, hope or healing. Attendees can light a candle for someone they miss or for something they’re carrying with them.

Quiet Music and Reflection

Instead of triumphant carols, there may be reflective hymns or instrumental music to create a sense of calm.

Prayers, Readings and Words of Comfort

Themes often centre on hope, light in darkness, remembrance, and the promise of new beginnings.

A Safe, Welcoming, Unpressured Space

People are free to participate as much or as little as they choose. There’s no expectation of forced joy or socialising.

Some churches also offer tea, mince pies, or a quiet chat afterwards for those who want a sense of companionship without the bustle.

Who Are These Services For?

Absolutely anyone.

You don’t have to be a church member. You don’t even need to consider yourself religious. Many attendees simply want a peaceful place where their feelings are seen and validated.

Blue Christmas is particularly valued by:

People who have recently been bereaved

Those living alone

Carers exhausted from a difficult year

People who feel left out by the commercialised Christmas ideal

Anyone finding December emotionally heavy

Why More Churches Are Embracing the Idea

Across the UK, clergy and pastoral teams have seen growing demand for support around loneliness and mental wellbeing—especially since the pandemic.

Blue Christmas services are a compassionate, community-centred response. They remind us that Christmas has always been about light coming into darkness and hope rising quietly, not noisily.

They also complement wider community efforts, including warm spaces, carol-free quiet hours, and local support groups that help people feel seen during winter’s darkest days.

If You’re Feeling Lonely This Christmas…

Blue Christmas services offer a gentle hand of solidarity. If you’re struggling, you might find comfort in attending one at your local church—or simply in knowing they exist.

Christmas does not have to be merry to be meaningful. Sometimes, the softest celebration is the one that heals the most.

https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/what-we-believe/advent-and-christmas/blue-christmas

Are German Christmas Markets in the UK Really “Rip-Offs”? Here’s How to Create Your Own at Home for a Fraction of the Cost

Every November and December, UK cities burst into life with twinkling chalets, the scent of sizzling bratwurst and sweet Glühwein drifting through the frosty air. 

German Christmas markets have become a festive staple, but recent press reports have sounded a rather sour note, claiming that many of these markets are “rip-offs”, with eye-watering prices for food, drink, and gifts.

For families already feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, the idea of paying upwards of £7 for a single bratwurst or £6–£8 for a small cup of Glühwein can make a festive outing feel more stressful than magical.

So, is there truth in the criticism? And if so, how can you still enjoy the spirit of a German-style market without draining your Christmas budget?

The good news: you absolutely can recreate the experience at home, and often using the very same brands you’d find at German stalls, thanks to Lidl, Aldi and a bit of creative flair.

Why the “Rip-Off” Headlines?

UK-based German markets are wonderful for atmosphere, but they come with real issues:

1. High stall fees for traders

Many operators charge premium fees for vendors to participate. These costs inevitably trickle down to the consumer.

2. Imported ingredients and logistics

Bringing authentic German sausages, mulled wine, pretzels and pastries into the UK adds transport and storage costs, particularly now, post-Brexit.

3. Attraction pricing

Because these markets have become seasonal “experiences”, prices often reflect what visitors will tolerate rather than what products are worth.

4. Central city locations

Whether it's Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds or Edinburgh, city-centre rents are steep, and consumers end up footing the bill.

None of this diminishes the charm of the markets… but it does make them pricier than many families can comfortably manage.

Create Your Own Mini German Christmas Market at Home

Recreating the magic is far easier, and cheaper, than you’d think. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a festive family night, or simply want the flavours of Christmas without the queues, here’s how to bring Bavaria to your living room or garden.

1. Stock Up on German Christmas Market Classics at Lidl or Aldi

Both supermarkets offer large German speciality ranges in the run-up to Christmas, many of them the exact foods and brands sold at UK markets.

Bratwurst & Bratwurst XXL

Lidl’s “Deluxe Nürnberger Bratwurst”

Aldi’s “Bavarian Bratwurst” and “Frankfurter-style sausages”

Just grill or pan-fry, nestle in a crusty roll and add mustard.

Glühwein / Mulled Wine

Aldi’s Christkindl Glühwein is a genuine German import.

Lidl’s Glühwein is similar in flavour and strength — and often half the price of market stalls.

Warm gently (never boil!) and serve in festive mugs. Which you can also buy at the same retailers. 

Pretzels

Frozen Bavarian-style pretzels appear at both supermarkets in November and December. Sprinkle with salt, bake for five minutes and enjoy.

Stollen & Lebkuchen

Import labels such as Favorina, Wicklein and Berggold regularly appear in Aldi and Lidl. These are the same brands featured in many European markets, just at supermarket prices.

Potato Rösti & Sauerkraut

A tasty and traditional pairing with sausages, available year-round in both stores.

2. Create a Cosy Market Atmosphere

A German Christmas market is as much about ambience as flavour. You can easily recreate that magical feeling:

Lighting

Use warm fairy lights indoors or LED lanterns in the garden. Hang them along fences, windows, or an outdoor pergola.

Market Stall Vibes

Create small “stations” around your home:

Sausage Grill Stall – your kitchen or BBQ

Glühwein Bar – slow cooker or hob

Sweet Treats Chalet – stollen, gingerbread, waffles

Craft Corner – handmade decorations, children’s crafts

Music

Play traditional German Christmas songs or instrumental festive playlists featuring accordions, violins and glockenspiels.

Outdoor Option

If you have a garden, add blankets, a firepit, and hot drinks for a cosy Nordic-style experience.

3. Offer Market-Style Treats and Activities

Make Your Own Baubles

Let the children decorate clear plastic baubles with glitter, paint or fake snow.

Marzipan & Chocolate Tasting

Pick up assorted German chocolates (Dominosteine, marzipan bars, fruit jellies) and create a tasting board.

Warm Waffle Station

Use a waffle maker and serve with cherries, Nutella, or cinnamon sugar.

DIY Photo Spot

Hang lights and evergreen garlands for an instant Christmas-market photo backdrop.

4. Cost Comparison: A Pleasant Surprise

Item Typical UK  Market Price Lidl/Aldi Price

Bratwurst in a bun £6–£8        £0.80–£1.20 per sausage

Glühwein (small cup) £6–£8        £3–£4 per bottle (4–6 servings)

Pretzel £4–£5                                40p each (frozen batch)

Stollen slice £3–£4                       £1.49 for a whole loaf

In fact, hosting your own market evening for a family of four can cost less than two snacks at a city centre market,  and you enjoy it in comfort, with no crowds or parking costs.

German Christmas markets in the UK bring plenty of magic, but the headlines calling them “rip-offs” reflect a real frustration. With prices climbing each year, families are increasingly looking for budget-friendly alternatives that still offer the enchantment of a festive evening out.

By turning to Aldi or Lidl and using a little creativity, you can recreate the taste, smell, warmth and wonder of a German Christmas market right at home, for a fraction of the cost and with all the joy.

It’s cosy, affordable, fun, and truly captures the heart of the season. Prost... and Frohe Weihnachten!

Boots Puss in Boots TV Advert is (Prince) Charming

The 2025 Boots Advert is (Prince) Charming.

Our feline hero is invited to the Snow Queen's Ball, so he asks the magic mirror for advice on where he should go shopping for his presents.

"Boots!" says the magic mirror, so Puss in Boots takes a dangerous journey (which costs him three of his nine lives) to a branch of Boots where he buys all the presents he needs, including hand warmers for the Snow Queen.

 

Why Waitrose Is the Most Expensive and One of the Busiest Supermarkets in Britain

Discover why Waitrose remains one of Britain’s busiest supermarkets despite being the most expensive, exploring its focus on quality, customer experience and strong brand loyalty.

Every year, various price comparison surveys reveal what many shoppers already suspect: Waitrose consistently ranks as the most expensive supermarket in Britain. 

And it's excellent for your Christmas shopping, too.

Yet in the same breath, their stores across the country remain remarkably busy, with loyal customers who choose it over cheaper alternatives.

So why does a supermarket that charges more continue to thrive in a cost-conscious market? The answer is more layered than simple brand prestige, it taps into psychology, customer experience, quality, and a long-established reputation for treating both suppliers and shoppers well.

A Reputation Built on Quality

For decades, Waitrose has positioned itself at the premium end of the grocery market. Its customers expect:

Higher-welfare meat

Better traceability and sourcing

A wider range of specialty items

Consistent produce quality that tends to outlast cheaper supermarket alternatives

While you can certainly save money shopping elsewhere, many households argue that Waitrose’s quality reduces waste and improves meal satisfaction, making the price difference feel worthwhile.

An In-Store Experience People Actually Enjoy

In an age where shopping can feel rushed and transactional, Waitrose has leaned into the opposite. Shoppers often describe their stores as calm, well-organised and, crucially, pleasant. Clear aisles, lower noise levels, tidy displays, and attentive staff create an environment that encourages people to return.

This atmosphere becomes especially appealing during peak times of year, Christmas, Easter, and bank holiday weekends, when other supermarkets can feel chaotic.

Strong Brand Loyalty Among Middle-Income Households

While many assume Waitrose shoppers are exclusively high earners, the reality is more nuanced. A large portion of their customer base consists of middle-income, comfort-driven families who prioritise consistency and trust.

Research shows that people tend to stay loyal to a supermarket once it proves reliable, and Waitrose has spent years cultivating that reliability.

Even during tighter economic times, some shoppers reduce spending elsewhere before switching supermarkets, perceiving groceries as an area worth maintaining.

Ethical Sourcing Still Matters

A key part of the Waitrose appeal is its long-standing ethical commitments. Customers say they appreciate:

Fair treatment of farmers and suppliers

Strong environmental policies

Higher-welfare standards for dairy and meat

Minimising plastic where possible

For many shoppers, the knowledge that their food choices support responsible supply chains justifies the premium.

Partnerships and Perks: MyWaitrose and Beyond

The myWaitrose scheme, while not as discount-heavy as loyalty cards at other supermarkets, still drives footfall. Perks such as:

Personalised vouchers (We have something to pick up from our nearest branch of Waitrose next week)

Good-quality free publications and recipes

Discounts in Waitrose cafés

Occasional member-exclusive promotions

help keep shoppers engaged.

The “Waitrose effect” on neighbourhoods also persists, homes near a Waitrose store tend to be valued more highly, reinforcing the notion that shopping there is part of a lifestyle choice rather than simply a weekly errand.

People Are Willing to Pay More for Less Stress

In the end, one of the most consistent themes among Waitrose customers is simple: the shopping experience is less stressful than in cheaper supermarkets.

While low prices are essential for many households, others place equal value on:

Cleanliness

Staff availability

A quieter environment

Reliability of stock

Better product curation

When shoppers feel calmer and more respected in a supermarket, they’re more inclined to stay loyal, even if it costs more.

So Why Is Waitrose Still So Busy?

Because the supermarket isn’t selling groceries alone, it’s selling reassurance, quality, and a smoother shopping experience.

Its customers don’t simply compare shelf prices; they compare how they feel in the store, how long their food lasts, and how confident they are in the supermarket’s ethics.

In a market where consumers are becoming more discerning, those factors remain powerful.