A family-owned business in Wales has captured hearts with an inexpensive holiday advertisement that rivals any by its competitors.
Hafod Hardware in Rhayader, Wales launched the video ad this week and instantly struck a chord with viewers who can’t seem to get enough of it.
(Video: ITV News/YouTube)
The viral ad, that has been called the “best Christmas ad of the year,” cost less than $130 to make and features a day in the life of little Arthur, the two-year-old son of the store’s owner Tom Jones. The video follows Arthur as he runs the store, which has been in the family for four generations, starting his day at home eating breakfast before heading over to the shop.
The ad showed Arthur opening the store for business, sweeping the floors and stocking shelves with a version of the 1984 Alphaville hit song, “Forever Young,” playing throughout.
Here it is, the Hafod Hardware Christmas Advert 2019 #BeAKidThisChristmas pic.twitter.com/ThoZPKYuyt
— Hafod Hardware (@HafodHardware) December 2, 2019
He also rang up and wrapped store purchases, offering a thumbs-up to customers, before closing up shop for the night. The two-minute video ends with little Arthur exiting the store and a slightly older Arthur carrying a tree home for Christmas.
“Be a kid this Christmas” is the message that appears at the bottom of the screen at the end.
The video was praised online for its message.
Absolutely beautiful! Brought a tear to me eye, smile to my face. Best Christmas ad of the year, only cost 100 quid to make #buylocal #BeAKidThisChristmas https://t.co/NV7z4fXPkl
— BeeHewtweet (@BeeHewtweet) December 5, 2019
This must be my favorite advert in some time. It beautifully captures something adverts tend to miss. It touches home to those who appreciate family, hard work, being a kid and Christmas. Well done Hafod Hardware and Merry Christmas to you.
— Shayna ???? (@Shayna620) December 5, 2019
“The story this year is, Christmas isn’t just for kids, [you] can all just be a kid at Christmas,” Jones told BBC News.
“People have been coming in this morning saying congratulations… they’ve been bringing in bottles of champagne for us to say well done,” he added. “It has been crazy… we’ve been overwhelmed with nice emails and messages from all over the world.”
Four generations of the family were featured in the video which Jones told Wales Online was filmed in just one day. The only expense, he noted, was the cost for permission to use the song.
“He was so good,” Jones said of his son’s much-praised performance in the ad. “They say never work with animals or children but he was a joy — I’m bursting with pride.”
He also pointed to the “underlying message” in the ad which is to “shop at your small independent shops.”
“I understand Christmas can be a very expensive time for everyone and they need to save money where they can, but if they can afford to, just try and shop at your small independent shops and support us, it makes a big difference,” he said.
“The locals are incredible, they’re our bread and butter, we’re very lucky to have the community we have here in Rhayader,” he added.
The ad has garnered more than half a million views on Twitter where it has received over 20,000 likes. The message continues to make an impact as social media users shared their praise.
Brilliant. You should be proud of what you have achieved on your budget. Arthur is just great.
Maybe you should show the big boys how to do it.
I too shall be shopping locally for Christmas
Merry Christmas to you and your family and friends.— Keith Wilks (@KeithWilks2) December 5, 2019
This is fantastic! Brought a tear to my eye. The best Christmas ad I’ve seen this year ????
— Lady Karen (@k1482) December 4, 2019
Best Christmas advert I’ve seen in years! I’m so glad I found it! It’s the sweetest thing & brought both a smile to my face & tears to my eyes! Wishing you & yours a very Happy Christmas & a Joyful New Year! Merry Christmas From: A small Southern town in Alabama, U.S.A.?
— hippiechick73 (@hippiechick731) December 6, 2019
You have put the big stores to shame that is a fantastic job the lad deserves a big christmas prezzo. My congrats on a job well done.
— Vinnie (@VinceFranklins) December 5, 2019
Love the wrapping of the presents! Well done young man.
— Sergeant Dave (@BustingCrimes) December 5, 2019
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
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