Santa Shops at The Home Depot, but the Employees Don’t Want You to Know That

Does Santa shop at The Home Depot? That’s the question behind BBDO’s first holiday push for the brand since winning the business this past April. Shot in Alaska, with real Alaskan associates, this campaign shows just how far store employees will go to satisfy one of their most famous customers — even if they can’t confirm or deny his very existence.

The ad is a charming and unconventional way for the brand to thank their almost 500,000 associates for stepping up and delivering for their customers throughout a particularly challenging year. 

Shot by Hungry Man’s Ben Callner, BBDO cast the campaign with a mix of The Home Depot’s Alaska associates young and old. And even though none of them had any previous on-camera experience, their years of Home Depot experience comes through in the work. 

Matt MacDonald, EVP, group executive creative director, BBDO New York, says: “I can’t remember the last time I personally enjoyed a production more. None of the people in this spot are actors. They’re all real associates, some of whom have been working for The Home Depot in Alaska for years. And every one of them were just fantastic on camera. You never know what’s going to happen with non-actors when you start rolling. But this team of people nailed take after take. I think you see that warmth and authenticity in their performances. That’s who they are. And they’re always going to bend over backwards to help a customer — regardless of if that customer is Santa or not.”