Every Who down in “WhoKnewVille” struggles with holiday chaos, but an unexpected savior is sweeping in to save the season.
Walmart’s holiday campaign, launched today (Oct. 26), reimagines Dr. Seuss’s whimsical world of Whoville, the setting for the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, through a collaboration with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
Called WhoKnewVille, Walmart’s version resembles the Grinch’s hometown, with magic in the air and residents sporting their signature exaggerated hairstyles. However, their cheer is dimmed by the pressures of holiday preparations—much like it is for Walmart customers, William White, Walmart’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, told ADWEEK.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but also a time of stress,” he said.
In the ads, the retailer positions itself as a stress reliever, as Mindy Lou Who, the Grinch, and other Whos find the perfect gifts on Walmart’s app.The campaign includes 50 “WhoKnewVille” executions playing out over the season, mirroring the consumer holiday journey—from gift searches to Black Friday deals to last-minute shopping. Starting with Sunday Night Football tonight, it will have prominent placements across YouTube, social media, ecommerce, influencer partnerships, and more.
It was developed by Publicis Groupe agencies including Fallon, Leo NY, the Community, Contender, and Digitas.