Little Red Rooster notched up its 400th piece of 2024 Christmas gift guide coverage. Not bad going when you consider the countless brands and PR agencies vying for attention against a backdrop of Black Friday and affiliate revenue.
How did your brand fare? Wondering how you could do better? Well, Christmas is a time for miracles, so we thought we’d share some of our secret recipe with you.
For a kick-off, it took personal relationships and fantastic products, plus the kind of streetwise hustle Eddie Murphy in Trading Places would be proud of, but actually, we planned ahead – way ahead – starting with our Little Red Rooster Summer Showcase in July.
The summer what?
The truth is, Christmas gift guide success isn’t something you can approach during the holiday season, it’s about setting the stage well in advance – especially with super long lead titles working several months ahead.
The Little Red Rooster Summer Showcase provides a live, experiential opportunity for brands to lay the groundwork for the critical holiday coverage they’ll need – and if your brand took part, it was already ahead of the game before we’d even reached August.
This isn’t just another PR event — it’s a carefully curated experience designed to get brands in front of the media, journalists, bloggers, and influencers who are planning their Christmas gift guides – the holy grail for most brands, as it directly influences consumer purchasing decisions in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
This year, we had 20 incredible clients exhibiting, from furniture and fittings to lighting for those interior aficionados and all kinds of dreamy fashion ideas for the sartorially astute. Tech brands covering audio to the smart home were out in force, alongside innovative kitchen appliances, home cinema setups and more – giving them a serious edge over their competitors.
More coverage, more exposure
Here’s the thing: Brands that participate in the Little Red Rooster Summer Showcase consistently see a measurable boost in visibility during the Christmas season. On average, brands that take part receive 30-40% more coverage and media exposure than those that don’t. That’s a big jump in brand awareness during the busiest shopping time of the year, all thanks to the strategic timing and relationships the showcase helps foster.
Many brands see a surge in their inclusion across key Christmas gift guides, spanning print and digital. From national broadsheets and glossy supplements to market-leading magazines and websites with traction on both sides of the Atlantic. Not forgetting the niche lifestyle blogs that connect brands with new and emerging audiences. The long-term benefits of increased visibility and consumer trust in the brand often extend beyond the holiday season, too.
How Showcase nails peak season
This is why the Little Red Rooster Summer Showcase is such a valuable tool for any brand’s PR strategy:
Exclusive media access: The showcase attracts journalists and influencers who are already planning their Christmas content, ensuring that your brand is top of mind when those guides are being finalised.
Targeted Exposure: You get your product in front of the right people at the right time. We work hard to make sure your brand aligns with the editors and publications that best fit your target audience.
Increased Coverage: As mentioned earlier, participating in the showcase can lead to a significant increase in media mentions and features. Brands that take part have a higher chance of getting noticed during the key gift guide season.
Content partnerships: The showcase also opens the door for collaborations with influencers, content creators, and bloggers, who are often looking for brands to feature in their holiday gift roundups.
A stronger PR network: Participating brands build lasting relationships with key media players, which can lead to more opportunities well beyond the Christmas season.
Looking ahead to 2025
If you’re ready to make sure your brand gets the coverage it deserves next Christmas, the Little Red Rooster Summer Showcase is a smart investment. It’s a proactive approach to the busiest time of the year, and for PR clients, it’s an essential part of your holiday strategy.
The bottom line? If you’re thinking about how to make the most of peak season, getting involved in the showcase is one of the most effective ways to secure early and consistent exposure. It’s a strategic move that can pay off in big ways — not only in terms of holiday sales but also in brand visibility and long-term media relationships.
By investing in early-stage visibility at the Little Red Rooster Summer Showcase, you’re setting your brand up for the kind of holiday success that doesn’t just happen by chance. Get in touch now to plan for this year.
