Shakespeare: John Lewis ad tugs at our purse strings John Lewis has also reduced the activities of its in-home installation teams (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) John Lewis’ Christmas advert is undoubtedly a highlight of the festive season for many, with the retail department store’s commercial broadcast increasing in budget, production value and celebrity soundtracks every year. However, as with many things this year, there was uncertainty as to whether there would even be an advert. According to Waitrose’s executive director, James Bailey, the company considered whether it was right to produce an advert in 2020 after the inequalities the pandemic had highlighted among the most vulnerable.