Watch: 6 of the best Black Friday ads

A look at how brands are promoting their deals ahead of the shopping frenzy

Nov 27, 2014 10:40:00 AM | Video | Mason Learner

Are you ready to bust some doors on Black Friday? As brands’ holiday campaigns go into full swing, Campaign gathered seven of this year’s best Black Friday ads. From comedy to Sponge Bob Squarepants, here is how top brands are promoting Black Friday deals:

Old Navy, Chandelier Creative

After a year of helping Old Navy transition into online video (above), comedian Amy Poehler’s last ad for the company is this 30-second Black Friday spot. The spot will air during Thanksgiving Day football on CBS as well as online.

Macy’s, JWT New York

Nickelodeon character SpongeBob Squarepants and his almost 60 million Facebook fans are trying to get shoppers pumped for Black Friday at Macy’s. The spot promotes holiday deals and a Black Friday giveaway with $1 million in prizes. The promotion kicks off when Macy’s opens its doors this Thursday at 6pm.

Target, 72andSunny

This 30-second Black Friday television spot is a part of Target’s wider "Alice in Marshmallow Land" holiday campaign. This ad features kids checking out smartphones and tablets as they traipse through Marshmallow Land, scored to a cover of Christmas classic "Marshmallow World" by Karen O.

Santander, Arnold Worldwide

Arnold Worldwide and Madrid-based bank Santander went against the grain with this spot by trying to reposition Black Friday as a day for family to spend time together. The ad celebrates volunteerism and the simple joys of family activities as an alternative to materialism. Santander hopes this approach will help it create stronger relationships with American consumers.

Big Lots, SBC Advertising

This BigLots spot features a 1950s doo wop trio fronted by singer Deanna DellaCiapa. Although every day at BigLots is Black Friday because of its low prices, the actual day is extra-special because of its great deals, rendering it "The Black-Fridayest Black Friday of all." Big Lots is running a simultaneous #BlackFridayest social media campaign.