What: Celio launches an innovative Christmas marketing campaign across three rural French locations, partnering with well-known YouTubers and local organisations to create immersive retail events that drew 40,000 visitors.

Why it is important: This campaign demonstrates how retailers can successfully combine digital influencer marketing with local community engagement to create meaningful experiences in underserved markets, while building brand awareness and customer relationships.

Celio organised Christmas-themed mini markets in three small French villages, featuring popular influencers including Mcfly and Carlito in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, GMK in Goult, and Inoxtag in Esquerchin.

The events combined festive decorations, including Ferris wheels and decorated Christmas trees, with community involvement from local merchant associations and parent-teacher organisations. Each location offered activities such as raffles, hot beverages, and sweet treats, while also showcasing Celio's winter collection and gift sets. Brand Director David Hermelin emphasised the importance of bringing such celebrations to areas typically distant from major festivities, with events planned in collaboration with local municipalities to create authentic, community-focused experiences. The initiative aligns with Celio's broader retail strategy, which includes operating approximately 370 stores in France and 250 internationally.

IADS Notes: This strategy of bringing influencer-led events to rural areas aligns with broader retail trends of creating experiential marketing moments. The campaign's success in attracting 40,000 visitors demonstrates the effectiveness of combining local community involvement with digital influencer partnerships.

Celio’s innovative Christmas marketing campaign across rural French locations