Sony : VAT back – A Christmas Carol

I really love this new advert from sony, it just takes me back to when i was a child, drinking a massive mug of hot chocolate around christmas time, with family telling stories, eating and having a good time.
Derek Jacobi stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this Sony advert offering VAT back.

Sony's VAT-back offer kickstarts Christmas price war

Sony has started a Christmas price war by offering customers VAT back on this year’s gifts.

Sony's Christmas advert campaign stars Sir Derek Jacobi as a modern-day Scrooge

The electronics company is the first of the big manufacturers to begin battling for custom after new
figures today show shoppers plan to buy less during the festive season compared with a year ago.

With job losses potentially running into the millions and a VAT rise to 20 per cent in the new year, Sony is offering the cashback incentive on products bought before Christmas Eve.

‘The peak weeks of Christmas trading are critical for UK retailers, as many will earn up to 60 per cent of their profits during this period,’ said Richard Stables, chief executive of price comparison website Kelkoo.

‘The retail industry is seen by economists as a leading indicator of economic trends, and results this Christmas will prove vital in stimulating retail growth and aiding the UK’s economic recovery.’

Growth in Christmas retail sales is expected to slow, with British sales predicted to rise by just 1.3 per cent – or £862million – this year, compared with a rise of 1.9 per cent (£1.3billion) in 2009 on the previous year.

Sales in the high street are set to fall by 2.9 per cent to £57.2billion, says Kelkoo, so other retailers will follow Sony with headline-grabbing deals.

The electronics giant will kick-start its ad campaign – featuring Sir Derek Jacobi as Scrooge in a modern-day Christmas Carol – during Saturday’s X Factor.

‘Next year is likely to be a tough time for everyone,’ said Andy Benson at Sony UK.

‘And with Christmas around the corner, getting the VAT back will hopefully make the difference for anyone in two minds about whether to make that extra special purchase.’ Buyers have until January 31 to claim the VAT cash back from Sony.