The Co-operative Group launches its Christmas multi-media marketing campaign today, aiming to showcase the retailer’s festive food offering and remind consumers about the convenience of its store locations.

The campaign, based around the strapline “Relax, Christmas is just round the corner”, kicks off with a 30-second TV ad, to be aired tonight during ITV’s Coronation Street and then later during Channel 4’s Alan Carr’s Chatty Man. The campaign will be supported by a social-media push, with the hashtag #relaxmas displayed on TV, outdoor and print advertising.

The TV ad is set in a Cheshire town decked out as a winter wonderland, and features staff from the local area. It aims to celebrate the “special moments” of the Christmas season.

Soundtracked by a cover of Frank Sinatra’s Christmas Waltz, the ad highlights festive offers from The Co-op’s range, including better-than-half price chocolates, half-price British roasting joints and half-price Champagne and port.

“Our upbeat campaign highlights how The Co-operative can cater for all the special moments that make Christmas complete,” said customer director for The Co-operative Food Andrew Mann.

“With a store in every UK postal area, we are literally ‘just round the corner’, and our convenient locations mean we really can take the stress out of Christmas shopping. We are close by with a fabulous range of delicious, great value Christmas food and party products, so our customers can spend more quality time with their families.”

New premium own-brand products this season include The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Trio of Speciality Cured and Smoked Scotttish Salmon for £6, Truly Irresistible Crayfish and Prawn Layered Salsa Shots for £3.50, and Truly Irresistible Irish Cream Yule Log for £4.

The Co-operative has also extended its own-brand party range to include Loved By Us Savoury Cheese and Onion Souflettes for £3 and Loved By Us Pancetta-topped Camembert priced at £3.