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Pret Shares the Joy with First Ever Christmas Window Displays

Pret Shares the Joy with First Ever Christmas Window Displays as a quarter of people say they associate joy with their favourite foods   

  • Pret unveils its first ever Christmas window displays across the UK, celebrating 2024’s most joyful moments, including an iconic moment from the England’s Men’s Euro 2024 campaign, Sir David Attenborough’s 70-year TV wildlife legacy, and Keely Hodgkinson’s Gold at the Paris Olympics. 

  • Local heroes are honoured in Edinburgh and Liverpool, where window displays showcase inspiring community members who bring joy through charitable initiatives supported by The Pret Foundation, to help address hunger and poverty. 

  • The windows incorporate Pret’s famous Christmas menu items, from Mince Pies to Melvin the Snowman Gingerbread 

  • Pret is encouraging shoppers to visit their nearest Christmas Window display and #ShareTheJoy on social media.  

 27th November 2024 – Pret A Manger is sharing joy across the UK with a celebration of the moments and people that defined 2024. Pret’s first ever Christmas window displays will bring stories of national joy to life at Carnaby Street (London), New Street (Birmingham) and Oxford Street (Manchester).

Inspired by consumer research into 2024’s most joyful moments as voted by the British public, Pret’s windows pay tribute to three of the nation’s most unforgettable highlights this year.

Research reveals that almost half (45%) believe they’ll look back on this year fondly as a time which brought them happiness - with 22% describing 2024 as their most joyful one to date. 

From the England Football Team’s victory in the Euro 2024 semifinals to Sir David Attenborough’s 70 years of dedication to wildlife on TV, and Keely Hodgkinson’s inspiring Gold in Paris, these joyous scenes have been transformed with a festive twist. Crafted from Pret’s signature seasonal menu by renowned Prop Maker and Sculpture Artist, Andy Billett, each display is a playful, heart-warming celebration of 2024’s highlights – from Mince Pies to Melvin the Snowman Gingerbread, these beloved menu items have become art as a quarter (25%) of people say they associate joy with their favourite foods.

This has been a key year for joyful moments, as, on average, those polled have experienced 44 moments of joy so far this year – around four a month – and 30% expect to see an increase next year. 

But Pret isn’t just celebrating national moments of joy – it’s also highlighting local heroes who have shared joy in their local communities, too. At Pret shops on North Bridge, Edinburgh, and Paradise Street, Liverpool, festive window displays honour two inspiring individuals who have made a meaningful impact on their communities through charities supported by The Pret Foundation.

In Liverpool, Elizabeth Fearon from Toxteth Women’s Centre has been bringing comfort and support to families in need for over seven years, delivering Pret’s food donations and helping families through challenging times. With her caring and selfless nature, Elizabeth embodies the spirit of giving, whether that be by teaching English, assisting with rehoming, or being a friend to all.

Meanwhile, Shikha Ahuja from the Milan Senior Welfare Organisation brings joy to the elderly South Asian community in Edinburgh. With her Bollywood-inspired events, cooking clubs and digital literacy sessions, Shikha’s dedication lights up lives and strengthens connections, helping to combat loneliness and ensure older individuals within the community feel included.  

But Pret’s festive celebrations aren’t just about decoration – they’re part of a much larger mission to give back to communities. At all five of Pret’s Christmas window displays, passersby and customers can scan QR codes in the windows to learn more about the charitable work of The Pret Foundation. They can also donate to The Pret Foundation, which exists to make a difference to those affected by hunger, poverty, and homelessness. Additionally, for every Pret’s Christmas Lunch Sandwich and Very Merry Sandwich sold, 50p will be donated to The Pret Foundation.

Last year, The Pret Foundation donated over 5 million food items to those in need and will continue to support communities across the UK, providing training and employment through its Rising Stars programme.  

Katherine Bagshawe, UK Food & Coffee Director, said: “At Pret, we believe that Christmas is about bringing people together, celebrating, and sharing joy. That’s why we’re thrilled to share some of the most incredible moments that helped define 2024, alongside stories of remarkable individuals who make a real difference in both their communities and the nation.”  “We may be the home of the Christmas sandwich, but we want to do more than serve great food and coffee – we’re here to share joy and help those who need it most, which is fitting as 25% of the nation associate joy with their favourite foods. Thanks to The Pret Foundation, we’re able to provide food, resources, and support to those affected by hunger, poverty and homelessness, not just at Christmas but year-round.”  

Pret invites everyone to visit its Carnaby Street (London), New Street (Birmingham), Oxford Street (Manchester), North Bridge (Edinburgh), and Paradise Street (Liverpool) shops to see these joyous displays and join in the spirit of giving. Customers can share their own memories of joy from 2024 on social media using #ShareTheJoy, and selected stories will be featured on Pret’s channels throughout the festive season. 

TOP 10 – 2024 MOMENTS OF JOY 

  1. England men’s football team reaching the final of Euro 2024 

  2. David Attenborough celebrates 70 years of service as a conservationist and broadcaster 

  3. Jude Bellingham’s overhead goal for England against Slovakia at Euro 2024 

  4. The announcement of the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special 

  5. Keely Hodgkinson’s 800 meters gold at the Olympics for Team GB 

  6. 16-year-old Luke Littler reaching the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship 

  7. Andy Murray's emotional retirement match at Wimbledon 

  8. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour 

  9. Announcement of Oasis reforming 

  10. The Coronation Street 65th anniversary special 

 END  

About Pret A Manger   Pret A Manger is a beloved sandwich and organic coffee chain commonly referred to as Pret and based in the United Kingdom. The first shop opened in London in 1986 where the company is headquartered today. Pret's sandwiches, salads and wraps are freshly handmade each day in shop kitchens using quality ingredients and all coffees, teas and hot chocolates are organic. There are more than 700 Pret shops worldwide with 12,500 team members in 19 international markets (including United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Hong Kong, France, UAE, Kuwait, India, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium, Singapore, Germany, Canada, Italy, Greece, Spain and Qatar). The Pret Foundation is registered with the Charity Commission (charity number: 1050195). 

About the Research 2,000 adults surveyed by OnePoll in November 2024. Research independently commissioned by Pret – no partnership, affiliation, or endorsement by or with any of the individuals referenced. 

About Sketch  Pret Christmas Windows produced by one of the UK's best experiential marketing and PR Stunt companies, Sketch