Creative Commerce Lions
The Creative Commerce Lions celebrate the innovative and creative approach to online and offline commerce and payment solutions.
On this page
Introduction
The history of the Creative Commerce Lions
In 2018 the Creative eCommerce Lions were introduced to recognise innovative e-commerce payment solutions in response to changing marketing challenges.
In 2022, this Lions was rebranded as the Creative Commerce Lions to reflect the broader scope of modern commerce, now including areas like inclusive commerce and sustainable commerce.
This evolution was necessary to keep pace with the rapid changes in the commerce landscape, highlighting the increasing importance of creativity across all commerce channels.
What kind of work can be entered?
Innovative work that enhances the shopping experience and transforms how consumers engage with brands. This includes shoppable experiences such as livestreams, social commerce, and immersive e-commerce platforms that utilize technology to enable customers to transition seamlessly from inspiration to purchase. Entries may also include omnichannel innovation that creates cohesive customer journeys across physical and digital channels, integrating in-store and online experiences through tools like digital kiosks and personalized mobile checkouts.
Interactive and gamified commerce initiatives that engage users in playful experiences, as well as social commerce integrations that utilize platforms like Instagram or TikTok for direct sales, are also encouraged. Creative commerce work promoting sustainable and ethical commerce solutions, innovations that simplify the checkout process, and community and loyalty building programs that foster brand loyalty are also eligible.
What’s the Jury looking for?
Creative approaches that optimise the end-to-end customer journey and lead to measurable commercial success. The work should demonstrate a seamless blend of storytelling with commerce, guiding customers naturally from engagement to purchase. The work should show a clear link to sales objectives, using innovative media and technology to create an experience that feels personalised and interactive. It should reflect strong brand identity and cultural relevance making a meaningful impact on consumers.
YOUR 2ND FAVOURITE BEER | MATILDA BAY | HOWATSON+COMPANY, SYDNEY | BRONZE, CREATIVE COMMERCE LIONS | 2024
The Categories
A. Creative Commerce: Sectors
The same entry can be submitted only once in this section.
All fast-moving and durable consumer goods, including but not limited to food and beverages, toiletries, cleaning products, other household goods, other FMCGs, clothing and accessories, furniture, and consumer electronics.
All fast-food entries should be entered into A04. Travel, Leisure, Retail, Restaurants & Fast-Food Chains.
Pharma, OTC drugs, wellness.
Vehicles, other automobiles.
All transport-and travel-related services, including public transport and tourism boards. All entertainment-and leisure-related services, including museums, festivals and gyms. All shops, including online retailers, opticians, hairdressers and estate agents. All restaurants and fast food chains, including cafés and bars.
Music, film, television, publications and media, books, news, digital platforms and other media.
All commercial public services, legal, financial, B2B technology, consultancies and professional services, other business services, internal and corporate communications.
B. Commerce Channels
Work in these categories will be judged on commerce creativity and channel innovation.
Work that harnesses social platforms to engage consumers and drive business results.
The creative application of mobile commerce solutions that led to optimisation of the customer journey, increased engagement and commercial success. This may include, but is not limited to, apps, wallets, reward programmes and hyper-convenience.
The seamless integration of transactional commerce and entertainment content through unexpected partnerships and brand experiences. This could include, but not be limited to, long-form content, retail theatre, gaming, sports, music, virtual worlds, etc.
Work that effectively integrates multiple conversion touchpoints in Social, digital and/or physical channels
This could include, but not be limited to, responsible consumption and production, packaging, economic models (i.e. replenishment), environmentally friendly shipping options, waste management, commerce for good, etc.
Brands that strategically harness retailer-owned channels (such as websites, apps, and in-store displays) to engage consumers at crucial decision-making moments, using targeted insights to enhance brand relevance and drive measurable business outcomes.
C. Engagement
Creative commerce work in this section should focus on engaging and captivating audiences both online and offline.
Dynamic content that enriches the user’s shopping experience and drives engagement to achieve business results.
Work that uses messaging services, chatbots, voice assistants, customer assistance, etc. to improve the online shopping experience through real-time, personalised customer engagement.
This could include, but not be limited to, offline retail promotions, store displays, pop-up stores and events, product sampling/trials, limited-edition products, etc.
Online and offline work designed to attract or maintain customers, encourage customer activity and increase overall transaction value. This may include but is not limited to promotions, competitions, geofencing, app and social integration, etc.
Immersive experiences that creatively push the boundaries of technology within commerce. This may include but not be limited to AI, AR, VR, wearable tech and mobile devices, voice technology, blockchain technology, Web3, gamification, virtual worlds, the metaverse and all other emerging platforms. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
Innovative strategic solutions to brand challenges that have a tangible impact on customer experience and engagement.
D. User Experience
Commerce work in this section should focus on the customer journey, ensuring a seamless experience at every touchpoint.
Celebrating the entire customer journey, from initial awareness through to post-purchase. This could include, but not be limited to, UX, UI, user experience patterns, conventions, preferences, branding, etc.
The creation of exceptional e-commerce B2B or B2C websites or apps. This may include, but is not limited to, the seamless user experience, functionality and the conversion rate of the website/app in order to drive sales.
Creative use of payment solutions. This could include, but not be limited to, software and apps, blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, mobile wallet and reward programme automation, delegated authority, hyper-convenience and order buttons. Does not include prototypes of early-stage technology.
This could include, but not be limited to, responsible consumption and production, packaging, economic models (i.e. replenishment), environmentally friendly shipping options, waste management, commerce for good, etc.
Initiatives that have successfully designed and implemented commerce strategies prioritising inclusivity and accessibility for diverse audiences. Work that embraces inclusivity whether through product innovation, technology, or distribution, driving equitable economic participation and fostering a more diverse and empowered consumer base.
E. Challenges & Breakthroughs
Creative and innovative work that's brought to life through deep cultural insight, regional context and progressive thinking.
Brands that have creatively adapted their approach in response to competitor pressure by challenging the status quo to create game-changing work that uses progressive thinking and innovative creativity.
Work inspired by a specific audience or community, relying on identifiable social behaviour. The work should demonstrate how leveraging insights into consumer behaviour can create a powerful connection with a brand.
Creative use of modest budgets and/or resources in relation to the market and/or industry to create maximum impact. The work should demonstrate how fresh insight, smart spending and compelling strategic thinking solved a business problem despite limited resources.
Purpose-driven work/brand activism that addresses social, ethical and environmental issues. The work should demonstrate how the brand’s purpose has created value and affected communities by connecting customers to culture.
Work that celebrates the art of humour in branded communications, infusing wit, satire, and cleverness into campaigns that provide amusement and create memorable, laughter-inducing connections with audiences.
Brands that have creatively adapted their strategy in response to local / regional / global issues, embracing new ways of delivering their brand while showing consideration for the consumer.
Work that honours marketers who craft strategic solutions rooted in the lived experiences of culturally grounded communities. This approach reflects and translates the nuances of customs, behaviours, and traditions that shape foundational perspectives on identity (e.g. disability, gender, race, orientation, age). Such insights reveal how diverse audiences choose brands and media experiences, driving growth and impact.
Eligibility
Work will need to have been executed during the eligibility period of 8 February 2024 - 10 April 2025.
Is there a limit to how many times I can enter?
The same piece of work can be entered up to four times in Creative Commerce.
Exceptions:
- The same piece of work may only be entered once in ‘A. Creative Commerce: Sectors’.
SHT | IKEA | EDELMAN, TORONTO | GOLD, CREATIVE COMMERCE LIONS | 2024
Previous Winners
Renault - Cars to Work
Cannes Lions 2024 Grand Prix Publicis Conseil, Paris / Renault / 2024
Renault partnered with the French Public Employment Service to provide new employees with a free car for the duration of their three-month job trial period and only start to pay for it once their job is secured. In the first year, 6000 cars were made available.
RENAULT - CARS TO WORK | RENAULT | PUBLICIS CONSEIL, PARIS | GRAND PRIX, CREATIVE COMMERCE LIONS | 2024
Why the work won
The 2024 Creative Commerce Jury awarded this work the Grand Prix for its groundbreaking and creative approach to customer acquisition, recognising how the campaign resonated with audiences by addressing a meaningful social issue. Jury member Misch Fletcher highlighted the dual impact of this work, noting, “It tapped into a genuine social need, but not just to be altruistic because it did actually move the needle on their business by bringing new customers to their brand.” This work stood out because it skillfully combined purpose with performance, showing that a brand can make a positive social impact while driving tangible business results. By addressing both social needs and commercial objectives, this work set a high standard for how brands can enhance customer acquisition through purpose-driven strategies that do more than just raise awareness—they create lasting value for both the community and the business.
RENAULT - CARS TO WORK | RENAULT | PUBLICIS CONSEIL, PARIS | GRAND PRIX, CREATIVE COMMERCE LIONS | 2024
Inside the Jury Room: Creative Commerce Lions
To hear more from the Jury and how they decided on the winning work, check out the video below.
Entries & Judging
What are the judging criteria?
A number of criteria will be considered during judging, weighted as follows: 30% idea; 20% strategy; 20% execution; 30% results.
What do I need to provide with my entry?
To enter, you’ll need to complete an online entry form, which can be found on the Cannes Lions entry site. In the ‘Written Explanation’ section, you’ll be asked to provide the Jury with everything they need to know about your work.
You’ll also be able to submit optional supporting materials to provide additional context with your entry.
All case films, films, demo films and original content must be subtitled in English.
Detailed information outlining the entry process can be found on A Guide to the Cannes Lions Awards.
What if I don’t have all the details right away?
Don’t worry – you can fill in the form in any order and save your progress at any time while it’s still in the pending stage. However, please only check out when your entry is 100% complete as no changes can be made to your entry once you’ve clicked “Submit” and “Checkout”.
The Written Submission
Here’s the questions you’ll be asked regarding your work.
To start your entry to the Creative Commerce Lions, go to our Awards page.
The Jury will refer to the written explanation you provide throughout the judging process. Our advice is to provide as much relevant detail as possible.
When answering the following questions keep the main element you’re trying to celebrate in mind (e.g. the storytelling, the strategy, the craft, the use of data).
The bullet points under each question are prompts designed to guide your thinking, based on the factors the jury will be considering when reviewing your work. You might not need to use them all, and that’s totally fine. They’re there to help you consider what’s most important in your work.
Questions
The word limit for this section is 100 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please provide any brand and cultural context that would help the jury understand any cultural, national or regional nuances applicable to this work.
You should outline why this piece of work was created for this particular brand, in this market, at this particular moment in time, with all of the cultural and market conditions.
The word limit for this section is 250 words.
This question is compulsory.
Please select the objective(s) that were most important when creating this work – what the work set out to achieve.
For the jury to accurately assess the work, it must first establish its objectives. As you progress through the entry system, you must link your results back to each objective selected.
- Overachieve on brand metrics (e.g. awareness, engagement)
- Change consumer behaviour (e.g. attitudes, frequency, penetration)
- Create short-term sales growth (e.g. sales, promotions, discounts)
- Improve brand health (e.g. consideration, preference)
- Create sustained sales success (e.g. profit, sales)
- Create long-term brand and sales growth (e.g. shareholder value, retention, loyalty)
There is no word limit for this section.
This question is compulsory.
Please provide a summary of your entry.
- Describe the background and context behind the work.
- What creative challenges did the work face.
This should be an overview of the work and an analysis of its effectiveness. You should describe how the objectives of the campaign have been successfully met.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the creative idea of the work
- Does the work cross boundaries/have the ability to think beyond conventional boundaries or categories?
- Does the work evoke surprise/have the power to continue captivating attention?
- Does the work transcend the original challenge?
- Does the work incorporate breakthrough thinking?
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the strategy:
- Was the strategy based on consumer behaviour and/or cultural insight?
- Did the insight come from research and data?
- Did creativity play a key role in the interpretation of the business challenge?
- Was this piece of work relevant to the defined target audience?
- Does the work genuinely solve a real problem?
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
Consider the following when describing the execution:
- How effectively was the concept brought to life?
- What specific implementation strategies were employed to ensure success?
- Which channels were utilised for placement, and were they optimal for reaching the target audience?
- How extensive was the scale of the execution in relation to the defined objectives?
- Did the execution adapt to any unexpected challenges or changes in the environment?
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory
Please refer back to the objectives selected when answering this question. Consider:
- performance against brand metrics (e.g. awareness, engagement)
- change in consumer behaviour (e.g. attitudes, frequency, penetration)
- indications of short-, medium- or long-term sales success (e.g. shareholder value, profit, revenue, ROI, sales, share)
- brand health improvement (e.g. consideration, preference)
- potential changes in government regulations or societal/economic events (e.g. changes in economic, political, social factors).
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory.
- Yes
- No
This question is compulsory.
I would like the Jury to see this response when judging this work (tick box)
Please outline how this piece of work has aligned with the brand’s sustainability strategy. This could involve either operational measures to reduce the impact on the environment, and consumer strategies to encourage positive behaviour change, or both.
Please provide details of the benchmarks used for measuring the success of this piece of work’s contribution to the overall strategy. This could include, but is not limited to, targets around advertising business operations - advertising production - media planning and buying.
This question is optional.
I would like the Jury to see this response when judging this work (tick box)
Based on the brief, what consideration was given to representation and diversity of the team(s) involved?
What consideration was given to accessibility in the work and what role did DEI thinking play throughout the development of the work?
This question is optional.
If there are additional results you wish to disclose to the Jury but prefer to keep confidential, please enter them below.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is optional.
Category-Specific Questions
Please tell us how the work challenged or was different from the brand's competitors.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for E01.
Please tell us about the social behaviour that inspired the work.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for E02.
Budget details.
Please provide budget details that show how the campaign achieved breakthrough results on a limited budget. Consider:
- the overall budget
- the breakdown of costs
- how the campaign maximised reach vs expenditure
- the significant impact this adjustment had on the campaign's effectiveness.
We recommend providing as much context as possible to understand the budget spend. However, we understand that different cases will have different types of results.
*(Any confidential information should be entered in the confidential information field)
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for E03.
Please tell us how the brand purpose inspired the work.
- Explain how the purpose is ingrained in the core values and mission of the brand’s DNA.
- Discuss the impact of these initiatives on communities, society or the environment.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for E04.
Please tell us about the humour insight that inspired the work.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for EO5.
Please tell us how market disruption inspired the work.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for E06.
Please tell us about the specific cultural insight that drove the nuanced engagement behind this work.
The word limit for this section is 150 words.
This question is compulsory for E07.
SAMSUNG THE ART OF HACK | SAMSUNG | CHEIL WORLDWIDE, MADRID | BRONZE, CREATIVE COMMERCE LIONS | 2024
Contact us
Everything you need to know to enter
For more detailed information on how to use the entry site, craft a compelling submission or submit your work we have a whole range of resources.
From Entry Guides that give you a step-by-step overview of the entire process to the Entry Kits that provide all the detailed rules and requirements for each and every category.
We are here to help
As Awards Experts, we know the Lions inside out. We can help with:
- Sharing the updates to the Awards for 2025
- Offering best-practice advice on how to craft a compelling entry
- Discussing your work and relevant categories
- Scheduling regular catch-ups to answer any questions that arise throughout the entry process.
Whether you have a specific query or would like expert advice, get in touch today.
Email: awards@canneslions.com Helpline: +44 0 20 7046 1155