The Big Issue Turns #TheBigMissYou to Safeguard Its Vendors

Positive social impact creative consultancy, Fox & Hare, have been reaching out to deliver creative solutions during these unprecedented times, launching the #TheBigMissYou social creative campaign for The Big Issue in support of their appeal.

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, The Big Issue took the decision to safeguard its network of vendors by asking them to stop selling on streets across the whole of the UK. #TheBigMissYou campaign is designed to show to customers how difficult it is for vendors during this Covid-19 crisis and how much they miss selling the magazine. Big Issue vendors buy the magazine for £1.25 and sell it for £3, by which they earn a legitimate income and, in doing so, enjoy regular positive social interactions and relationships with their customers. The campaign encourages supporters of The Big Issue to subscribe or support the magazine with a one-off support payment through this crisis, so the organisation can be there for those that need them, now and in the future.

The campaign features a launch film and will feature a series of real vendor stories, whilst also encouraging customers to tell The Big Issue vendors what they miss about their interaction with their customers. The campaign assets themselves were created using stock, existing or repurposed content, to make sure nobody was put at risk during this time, and to ensure the following of government guidelines. 

Zoe Hayward, group marketing and communications director at The Big Issue, said: “It’s been a real pleasure to work with Fox & Hare, so that new and existing readers are able to keep reading and supporting The Big Issue throughout this incredibly tough time. The team has delivered a highly impactful campaign that allows us to demonstrate to our customers how challenging it is for vendors in this crisis and how public support for The Big Issue is critical to secure the future of the magazine. It will make a real difference to the lives of our vendors around the country.”

People can support The Big Issue by downloading the app, available on Apple Store and Google Play for weekly downloads of the magazine at £2.99 for a copy, or via subscriptions starting from £32.99 for three months. Supporters can also subscribe here or make a one-off support payment to help The Big Issue through this period. Copies of the magazine are also available to buy in selected Sainsbury’s stores and online and from 1,400 McColl’s stores and 2,600 Co-op stores.

50% of net proceeds will go to vendors needing their help. The remaining 50% will enable The Big Issue to continue its vital work with vendors now and in the future.