Marketing articles from November 2006

Marketing archives from November 2006

Sony chief hammered for using illegal import firm.(Sony Computer Entertainment's lawsuit on illegal exports)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... It has been revealed that Alan Duncan, UK marketing director at Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), ordered Sony goods from an online games retailer that was successfully sued by Sony for illegally exporting its products to the UK from Asia. ...

Asda weighs up launch of Tesco ClubCard rival.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Asda is evaluating a feasibility study into whether it should launch a scheme to arrest a decline in customer loyalty. Developing such a loyalty scheme would be a major U-turn for the retailer, which has traditionally followed an everyday...

Budget carriers face fuel protest.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Travel firms Ryanair, easyJet and Thomas Cook are facing unprecedented scrutiny as environmental campaigners prepare a campaign to highlight the environmental impact of fuel emissions. Pressure group Plane Stupid is planning a series of...

Dell pools pounds 150m EMEA media business into Carat.(European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Direct PC sales pioneer Dell has centralised its pounds 150m media planning and buying account for the EMEA region into Carat following a head-to-head pitch against OMD. Dell called the review in September, just three months after it made...

Tesco puts Initiative on alert with pounds 59m review.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Tesco is in talks with agencies about the future of its pounds 59m media planning and buying account, which is currently held by Initiative. It is understood that Tesco UK marketing director Ian Crook has invited a number of agencies to...

Activists warn of food ad loophole.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Health campaigners have warned that Ofcom's decision to allow brands to sponsor commercial TV and radio stations next year could lead to children being targeted by firms producing foods high in fat, salt or sugar. 'We are worried that the...

Pepsi Max builds YouTube channel.(Pepsi Cola is launching a branded channel on YouTube to promote Pepsi Max)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Pepsi Cola is launching a branded channel on YouTube to promote Pepsi Max. The channel will run alongside Pepsi Max's relaunched website at www.maxyourlife.com. Created by Graphico, it encourages users to create and upload video clips...

Sainsbury's adds gift-card range.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Sainsbury's is to sell pre-paid gift cards for third-party retailers as part of its Christmas trading strategy. The scheme, which is the first of its kind for the supermarket, will launch at the end of November and include cards redeemable...

New campaign: Co-operative Insurance.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Co-operative Insurance (CIS) is launching a pounds 1.3m national TV campaign for its ECO car insurance product, which provides discounts for drivers of environmentally friendly vehicles. The activity, which also includes an insert in...

Guerlain loses design lawsuit.(Guerlain Inc. denied from introducing Insolence fragrance in UK market)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Guerlain may be forced to withdraw the packaging and advertising for its Insolence fragrance in the UK, after a French court ruled that the bottle is too similar to another firm's design. It is understood that Paris' Court of First Instance...

Harley puts mag work in Archant.(advertising of Harley-Davidson Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Harley-Davidson has appointed Archant Dialogue to publish a European edition of its bi-monthly customer magazine, Hog Tales. The title is sent to 100,000 Harley Owners' Group members in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Previously, they...

'Your M&S' picks up IPA Effectiveness Grand Prix.(Marks & Spencer)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Marks & Spencer has won the highest accolade at this year's IPA Effectiveness Awards for its 'Your M&S' campaign, created by RKCR/Y&R. The work, which scooped the Grand Prix, was credited with helping to spark more than 18m additional...

Cadbury to put focus on dark-chocolate brands.(Cadbury Schweppes)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Cadbury Schweppes is to relaunch its Bournville dark-chocolate brand next year, as it focuses on the indulgence and health benefits of its products. The company plans to use the heritage of the brand, which was launched in 1908, to widen...

Home Office hands passport work to RKCR/Y&R.(Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The Home Office has hired RKCR/Y&R to create an integrated campaign to flag up a change to the passport application procedure. The pounds 1.4m activity, which will break in the new year, will run across print, ambient, radio and point of...

Mobile launch in ad-funded offer.
November 1, 2006... Blyk, a start-up led by a former Nokia boss, is set to launch the first pan-European advertiser-funded mobile phone network. The Blyk network, which will launch in the UK in the middle of next year, has been co-founded by Pekka Ala-Pietila,...

Disney Channel shakes up team.(Anna Hill promoted at Disney Channel UK)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The Disney Channel has restructured its marketing department ahead of an expansion into emerging markets. Anna Hill, senior franchise manager for Disney Channel UK, has been promoted to marketing director, with responsibility for the UK,...

Sky seeks sponsor for football show in China.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... UK brands are being offered the chance to sponsor a UK football show on Chinese national radio, through a deal between BSkyB and Global Broadcast Networks (GBN). International media content provider GBN has launched a weekly show dedicated...

Thisislondon in creative search.(thisislondon.co.uk)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Entertainment guide thisislondon.co.uk is offering creatives the opportunity to work on a campaign to recast its image. The site has placed a brief on OpenAd.net to build an ad campaign that will work across direct marketing and press. The...

Douwe Egberts expands range.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Douwe Egberts is to support the launch of its first instant frothy coffee, Cafe Switch, with a pan-European ad campaign that breaks this week. Cafe Switch, which is available in three variants - Creamy Pleasure, White Innocence and True...

Halifax to become first UK bank to offer legal service.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Halifax is set to be the first UK high-street bank to offer legal advice. Halifax Legal Solutions will provide customers with access to legal advice as well as products such as wills and tenancy agreements for an pounds 89 annual...

New campaign: HMV.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... HMV has animated Nipper, the Jack Russell terrier that has appeared in its logo since the 20s, to support a Christmas promotion. Breaking today (Wednesday), the ad shows the dog bringing 'the magic of Christmas' to a sleepy village, backing...

Superdrug censured over medicine claims.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Superdrug has been rapped by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) after it upheld two complaints made by rival Boots. The first complaint related to a card displayed on Superdrug's shelves that claimed Rennie...

Betfair hands ad activity to 23red.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Betfair has hired 23red to launch a major ad campaign to promote its online casino, Betfair-branded poker website and 'exchange games', which allow punters to bet against other players, rather than the house. 23red, which won the business...

Coke Zero helps fuel parent's turnaround.(Coca-Cola Enterprises Europe earnings)(Financial report)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Coca-Cola Enterprises has attributed a turnaround in its volume sales in Europe to a strong UK performance by Coke Zero. The company posted volume growth of 5.5% in Europe in the third quarter, as Coke Zero sold 4m cases in the UK. In...

Space.NK eyes warmer image with first ads.
November 1, 2006... High-end cosmetics and toiletries retailer Space.NK is poised to embark on its first advertising campaign. A cinema execution created by Wieden & Kennedy will break on 10 November. The activity is intended to give the brand a warmer feel to...

News brief: Burger King launches TV campaign.
November 1, 2006... Burger King is launching a TV campaign positioning its Double Whopper as a 'bloke burger'. The ads, by Crispin Porter & Bogusky, feature a group of 'manly' men singing a parody of Helen Reddy's song I am woman, but changing the words to 'I am...

News brief: ITV restructures sales division.(ITV PLC named its sales division ITV Customer Relations)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... ITV has restructured its sales division, ITV Sales, which will be renamed ITV Customer Relations. The business will be split into two divisions: trading, led by Simon Lent, and integrated planning, for which a director has yet to be appointed....

News brief: Threshers launches wine club.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Threshers has launched a wine club called On Taste. Members will receive special offers, a quarterly magazine and wine tours. The initiative comes six months after the retailer pulled out of the Nectar loyalty scheme.

News brief: Nokia Siemens Networks briefs agencies to pitch.
November 1, 2006... Nokia Siemens Networks has briefed The Engine Group, McCann Erickson, JWT, Ogilvy & Mather and Publicis to pitch for a global business-to-business advertising campaign.

News brief: Habitat to launch Christmas campaign.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Habitat is launching a Christmas campaign as it continues to reposition itself as an affordable designer store. The work, through WDMP, will run across direct mail, press and digital.

News brief: Channel 4 falls foul of Ofcom.(Channel 4 Television Co.)(Office of Communications )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Channel 4 has fallen foul of Ofcom, which ruled that its Pepsi Max World Challenge TV series featured an excessive amount of branding for the soft drink.

News brief: Wagamama launches range of sauces.
November 1, 2006... Wagamama, the Asian restaurant chain, is launching a range of six stir-fry sauces, dips and marinades through The Grocery Company. The products are aimed at young, upmarket professionals.

News brief: Energy Saving Trust and COI sign deal.(Central Office of Information)
November 1, 2006... The Energy Saving Trust and COI have signed a deal with Channel4.com to run an IPTV campaign to raise awareness of the impact of everyday living on climate change. The work has been devised by digital media agency i-level.

Media News: Magic loses share to Heart in radio battle.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Emap's plans to increase advertising prices on its flagship Magic radio brand have been dealt a blow after Heart regained the London top spot in the latest Rajar figures. Heart 106.2 increased its reach from 1.66m to 1.71m, adding 50,000...

Media News: Wine title to add accessories line.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... IPC's wine magazine, Decanter, is launching its first brand extension - a range of wine accessories. The line includes bottle racks, champagne openers, corkscrews and bottle chillers. Created in partnership with Original Products, the...

Media News: NFL set to fund MTV Base show.(National Football League )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The US National Football League (NFL) is funding a TV show on MTV Base to explain and promote the game to UK viewers. The league's first move into advertiser-funded programming, MTV Touchdown - in New Orleans will be a one-hour programme...

Media choice: Source.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Source is a new customer magazine from greenbee - the recently launched direct-services company from John Lewis Partnership. The name comes from the hope that greenbee will be 'a source of information' on the best deals in entertainment,...

Media News brief: The Times produces special free edition.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The Times is producing a special free edition in partnership with Visit London to be given away in the US by London newspaper vendors. They will distribute 30,000 papers, which will focus on the capital, in one week.

Media News brief: Tiger Beer appoints Rocket to account.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Tiger Beer has appointed Rocket to its UK media planning account. The agency takes over from Walker Media, which has handled the business for the past eight years.

Media News brief: UKTV secures sponsorship deal with Currys.
November 1, 2006... UKTV has secured a seven-figure Christmas sponsorship deal with Currys. The retailer will sponsor programming during the festive season across all UKTV's channels.

Media News brief: Sky signs promotional deal with radio show.(Sky Channel)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Sky has signed a six-month promotional deal with Classic FM's Simon Bates Breakfast Show. The show will include the Sky TV Guide, a synopsis of the best programmes to watch each day.

Media News brief: IPC Connect teams up with John Blake Publishing.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... IPC Connect has teamed up with John Blake Publishing to launch a series of books from its real-life weeklies, Chat and Pick Me Up. The first two in the series - Chat's Greatest Ever True Life Stories and Pick Me Up Tip Offs - will launch before...

Media News brief: Xfm brings back search for best school rock band.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Xfm, the GCap-owned radio network, is bringing back its search to find the UK's best school rock band for a third year. The winners of the Rock School competition will receive pounds 1000 worth of music equipment and the chance to play at Xfm's...

Media News brief: Sugar teams up with NSPCC for bullying drive.(National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
November 1, 2006... Sugar, Hachette Filipacchi's teen title, has teamed up with the NSPCC for a national drive against bullying, intimidation and violence among young people. The 'Stand up, speak out' campaign will see a poster created by a Sugar reader...

Media News brief: Nickelodeon to launch online video service.(Nickjr.co.uk )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Nickelodeon is launching an online video service for pre-school children. Nickjr.co.uk will offer clips from Nick Jr shows alongside its existing activities, games and message boards.

Branding News: GCap set to overhaul Capital Gold network.(GCap Media)(Capital Life)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... GCap Media is to rebrand its Capital Gold network early next year. The revamp is intended to shake off the station's medium-wave, old-fashioned image and position it as a modern digital offering. Richard Mintz, marketing director for...

Branding News: Caffrey's readies redesign of cans.(Coors Brewers Ltd. to introduce Caffrey's Irish ale )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Coors Brewers is to overhaul the packaging of its Caffrey's Irish ale brand next year. The new look will be introduced in the off-trade and revamped bar fonts may subsequently be rolled out in the on-trade. Caffrey's was the...

Branding News: Amano rebrands amid expansion.(Liquid Communications Ltd. to help in rebranding for Amano)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Amano, a cafe brand founded in 2003, has hired Liquid Communications to develop its brand identity as it expands from two outlets to 11 in London next year. Liquid has been tasked with developing the look for each of the outlets, as well...

Branding News: Design choice - PS2 Pink Console.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... It seems that pink is the new black - at least as far as Sony is concerned - with the launch of its party-coloured PlayStation 2 console. It is inevitable that it will receive a mixed reception from purist PlayStation enthusiasts, more...

Branding News brief: Pets at Home to launch premium dog-food range.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Pets at Home is launching a premium dog-food range called Wainwright's, with branding by Elmwood. The pack design features fictional vet character Wainwright and the strapline 'Dog's best friend'.

Branding News brief: Nicorette redesigns packaging.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Nicorette has redesigned its packaging to differentiate it from other nicotine-replacement brands. The new look features a yacht sail to represent freedom, according to its owner Shire Health London.

Branding News brief: Glenmorangie to have limited-edition packaging.
November 1, 2006... Glenmorangie, the single Highland malt scotch whisky brand, is to have limited-edition Christmas packaging through Tayburn. The gold design will emphasise the brand's heritage.

Branding News brief: Triple Velvet to support launch of Happy Feet.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Triple Velvet is to support the launch of family animation film Happy Feet with a promotion on 2m of its packs. Developed by Chemistry, the packs will roll out from 8 November.

Branding News brief: Results International reveals fresh identity.(Results International changed name to Results Business Consulting )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Results International, the corporate finance firm, has revealed a fresh global corporate identity following its name change from Results Business Consulting earlier this year. The design, through Glass, retains the company's green colour, but...

Branding News brief: Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool unveils branding.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool, which is due to open in 2008, has unveiled branding through Imagination. The work will appear on signage, vehicle livery and all printed materials. It seeks to emphasise Liverpool's pop culture, with...

Branding News brief: P&G launches on-pack promotion for Olay.
November 1, 2006... Procter & Gamble is launching an on-pack promotion for its Olay brand that will offer consumers the chance to win a diamond worth pounds 10,000. Packs will feature a code that must be entered online to check whether they are successful.

Branding News brief: Double Two appoints Redwall Creative.
November 1, 2006... Double Two, a nationwide clothing company, has appointed Redwall Creative to design its spring and summer 2007 catalogues.

Direct News: Fitness First job goes to Adare.(direct marketing of Fitness First)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Health club chain Fitness First has hired Adare to handle its pounds 5m direct marketing account following a pitch. The agency will produce all marketing literature, door-drop and POS materials for the chain, which has almost 400 clubs and...

Direct News: Building society bolsters activity.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Norwich and Peterborough Building Society has hired direct specialist Hicklin Slade & Partners to handle its integrated account. The society began a review of its agencies through the AAR during the summer. The account was previously held...

Direct News: Fortnum & Mason to back pounds 24m revamp.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Fortnum & Mason, the upmarket grocer on London's Piccadilly, has appointed Blowfish to handle the direct marketing activity to promote its pounds 24m redevelopment and to attract new customers following a poor sales period. The store is...

Direct choice: Microsoft Windows Mobile.(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... One of the many reasons I love the medium of mail is its ability to stimulate every sense. Perversely, taste, smell and touch are not available to other, more expensive media. When I first opened this box from Microsoft, the unmistakable...

Direct News brief: National Savings & Investments runs direct campaign.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... National Savings & Investments is running a direct mail campaign through EHS Brann to promote the 50th anniversary of Premium Bonds. The pack highlights the anniversary draw in December.

Direct News brief: Rapier hired to handle Virgin X launch.(Virgin Mobile)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... NTL:Telewest/Virgin Mobile has hired Rapier to handle the launch of the recently merged company as Virgin X. It will also run direct-response activity for the brand

Direct News brief: Whitewater hired for zoo sites.(Zoological Society of London )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The Zoological Society of London has hired charity direct marketing specialist Whitewater to develop a legacy marketing strategy for its London Zoo and Whipsnade sites. The agency has also been tasked with raising pounds 500,000 for Gorilla...

Direct News brief: NSPCC runs DRTV campaign.(National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children)(direct response television)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The NSPCC is running a DRTV campaign to raise awareness in the Asian community. The campaign, which runs on 10 UK Asian TV stations this month, promotes a dedicated Asian helpline.

Direct News brief: Racing UK runs campaign promoting jump season.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Racing UK, the TV channel, is running a campaign to promote the jump season. The activity, through 141 Worldwide/London, is using leaflets, posters, race-card and racing-press advertising.

Direct News brief: REaD Group launches website.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... REaD Group, a data-suppression firm, has launched a website that lets consumers choose the direct mail they do not wish to receive. The service, which contacts the selected companies and asks them to remove the consumer's details from their...

Direct News brief: ASA bans misleading mailing.(Advertising Standards Authority)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Lloyds TSB Home Insurance's mailing through Tullo Marshall Warren, which was intended to look as if a neighbour was recommending the product, has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for being too realistic and therefore...

Direct News brief: Unicef UK uses direct mail for recruitment drive.(United Nations Children's Fund)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Unicef UK is using direct mail in a regular-giver recruitment drive that invites people to choose what their donation is spent on. The campaign, created by WWAV Rapp Collins London, will be sent to 120,000 potential donors.

Digital News: Liberty sets up online store.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Luxury department store Liberty is launching a fully transactional website as it seeks to secure its future. Liberty's existing website, which the retailer's chief executive, Iain Renwick, described as 'appalling', will be relaunched next...

Digital News: Zopa adds social element to site.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Zopa, a website that links up those who want to lend money with those who want to borrow, has overhauled its website to create a social-network feel. The financial-exchange site, revamped by interactive agency Poke, now allows members to...

Digital choice: Becomered.com.(Website overview)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Join the becomered.com party - an idea from comrade Bono and comrade (Bobby) Shriver, asking us to buy products from companies that have signed up to the cause and will pass on some profits to help fight Aids in Africa. The website offers...

Digital News brief: Greyhound Racing Board launches first viral game.(racedoggles.com)(British Greyhound Racing Board)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The British Greyhound Racing Board has launched its first viral game at racedoggles.com. The activity, created by Rubber Republic, invites players to guide a canine 'Doggles' character around an airborne racetrack.

Digital News brief: School Food Trust rolls out website.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The School Food Trust, the government-funded body aimed at improving the quality of meals in schools, has rolled out a website, created by Cimex. The site provides information for both children and parents on the latest school-food standards.

Digital News brief: The Sun strikes content deal.(videojug.com)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... The Sun has struck a content deal for videojug.com to provide a range of weekly 'How to...' videos on its website. Planned topics include how to eat sushi and how to make beef stew for a dog.

Digital News brief: BBC Good Food relaunches website.(British Broadcasting Corporation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... BBC Good Food has relaunched its website. The site, created by Poke, focuses on recipes and is aimed at internet users who want immediate cooking solutions. Dare Digital has created online ads to drive users to the site.

Digital News brief: DoorOne.co.uk launches competition.
November 1, 2006... DoorOne.co.uk, the online price-comparison site, has launched a competition. The activity, created by Exposure, offers a prize of pounds 150,000.

Digital News brief: Parlophone establishes viral media centre.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Parlophone, the EMI Music label, has established a viral media centre for singer Lily Allen through list-sharing community site Nabbr. It is the first time a UK artist has worked with the site.

Digital News brief: MUFC relaunches ManUtd.com.(Manchester United Football Club)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Manchester United Football Club has relaunched ManUtd.com. The site, created by Lightmaker and redeveloped to appeal to a global audience, adheres to a set of brand guidelines aimed at ensuring consistency across the site.

Andrew Walmsley on digital: Addiction stories are overly alarmist.(internet addiction)
November 1, 2006... More than one in eight US adults shows signs of being addicted to the internet, according to a study released in October by Stanford University. Addiction is a serious business. In October, the Priory, better known for sorting out...

News Analysis: Retail's grande dame back on top.
November 1, 2006... The campaign that helped drive M&S' return to form has won the IPA Effectiveness Grand Prix. When embattled chief executives are forced to defend the slow progress of their business strategies to the City, they often use the analogy of...

News Analysis: Getting down to details.
November 1, 2006... Retailers are picking up on the value of digging deeper into data to better target consumers, writes James Quilter. Retailers have long held to the maxim 'the customer is king', but some now tacitly admit that they do not know as much...

Raymond Snoddy on media: Trust the Oracle: we'll be OK next year.(Market overview)
November 1, 2006... By any standards, WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell is a star turn. He doesn't come out to play every day, but when he does, whether it be to announce WPP results or speak at a conference, there follows a stream of Delphic utterances. ...

Media Analysis: Let the negotiations begin.
November 1, 2006... With ITV1's audience decline set to be matched by a fall in share of spend, Andy Fry asks who will be the big winners. It has been a stinker of a year for TV ad sales. Even ITV1's coverage of the World Cup failed to boost overall revenues...