Agencies vie to run 5m Vodafone DM

Mobile phone operator Vodafone is searching for a direct marketing agency to handle an estimated 5m account to promote the rebranding of its 300 stores under the Vodafone banner (MW July 10).

The company is in the process of rebranding stores which have previously traded as Talkland and People’s Phone as well as its own retail outlets.

Last week it began merging six of its subsidiaries into three distinct Vodafone-branded distribution channels: Retail, Connect and Corporate.

A 35m budget has been put aside for advertising, sponsorship and the direct marketing of the rebranding, which will take 18 months to complete.

Vodafone director of corporate affairs Terry Barwick is drawing up a shortlist for the direct account. Advertising is handled by BMP DDB.

“We are looking for an agency to work alongside BMP,” says Barwick, “to handle the promotion of general distribution for Vodafone.”