Universal retains H&M UK contract

Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), the Swedish clothing chain, has reappointed Universal McCann to handle its &£2.7m UK media planning and buying business.

Universal, which first won the business in 2000, kept the account after a three-stage review that included a number of London media agencies. Although the retailer did not confirm their names, it is understood that BJK&E Media and The Allmond Partnership were among the competitors. The Universal pitch was led by Andy Jones and Damian Blackden, its joint managing directors.

The reappointment comes as the retailer conducts a review of media in its main European markets, where it spends &£25m. It is understood to have made agency appointments in Denmark, Germany, Norway and Switzerland.

H&M is Europe’s largest fashion retailer with nearly 1,000 stores. It has been expanding quickly over the past three years and in February said that same-store sales rose for the first time in nine months.