Walker to face £30m M&S rejig

Retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is expected to review its £30m media account, held by Walker Media, as part of a wide-ranging assessment of its supplier contracts.

The retailer, which is facing a takeover bid by Philip Green, confirmed last week that it is renegotiating arrangements with key merchandise and food suppliers with the aim of cutting costs.

This exercise is likely to be extended to other suppliers, including Walker Media and possibly creative agency Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R. It is not clear whether pitches will be held for both pieces of business.

Stephen Sharp, director of marketing, store design and strategy, who recently replaced Alice Avis as marketing chief (MW June 3), is working with Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R on a campaign expected to be in line with the retailer’s new strategy.

Chief executive Stuart Rose will unveil his plans for M&S at a briefing for analysts on July 12.

Rose has already said that M&S will concentrate on its core customers and will not target teen shoppers. The new Per Una Dué range aimed at teenage girls is likely to be axed, as is the Lifestore home concept.

The future of Simply Food, the retailer’s standalone food stores, is also expected to be decided, with some commentators already having written off the venture.