Retailer Heal’s in agency hunt for brand modernisation push

Heal’s the contemporary furniture and home accessories retailer is to hold a pitch for its advertising account.

DDB London has held the account for the past nine years and has been invited to repitch for the business, but it is not known whether it will decide to do so.

The pitch is being handled by the AAR, which is drawing up a shortlist of suitable agencies. Overseeing the review is Jocelyn Rees, Heal’s communications director, who says: “We are entering a new phase of modernisation of the brand and are using the opportunity to ensure that we have the best agency partner.”

New Heal’s chief executive Andrea Warden is aiming to re-establish the retailer as the premier design-led home interiors business in the country.

The new strategy includes making the store environment, product lines and communications more vibrant and accessible.

Heal’s has five stores, two in London and stores in Guildford, Kingston and Manchester. It also has an online presence.

The upmarket furniture retailer was once owned by Storehouse, which also used to own Habitat. It is now owned by Wittington Investments, which also owns Fortnum & Mason.

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