Constance Carroll seeks ad agency

Constance Carroll, the budget cosmetic and perfumery company, is launching its first advertising campaign in a bid to raise its high street profile.

The company is in the early stages of a pitch, although it is not clear what agencies have been approached. Marketing director Carolyn Ryhan has approached agencies with a brief to launch a campaign that develops the brand and focuses on specific products.

The Lancashire-based company has a number of ranges under the Constance Carroll and Collection 2000 brands. It is keen to boost its market share against rival discount brands such as Rimmel and own-label ranges from the likes of Boots and Superdrug.

Constance Carroll is owned by Irish company IWP International and was set-up in 1980 to produce discount lines for market stalls. It launched its first retail range in 1988 under the Collection 2000 brand, and the range is available in independent chemists and retail chains.

IWP also owns a number of household goods product ranges, including the Jeyes Group and bleach brand Parazone. It bought Constance Carroll in 1997 for &£38.5m, and also owns brands in the mid-market cosmetics sectors under the Fine Fragrances banner, including brands such as Jerome Russell, Taylors of London, Tweed and Van Gils.