Harrods begins trawl for agency to handle Christmas push

Harrods is seeking an advertising agency to handle its Christmas advertising campaign. It is understood that the review comes as the retailer considers returning to TV in the run-up to the festive period.

The store has been working with agencies on a project basis since it parted company with M&C Saatchi in 2005 after just seven months.

The most recent work was developed by Isobel, which was appointed late last year to create a brand advertising campaign to run in the spring (MW October 2005). The agency was hired after beating The Bank in a pitch.

At the time, Harrods made it clear that Isobel would not be retained as the luxury department store’s agency of choice, and was appointed with the spring advertising project in mind. It is not yet clear if Isobel will pitch for the Christmas campaign.

Harrods this week revealed the first part of its Christmas push with the opening of Christmas World – 10,000 sq ft of floor space filled with presents.

Harrods’ advertising and promotions controller Nicole Refson was recently appointed as the first marketing manager of News International Free Newspapers (MW last week).

Advertising and promotions manager Bhauna Patel has taken on her duties at the department store.