Vision Express moots pitch for 7m business

Vision Express, the UK optician chain is understood to have approached ad agencies to pitch for its £7m advertising account.

Several agencies have received an e-mail from the retailer expressing interest in appointing and retaining a single agency – previously the Vision Express creative account was handled on a project basis.

In May last year the company handed Swiss agency Seeaytch Advertising Network the advertising business for its new Alutech range of glasses (MW May 25). The agency developed a campaign promoting its “ultra light” spectacle range featuring the slogan “Alutech – they take the weight off your face.”

The appointment followed a three-way pitch that is thought to have included McCann Erickson and London-based integrated shop The Communications Agency, with the latter having worked on several projects for the retailer in the past. Universal McCann continues to handle media planning and buying for Vision Express while IPM is retained to handle outdoor work.

Prior to that, Vision Express used Euro RSCG as its creative agency, which won the business in 2003.

Vision Express is part of Europe’s largest optical retailer Grand Vision, which operates more than 490 stores encompassing other major eye care brands including Grand Optical, Generale D’Optique and Solaris.

Vision Express has about 200 stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. It is in the midst of an aggressive expansion drive, with plans to open another 100 franchised stores over the next four years.

In September last year Vision Express launched a major campaign targeting drivers to highlight the importance of regular eye tests. It comprised poster executions and in-store activity.

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