Walker Media wins 8.2m Vision Express media account

Vision Express has appointed Walker Media to handle its £8.2m media buying. The appointment follows a three way pitch against Brilliant Media and incumbent Universal McCann. OMD and MPG were also involved but knocked out at an earlier stage.

It is understood that optician is planning to ramp up its ad spend over the next year from £5m to £8.2m following the appointment. Earlier this year, it also bought in Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy to handle its advertising. The agency beat Publicis in a final pitch for the account.

The agency was briefed to hep the chain win marketing share from market leader Specsavers, as well as helping it to strengthen its brand. It is unclear who handles the media planning for Vision Express. It has recently launched a TV ad staring fashion expert and model, Lisa Butcher, explaining what makes a good optician. Sally Polak, national communications manager, says: “We look forward to developing our relationship with them over the coming months.”

Vision Express has more than 240 stores in the UK, following the acquisition of Batemans Opticians earlier this year.