Carpetright expected to drop WFCA

Retailer Carpetright is understood to have ended its relationship with its agency-of-record WFCA Integrated.

Carpetright

The agency, which won the account for Carpetright plc, looks after both the Carpetright and Sleepright brands.

Recent activity by the brand includes a £450,000 sponsorship deal with Sky to sponsor the latest series of US medical drama House and ads starring footballer Ian wright.

Regional advertising group Ekay merged with WFCA for £8.5m last year. However, the agency has recently lost business from companies including Pilgrim’s Choice and Greene King.

Other clients including AXA and BMI Healthcare have launched reviews of their ad business.

WFCA has its own media and planning business, and works with brands including Campina, AXA, Bathstore, BMI Healthcare and the Perfume store.

Yesterday (December 17) Carpetright pre-tax profit grew 15.8% to £11m in the 26 weeks to October 31 as the domestic arm clocked up it strongest half year performance since 2004. Door frames and fittings retailer Dream Doors appointed the agency recently to handle its ad account, worth around £1m

The company says its promotional stance “remains consistent”, and has upped its ad spend 24%, focusing on “strong price theme, and which also emphasised product quality and service credentials”. It also launched a transactional website in the period.

Carpetright was recently forced to renegotiate terms with its principal bank after like-for-like sales for the UK and Ireland slumped 15% in the 25 weeks to 25 April.

WFCA and Carpetright declined to comment.