MCBD and Debenhams part company after four years
Debenhams has parted company with Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy after the agency resigned the account. It is understood that the department store chain is already contacting agencies about a pitch.
It is not clear if a review, which is expected to be overseen by head of marketing Alison Jones, will start before Christmas.
The move means MCBD could pitch for rival John Lewis, which will reveal a shortlist for its £20m account on Friday. Incumbent Lowe London is repitching.
Jones says: “We’re flattered that someone else on the high street is trying to steal our advertising clothes. We can confirm the agency has resigned, however it will be working out its three month notice period. In the meantime we will be actively looking at alternative agencies. The move will in no way effect our current advertising and marketing strategy.”
Debenhams appointed MCBD to its £16.5m account in 2004 and used TV over 2005 to promote its designer clothing ranges, but it has reduced its TV work since then to focus on print. It has not launched a Christmas campaign this year and the account is thought to be worth about £8m now.
The agency confirmed that it has parted company with the retailer but decline to comment any further.
