Analysis

In-depth features, interviews and insights into marketing’s biggest issues.

Hamleys puts loyalty card on trial at flagship store

Marketing Week

Hamleys, the iconic British toy store, is launching its first loyalty card scheme. The Hamleys Star Card will be tested at the company’s flagship Regent Street store in London and if successful will be rolled out to its other stores and website. Every £1 spent will be rewarded with one star, which will result in […]

VisitBritain plots major Rural Escapes drive

Marketing Week

VisitBritain, the national tourist body, will promote the British countryside with the launch of its Rural Escapes marketing campaign in June. The marketing drive, costing £250,000, will be aimed at families, couples and singles who will be encouraged to make the most of the British countryside. It will encompass the publication of a colour brochure […]

ASA rejects complaints against Daz and Match.com TV ads

Marketing Week

Complaints that a television ad for Daz featuring pop group Right Said Fred singing “I’m too sexy for my whites” is unsuitable for broadcast around children’s programmes have not been upheld by the advertising authority. The Procter & Gamble-owned washing powder ad shows Right Said Fred lead singer Richard Fairbrass moving his left hand down […]

Top marketer exits Princes Soft Drinks

Marketing Week

Princes Soft Drinks marketing director David Patmore is to leave the company after nearly 10 years. It is understood Patmore, who leaves at the end of the month, does not have a job to go to. Patmore, who has been soft drinks marketing director for the last two years, will be replaced by sales director […]

Brand extensions that turn into turkeys

Marketing Week

The news that Bernard Matthews is planning to launch organic and free-range products in a bid to encourage consumers to “reappraise” the company (MW last week) has been met with some scepticism by industry observers. While branding experts say that the move to organic and free-range products as part of a wider Bernard Matthews revamp […]

Barclaycard first bank to launch ‘green’ credit card

Marketing Week

Barclaycard is launching a “green” credit card in an attempt to woo environmentally-conscious consumers. The credit card giant says the card is in response to growing consumer demand. It will help consumers reduce global carbon emissions and offer cardholders incentives to be more environmentally friendly.

Has Cobra lost its teeth?

Marketing Week

The mainstream beer market is one of the most competitive sectors in the UK so the news that Cobra marketing director Simon Edwards has left the company after nine years to emigrate to Thailand with his family (MW last week) could be perceived as a blow to a brand that is attempting to boost its […]

Lowe to launch a spring offensive for John Lewis

Marketing Week

John Lewis is encouraging consumers to throw out the old and bring in the new this spring with a press campaign for its new linen and homeware ranges that breaks this week. The campaign, created by Lowe London, comprises three executions – linen, saucepans and tableware – and shows the items photographed at dawn against […]

Is Creston condemned to repeat the mistakes of the past?

Marketing Week

Creston, the UK-based owner of Delaney Lund Knox Warren (DLKW) and Tullo Marshall Warren (TMW), has hired former FCB global chief Steve Blamer to spearhead its expansion in the US (MW last week). Group chief executive Don Elgie says he has made “no secret” of his plans, but despite its big-name hiring, the US will […]