Nike is looking for a new advertising agency to handle part of its business. The move follows the introduction of new categories by the sneaker giant. These include women's fitness, basketball, and running, among others. Currently, most of the company's advertising is handled by Wieden & Kennedy (W&K), which has been its agency for more than 20 years and created the signature Nike "swoosh" and tagline "Just do it." W&K will continue to focus on its existing business with Nike. Nike has worked with other agencies in the past, including Chiat/Day and Omnicom Group's Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, both of which briefly handled some of its brands.
McCann HumanCare to help launch Chantix
McCann HumanCare will help Pfizer launch its new prescription smoking-cessation drug, Chantix, which will be unveiled later this year. McCann HumanCare, which is already handling Pfizer brands Aricept and Viagra, is the healthcare unit of ad agency McCann Erickson in New York. Chantix, which was approved by the FDA in 2006, acts by reducing cravings for nicotine as well as making smoking less satisfying.
Euro RSCG Latino to handle DirecTV's Spanish-language marketing
Euro RSCG Latino has been named as the primary agency for DirecTV's Spanish-language programming services. The New York-based agency will look after all Latino marketing communications for DirecTV in the U.S. DirecTV provides Spanish- and English-language programming, including sports, educational programming, music, news, and movies. It features more than 35 Spanish-language channels and nearly 230 English-language channels, as well as pay-per-view features.
Jeep invites consumers to create ads
Chrysler Group-brand Jeep is inviting consumers to create print and online ads for its new SUV, the Patriot. The move is an effort to attract more viewers to the company's website showcasing features of the new SUV. The company will put up an online video and will allow viewers to make decisions about how it should progress. Viewers will be able to direct the video's progress by choosing from among nearly 44 different short scenes contributing to the entire commercial. Print ads will allow readers to connect dots that create a background for the Patriot. Another print ad will include Patriot stickers as well as other items that viewers can use to create their own ads.
Applebee's account in review mode
Applebee's International is looking for a new agency to bring a fresh perspective to its advertising. The move will end the Kansas-based casual-dining chain's seven-year partnership with DraftFCB, Chicago. DraftFCB will not be taking part in the company's advertising account review, which is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter. Applebee's operates 1,942 restaurants worldwide. The company, which spends around $150 million per year on advertising, has been struggling as a result of lower sales and more competition.
Hertz retains Omnicom Group's DDB
New York-based car rental company Hertz has confirmed its decision to retain Omnicom Group's DDB as its primary creative agency. The company will retain OMD as its primary media partner. Another Omnicom Group finalist, BBDO, will also join the list of agencies handling the Hertz account. BBDO will handle new strategic initiatives. Other clients of NJ-based BBDO include Pepsi, Gillette, and AT&T/Cingular.
