MPG India wins over Clarks Future Footwear

MPG India (part of Havas Media) has won the media planning and buying duties of Clarks Future Footwear, after a competitive pitch process.

Confirming the development, Gautam Raheja, marketing head, Clarks Future Footwear, says in an official communiqué, "We found the MPG approach thorough and insightful. The agency's strategic thinking, driven by MPG proprietary tools, with an overall marketing perspective and an extremely passionate and enthusiastic team, made us choose it as our media partner."

Raheja further adds that Havas Media and MPG have been Clarks Future Footwear's global partners for several years and this association in India will help the company "get the global learnings and best practices."

MPG handles Clarks in a number of markets globally, including those in the UK.

Nayyar adds that the clients were impressed with the team's strategic recommendations and competitive pricing. "MPG team showed a readiness to deliver from day one," she says.

Commenting on the media mix, Nayyar tells afaqs! that although it is premature to be talking of it, print and outdoor will form a big part of the media mix.

According to industry sources, ad spends are pegged at over Rs 10 crore, although this figure could not be confirmed at the time of filing this report.

For the record, Clarks started in 1825, in the UK. It sells more than 40 million pairs of shoes in over 50 countries through its own and franchise stores, as well as multi-brand outlets. The retailer offers a range of footwear, boots, casuals, workwear, sports, and slippers, for men, women and kids.