Despite heroic efforts to suggest otherwise, Euro RSCG/Chicago's general market advertising unit unfortunately continues to look as if it is veering once again toward a corpse-like state, a situation we hoped not to see happen again. The agency's latest blow is the loss of the Fleet Laboratories account, which is moving to the Richards Group/Dallas in September. Fleet manufactures feminine hygiene and digestive care products.
Euro RSCG issued a statement Tuesday that said in part: "Following 14 successful years working with Fleet, we have agreed to end our relationship in September. We wish Fleet the best as they evolve their business to meet the changing demands of today's consumer."
The Fleet loss comes on the heels of other big account losses at Euro RSCG/Chicago, including Barilla pasta and Valspar paints. An agency spokesman said Euro has picked up some new business, however, including the ailing Blockbuster video store chain, Sauza tequila and two accounts the agency said it is not yet at liberty to name. Euro RSCG co-chief creative officer Blake Ebel departed the shop several weeks ago.
Lewis Lazare has written the Media Mix column for the Chicago Sun-Times for the past seven and a half years.
They won Blockbuster? Blockbuster is going out of business. Euro is sinking like a stone because it is one of the most mediocre shops in town--run by a bunch of folks nobody else wants. Has anyone seen the work they do for Michelob Ultra? Absolutely terrible.