Burnett outguns Saatchis to win Mannings brief

<p>HONG KONG: Leo Burnett has outgunned Saatchi & Saatchi to win the </p><p>advertising account of health and beauty retail chain Mannings. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The full-scale pitch included strategic planning and through-the-line </p><p>creative recommendations. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Starcom, meanwhile, has scooped the media business. No billings figure </p><p>was given. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Burnett will take over the assignment from Mannings' inhouse department, </p><p>which will support the agency in a minimal production capacity. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The agency's Hong Kong/China chief executive, Dennis Wong, said: </p><p>"Mannings is a real coup for Burnett, with the win marking our expansion </p><p>into the retail business category." Wong said Burnett's "well-tested </p><p>strategic thinking" helped swing the account its way. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>He said the agency offered recommendations with specific focus on </p><p>short-term retail activity, seen to be a key factor in tackling flagging </p><p>consumer interest at a time when Hong Kong faces close to two years of </p><p>deflation. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Burnett's work for Mannings will be supported by the Hong Kong </p><p>operation's set up of Leo Xpress, a design specialist addressing the </p><p>specific needs of retail clients. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The agency's first piece of work for Mannings is expected to roll out as </p><p>an integrated campaign slated for the Christmas shopping season. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>