Tesco Thailand shortlists agencies

BANGKOK - British supermarket giant Tesco, which is reviewing its creative and media in Thailand, is reported to have shortlisted three creative agencies, including Leo Burnett, McCann Erickson and Ogilvy & Mather, after inviting a few agencies to pitch for the account.

Reports suggest that BBDO, which is the incumbent for this account, has not been shortlisted.

Sources also suggest that the supermarket chain is still in the process of shortlisting media agencies.

Tesco Thailand was in news last year for
suing two journalists from the Krungthep Turakij magazine and Jit Siratranont, vice-general secretary for the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and ex-member of parliament. The libel suit against the journalists was withdrawn by Tesco after the journalists issued an apology in January this year.

The trio had questioned the hypermarket chain's rapid expansion in the country, which threatens the livelihood of smaller local stores and retail chains Tesco Lotus settles dispute.

Thailand has four large supermarket chains, which include Carrefour, Tesco Lotus, Big C and Tops. Tesco stores are operated by Ek-Chai Distribution System, and it is by far the largest chain in Thailand with 55 supercenters, 14 Lotus Markets, 15 Value stores and 189 Express stores.
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