Over the last 24 hours, we’ve had a few seemingly panicked tips coming in regarding the status of Havas Chicago’s relationship with clients including spirits giant Beam such as ones like this: “We have just been told we lost Jim Beam. Only was told because of Sauza debacle. But Beam loss is big, it was our second [biggest] account.”
Well, once again, slow down for a sec. We’ve been told by sources in the know that Havas Chicago’s contract with Beam brands Sauza (you can read all about the recent ad controversy here) and Hornitos runs until 2014, and next year, the spirits brand has decided to focus on the Hispanic market and is therefore planning on moving its business for its aforementioned pair of tequila brands to a Hispanic agency. Still, Havas Chicago continues to work on Beam’s vodka brands including Pucker and Effen.
As for mall boutique chain Claire’s, which awarded AOR duties to what was then Euro RSCG Chicago last August, our sources tell us that the brand has built up its own marketing department in recent months and is taking most of the work in-house. Havas Chicago, though, will continue to work with Claire’s on a project basis according to those in the know. No word yet, though, if the Beam and Claire’s moves will result in any immediate cuts.