Why Do Big Agencies Struggle In Southern California?

Entrepreneurial shops in the area are thriving

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Earlier this month, Ogilvy & Mather Los Angeles cut 33 jobs, all but eliminating its ad agency presence (already drastically down from its 350 level in 2000). In December, DDB L.A. parted with longtime client Wells Fargo and relocated 30 agency employees to San Francisco. 

 

Some 20 years ago, network agency offices were the dominant players in Southern California. They’d land a local anchor client—usually a car, entertainment or technology account—and try to build from there, despite the dearth of big marketers out West.

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