Gillette Seeks Interactive Shop

Looking to bolster its presence on the Web and in other new media venues, Gillette Co. has begun a search for a lead interactive agency.
The Boston-based shaving products and personal care company has neither a lead interactive agency nor a corporate Web site, although some of its business units operate sites, said Eric Kraus, a Gillette representative.
“We are looking to have an interactive presence,” Kraus said. “We have had meetings with some agencies.” Kraus declined to elaborate on the assignment or identify the shops being considered.
Sources said interactive and high-tech shops in Boston, New York and Los Angeles are participating in the review.
The Strategic Interactive Group of Bronner Slosberg Humphrey, the Boston shop that handles direct marketing assignments for Gillette and its Braun shavers subsidiary, declined to participate to avoid a conflict with its Lever account.
The interactive arm of Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Boston, the agency that handles ad assignments for Gillette’s White Rain shampoo and Dry Idea and Soft ‘n Dri antiperspirants, is not involved, an agency representative said last week.
The winner will develop a Web site and an “integrated” look and feel across all interactive media, sources said.