Timberland Cuts to 8

Eight shops have advanced in the review for the creative portion of Timberland’s estimated $15-20 million account.

In the running are Black Rocket/Euro RSCG, San Francisco; New York agencies DDB, Fallon, J. Walter Thompson, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA\-Chiat\Day and Young & Rubicam; and Carmichael Lynch in Minne-apolis.

Timberland, based in Stratham, N.H., had sent out about 20 requests for proposals to creatively driven shops nationwide, sources said. Arnold’s office in McLean, Va., had been among the shops that returned materials, sources said.

Select Resources International, West Hollywood, Calif., is overseeing the search process.

Timberland will visit eight agencies over the next few weeks to review creative work done for other clients, said client representative Robin Matchett.

No speculative creative specific to Timberland is required at present. Timberland may cut to three or four shops in early July. A final decision is expected around Aug. 15.

Media chores are not included in the review and will remain with Allscope Media, New York.

The outdoor footwear and apparel maker last month dismissed The Martin Agency, which had handled creative chores for four years. Most recently, Martin campaigns employed the tag, “For the journey.”

Timberland said it wants to work with an agency that has greater global reach in an effort to become more of a player in European, Asian and other overseas markets.