NYT: Review for Kmart Account Broadens
The Up2Speed story run two weeks ago was in error. The Kmart pitch, in fact, could get worse. One of the largest bricks and mortar online accounts will decide from among two creative finalists, but now will add media responsibilities, as the agency responsible for those duties has quit as well.
New details are emerging as to the original dispute between Kmart and its former creative agency TBWA/Chiat/Day. The working stiffs at Chiat/Day showed tolerance when their client stopped paying its share of the rent, but kicked her out when she started bringing home other suitors.
It seems that, having agreed to forgo payment of retainers and other fees since May (presumably temporarily, while Kmart sorted out its bankruptcy), the agency got fed up when the giant retailer started inviting other agencies to pitch rebranding ideas. The matter devolved into a nasty spat when Chiat/Day declined to hand over some Joe Boxer TV spots on July 22 until Kmart came up with back rent of $2.4 million. Continuing litigation ensued.
