MEC Shanghai retains Ikea's media planning and buying account in China

The review kicked-off six months' ago and included OMD, Optimedia, Starcom and Maxus in the preliminary rounds.

According to A.C. Nielsen, Ikea's media spend in China was US$7 million in 2009.

MEC first won the Ikea global account in 2005.

“We are very happy that the review process confirmed MEC's strength in delivering integrated communications solutions and superior media pricing,” said Tommy Au, general manager of MEC Shanghai. “We are pleased to be able to continue our relationship with one of the most respected global brands and look forward to implementing the innovative ideas we presented in the pitch.”

Ikea has seven stores in key cities across China including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Nanjing and most recently Dalian which opened in February last year. A new store in Shenyang is planned for mid 2010.

Saatchi & Saatchi is Ikea's creative agency in China.

Ikea has no direct competitors in China; its closest competitors are B&Q and Taiwan's Hola Home Furnishing Store.