OMD and ZenithOptimedia shortlisted for AS Watson's regional media business

It is understood that agency teams met the client face-to-face last week for the first time.

In January, it was reported that the retail giant has announced plans to launch a region-wide tender for its health and beauty retail chain, Watsons, in 10 markets including China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea and Indonesia.

Omnicom Media Group's PHD scooped the media account for AS Watson Group in Hong Kong last December.

PHD is now taking charge of the media planning and buying for AS Watson Group's Marionnaud, Park n Shop, Watsons, Watsons Water, Watsons Wine Cellar, Mr Juicy, great, Taste, Gourmet and Fortress brands.

AS Watson is a wholly owned retail subsidiary of Hong kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa. The group announced in late last year that it would accelerate the expansion of Watsons stores in the mainland. The group will open another 500 Watsons stores over the next two years to tap China's fast-growing market for health and beauty products.

This will bring the total number of Watsons stores to 1,000 over 100 cities in China's mainland.