Maplin, the UK’s leading tech and electronics retailers has appointed iris as lead creative and strategic agency, with an ambition to evolve the brand and drive consumer awareness and interaction, both online and in-store.
Tasked with making the knowledge and expertise of the staff the key focus for the brand, evolving from the consumer / product focused ‘Maplin Moment’ campaign from the previous year, Maplin has revealed three TV ads, created by iris, which feature the staff as the ‘hero’.
While consumers regularly browse online for electronic goods, many still go in store to seek advice and guidance, and the experts for recommendations. Maplin used this understand to work with iris to ensure that education about the service was as front and centre as the marketing of the products.
Henry Swift, Marketing Director at Maplin said of the appointment: “We are going ‘Back To The Future’ with Maplin. People don’t always evolve as quickly as technology does – and whilst you might want the latest connected tech gadgets in your home, you might not necessarily know the best way to go about installing them. We do. And iris’ deep understanding of tech coupled with their proven expertise in understanding what makes people tick and participate actively with a brand – makes them the ideal partner for Maplin.”
Steve Bell, European CEO iris added: “One of the greatest assets Maplin has for a shopper is the specialist knowledge that each staff member has about technology, the products available and their appliance in your everyday life. We wanted to take this and deliver something that’s engaging and fun, but at the same time actively encouraged our audience to Ask Maplin.”
iris has worked alongside media buyers Adconnections and PR agency Havas to ensure a full 360 campaign.
The activity will go live across UK and ROI. iris was appointed without a pitch.