ELC and Daisy & Tom hire Proximity for strategy task

LONDON - Chelsea Stores-owned chains, The Early Learning Centre and Daisy & Tom, have appointed Proximity London to help develop their marketing strategy.

The two toy stores, which were recently acquired by Waterstone's founder Tim Waterstone and Nigel Robertson, are looking to capitalise on the brands' high-street retail presence, as well as tapping into what is regarded as enormous potential in the direct sales market.

Tim Patten, manging partner of Proximity, will be seconded two days a week to Chelsea Stores as marketing director to help implement the marketing plan and communications strategy. Proximity London will be able to provide strategic consultancy, data planning and a fully integrated creative service.

The Early Learning Centre and Daisy & Tom have more than 200 branches in the UK and sales of approximately 拢200m.

Chris Thomas, CEO of Proximity, said: "This is an opportunity for Proximity to be in on the ground floor of what is going to be a tremendously exciting retail opportunity. Tim will be in the unusual position of being both poacher and game keeper at the same time. This will deliver a unique partnership and allow us to provide not only strategic input but also create a fully integrated approach."

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the .