VMLY&R launches commerce capability in Brisbane

Brand and customer experience agency, VMLY&R, has launched its VMLY&R COMMERCE offering into the Brisbane market – encompassing retail strategy, shopper marketing, e- commerce, social commerce, and experiential marketing.

Says Jon Cook, global CEO, who is visiting Australia and was in Brisbane for the opening: “Commerce is one of the fastest-growing capabilities for VMLY&R globally. It’s exploded, because these days Commerce can take so many shapes and forms – it can be gamified, socialised, livestreamed or experienced with all the senses, across every channel at any moment in the consumer journey.”

Says Adam Kennedy, managing director, VMLY&R Brisbane: “We’ve always been strong in retail generally in this market. But this takes it to a whole new level, and it’s something our clients have been asking for. It also means that we can fulfil a truly end-to-end experience. At VMLY&R, we exist to ‘Create Connected Brands’. The purpose of VMLY&R COMMERCE is to ‘Convert Connected Brands’. Clients need both.”

The agency will have an on-the-ground presence for Commerce in Brisbane and leverage both Sydney and Melbourne VMLY&R COMMERCE offices for delivery, as well as the global network.

Says Kate Warren-Smith, managing director, Australia, VMLY&R COMMERCE: “We are off to a flying start. We have already been doing work in Queensland for RSL, Vinnies and a major app project which is client confidential right now. We have an incredible depth of resources that we can bring to clients in the local market.”

Globally, VMLY&R COMMERCE has 5,000 team-members in 44 countries. The agency was influential in the shift to a “Creative Commerce” award at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this year and was the most highly recognised company on the winners’ podium.

Adds Warren-Smith: “We are in a new era. To be truly effective today, Commerce has to build brands as well as build baskets – consumers and shoppers expect a seamless transaction, but they want a great interaction with a brand too. That’s the essence of ‘Creative Commerce’ – inspiring conversion. And that’s what we do best.

Says Cook: “We’re excited by the potential for VMLY&R COMMERCE generally. And we’re thrilled to be expanding in Australia. It’s not only about broadening our offer, but also taking part in what we believe is the next great canvas for creativity. I can’t wait to see what our Brisbane Commerce team can do.”