New York’s Quintessential Drug Store Chain Partners With City’s Top Independent Advertising Agency

Duane Reade Names DeVito/Verdi As Full Service Agency Of Record

NEW YORK, April 6 /PRNewswire/ — In the midst of a chain-wide transformation, Duane Reade Inc., uniquely New York since 1960 and the largest drug store chain in the metropolitan New York City area with 250 stores, today named DeVito/Verdi as its first new advertising agency in more than four years.

In addition to handling TV, print, outdoor and Internet advertising for the $1.6 billion (annual sales) company, the New York advertising agency will also provide creative development, public relations, media planning and buying, guerilla and event marketing, and in-store/collateral work.

DeVito/Verdi was officially named to handle the account after a six-month search. Billings were not disclosed.

The marketing partnership brings together one of the most iconic retail brands in New York with one of Gotham’s most creative and pre-eminent ad agencies.

“It’s only fitting that the uniquely New York drug store teams up with the essential New York advertising agency to help with the continuing re-branding of our business,” said Joe Magnacca, chief merchandising officer of Duane Reade, Inc. “In addition to being an accomplished ad agency, the team at DeVito/Verdi is comprised of skilled retail strategists who will play a big part in our growth moving forward. On top of that, we needed a smart, highly creative partner who knows and communicates with New Yorkers as well as we do.”

DeVito/Verdi will be partnering with Duane Reade management to provide strategic and creative guidance leveraging the learning that was gleaned from consumer research that began a year ago.

Beginning in late 2008, Duane Reade began transforming its stores to create a contemporary, organized and open look that would appeal directly to today’s customers.

“Like Con Ed steam pipes and taxis, Duane Reade has a ubiquitous presence in New York; it’s built into the fabric of the city. It’s an honor to work with one of our neighbors,” said Ellis Verdi, president of DeVito/Verdi. “There are exciting things going on with Duane Reade, and we’re proud to be part of this ambitious and thoughtful revitalization.”

DeVito/Verdi, one of the few remaining independent advertising agencies in New York, built its agency with a definitively “New York attitude” for such clients as New York Magazine, Daffy’s, and TimeOut New York.

Founded in 1960 on Broadway, between Duane and Reade streets, the venerable chain offers New Yorkers a wide variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, health and beauty care items, cosmetics, convenience items and photofinishing.

About DeVito/Verdi

DeVito/Verdi, a privately held company, has been recognized as one of the most exceptional creative agencies in the industry. Its lengthy list of industry awards includes the top prizes at the Clios, Radio Mercury, Cannes, Andy, Addy and One Show award ceremonies.

DeVito/Verdi, which has been voted “Best Agency” six times over the last 12 years by the AAAA, has created some of the most memorable ad campaigns of the past 17 years. DeVito/Verdi strives for excellence and maintains a unique level of prestige within the advertising industry, as evidenced by its work for such clients as Meijer, The National Association of Broadcasters, Sony, Canon, BMW, Circuit City, Daffy’s, Esquire Magazine, Men’s Wearhouse, TimeOut Magazine, Grey Goose Vodka, SteinMart, Reebok, Massachusetts General Hospital, Hotwire.com, Office Depot, Legal Sea Foods, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Pepsi/SOBE, Corazon Tequila, Empire Kosher Chicken, Acura, CarMax, Sports Authority and others. For more information on DeVito/Verdi, visit www.devitoverdi.com.

SOURCE DeVito/Verdi