MARKETING MIX: That was the week that was

15 years ago: Independent television companies meet to pull the

plug on plans to launch an ITV branded microcomputer, to coincide with

the airing of a network computer programme; Debenhams ends its discount

strategy with the launch of a new showcase store in Croydon; Sainsbury’s

and Safeway announce plans to offer free carrier bags to customers with

manufacturers’ advertising. Formerly retailers had sold bags for between

3p and 5p each.

10 years ago: Robert Maxwell announces that he will invest pounds

20m-pounds 30m in the launch of The European in May 1989, and give the

title three to five years to succeed; Wagadon chief Nick Logan sells a

40% stake in the company to Conde Nast; Brewery Courage and spirits

giant Seagram announce pre-Christmas advertising campaigns which will

encourage customers not to drink and drive.

5 years ago: Changes to the Independent Television Commission

sponsorship code mean that for the first time a sponsorship message can

be slotted in front of the main programme and credits can be fully

integrated with the main programme; BT offers third-party branding on

its phonecard.

This article was first published on Marketing