…The rumour mill has turned to the AT&T business following Rogers’ all-but-official choice of MacLaren McCann as creative agency of record. With the strengthening of ties between Rogers and AT&T, the theory is that some of AT&T’s business will also go to MacLaren. (Three years ago, Unitel – the forerunner to AT&T Canada – split its account between MacLaren and AT&T’s current agency, Young & Rubicam.) While the relationship between AT&T and Y&R was rocky at the start, the agency has since received recognition for its creative product and added a number of new people in key senior roles.

…It looks as though the Molson shortlist has become even shorter. Apparently, British hot-shop HHCL didn’t participate in the last round of presentations for the much-coveted Canadian beer account. According to Molson spokesperson Marilyn McCrea, however, scheduling difficulties have placed HHCL about two weeks behind the other agencies, although she insists they are still taking part in the review.

‘We’re trying to catch them up, and they’re still to be seen,’ she says. ‘They’re still part of it, and still a contender.’

Bensimon Byrne D’Arcy, Leo Burnett, and Taxi Advertising are also armwrestling for the Molson Canadian, Molson Export and Miller brands, although observers suggest the assignments will likely be divvied up. A decision is expected imminently.

…The official opening of Zellers’ new ‘brand lab’ for its Cherokee line of private label clothing has been postponed until further notice. The store (that’s what we’re gonna call it) quietly moved into the former location of the Hudson Bay Company’s ill-fated Outfitters store on Toronto’s Yonge Street a few weeks ago. However, word from company spokespeople is that the store will close its doors for several days while its layout and design are reworked. Zellers won’t comment on the thinking behind the ‘brand lab’ concept until it irons out some more wrinkles.

With files from Sinclair Stewart and John Gray.