M&C Saatchi PR was named communications agency for candy retailer, IT'SUGAR. The agency will lead communications strategy for the launch of two campaigns: One Scary Election and BEASTMODE Chocolate Bars. IT'SUGAR has close to 100 retail locations in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Denver, San Diego and Palm Beach. Work will be led out of M&C Saatchi PR's New York office. "The opportunity to work with a brand that is not afraid to take risks and speak their mind does not come around very often," said Jen Dobrzelecki, executive vice president, M&C Saatchi PR U.S. "IT'SUGAR …

El Pollo Loco restaurants named Vitro as its creative agency of record, following a review managed by AAR Partners. The San Diego-based agency will handle all research, strategy, production, and integrated communications across television, radio, digital, and out-of-home elements. Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners previously handled the account. "Vitro's strong vision and creative approach to driving brand distinctiveness and restaurant level performance made them an exciting choice for us," said Ed Valle, chief marketing officer of El Pollo Loco. "Vitro is known across the industry for their innovative business solutions and we are looking forward to working together as we …

Huge was awarded a digital assignment from PetSmart, tasked with creating a new digital brand presence for the brand. PetSmart's new online experience, set to launch this month, will make it easier for customers to search for the right pet products, services and information like tips, solutions and pet advice. Work will be led out of Huge's Los Angeles.

Heavenspot, part of M&C Saatchi SHARE, was named digital agency of record for Fox Restaurant Concepts, charged with creative, strategy and digital work supporting the company's 15 unique concepts. Fox Restaurant Concepts (FRC), led by entrepreneur Sam Fox, is a restaurant group of 15 concepts and more than 50 locations including brands like True Food Kitchen, Culinary Dropout, Flower Child, North Italia and Blanco. "The Heavenspot team instantly understood the unique personalities that differentiate our brands and drive messages," said Anita Walker, vice president of marketing at FRC. "We are excited about the great work to come and we're looking …

Improper Bostonian, a Boston-based company that offers residents information on local events, food and fashion, tapped Digital Impulse to create a new website for the publication. The agency was awarded the project following a review of local agencies in the Boston area. Work was previously handled by various agencies on an assignment basis. The new site launched this month.

Ferrero selected TMW Unlimited to serve as one of its digital and social media shops, following a competitive review. As a rostered agency, TMW Unlimited will be involved in shaping the strategic direction of the Ferrero brands in digital and social channels, they say. Pablo, the incumbent agency, and creative shop Haygarth, who was appointed through the pitch process will all continue to service the account in some capacity. The review was handled by Roth Observatory. First up, TMW is working on campaigns for Kinder Bueno, Tic Tac and Raffaello, with work breaking early 2017. The project will run in …

Harmelin Media was named media planning and buying agency for Medical Alert, a long range personal and medical alarm. The new Medical Alert MobileElite system features GPS technology that provides coast-to-coast protection, with emergency assistance and optional fall detection services. Harmelin Media will design Direct Response TV campaigns in an effort to increase orders across multiple products.

Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey tapped Interact Marketing as its online marketing agency of record. The agency will provide web hosting, website development, SEO, social media counsel and assist with grants for online advertising. In addition, Rosica Communications was tapped as public relations agency of record, providing media relations, corporate communications and overall strategy on a pro bono basis. "We truly appreciate Interact Marketing for donating web hosting and other online marketing services to our nonprofit organization," said Susan Haspel, state director of Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey. "Their website management goes far in strengthening Boys …

MGH was named media buying agency of record for Hendrick Automotive Group, following an RFP process. The move follows Hendrick Automotive Group's decision to consolidate its media planning and buying services for all of its dealerships with one agency. Hendrick Automotive Group is a privately held automotive retail organization in the United States, with 102 dealerships in 14 states. The agency will provide research, strategy, and media planning and buying services for Hendrick Automotive Group's television, radio and digital advertising. "MGH's vast experience in working with multi-location businesses, particularly in the regions in which Hendrick Automotive Group's dealerships are located, …

The Republik, Durham, was named the first agency of record for supply chain company, FHI (Freight Handlers, Inc.). The agency will handle all advertising, consisting mostly of print and online elements. Previous marketing was limited to trade shows and word-of-mouth. A management transition prompted the decision to hire an agency and add advertising to the mix. FHI is expanding its operations outside its traditional vertical market, which is the grocery business, and will now offer supply chain labor solutions for non-grocery retailers, distribution centers and manufacturers. Additional clients of The Republik include Hanwha L&CSurfaces, PrivatizeMe, First Flight Venture Center, Lexis …