Epson and Sweda Corp. Announce United Supermarkets Pilot

The pilot, initiated late in 2003, includes four focus areas where large screens call attention to promotional messages. The solution uses Epson PowerLite network projectors and SwedaMedia digital marketing software. Market Street -- Signage Placement & Specifics The digital marketing solution at Market Street embraces the aforementioned trend by empowering the retailer with the ability to store, schedule, distribute, present and track marketing messages -- all from a central location. The first thing shoppers notice upon entering the Market Street store is an 80 diagonal screen announcing the stores current events, including cooking classes and new sales. The same-sized screen hangs above the sushi bar and advertises specials on sushi, gourmet cheeses, and Peets Coffee & Tea promotions. Two 16 x 9 wide-format screens (98 diagonal) are in the back of the store, one near prepared foods and the other near produce and meat. These screens incorporate content for specials on meat and fresh seafood, and can also be used to introduce and familiarize customers with department managers. All screens show flash and video content to provide visually-stimulating marketing messages to shoppers. Because the Market Street pilot uses web-based SwedaMedia software, promotional content can be queued up and set to launch by time and location, activated from any Internet connection. The Epson PowerLite projectors are networked and set on a sleep mode when the store is closed so it can continue to receive content programming commands for automatic next-day activation. According to Bud Weist, vice president of sales and marketing, Epson System Device group, We envision digital marketing solutions driving sales while creating a real dynamic shopping experience. The Market Street store demonstrates how leading POS solutions -- operating together -- truly transform in-store marketing.