News

Planar addresses retail needs with display-based integrated marketing solution

August 2, 2004

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Planar Systems, Inc. launched the first of several display-based interactive marketing solutions designed to address changing needs in the retail environment, improve customer shopping experiences and build brand and retailer loyalty. Planar's initial retail offering - the DS15 integrated marketing solution - enables retail customers to obtain the information they want, when and where they need it.

"Consumers are becoming increasingly familiar with self-service technology, preferring to have more control over their shopping experience," said Stephen Baker, director of industry analysis, The NPD Group.  "In addition, retailers want control over the shopping experience they provide to their customers, including what the customer sees at the point of purchase.  Products like these satisfy both groups while offering brand marketers a way to highlight their message in a more interactive and effective manner than traditional shelf-based promotional tools."

A combined hardware and software solution, the Planar DS15 is simple to deploy and can easily adapt to shifting floor plans and seasonal promotions. At only 3.5 inches deep and weighing 11 pounds, the Planar DS15 fits into any retail setting. A key feature is Planar's custom software, which allows interactive content to be scheduled and displayed in coordination with specific products and promotions. This functional technology platform works to alleviate overburdened sales staff by providing a secondary resource for delivering detailed product information.  

The DS15's interactive capabilities enable retailers and brand marketers to capture customer data, manage purchases, provide expanded details on product SKUs and support loyalty programs. Other applications include content delivery for specific promotions, trade show and event support, product and price testing and employee training.

"Technology has significantly enhanced the retail environment in recent years, but primarily in areas that are transparent to end users," said Balaji Krishnamurthy, chairman, president and CEO of Planar.  "Our new interactive solutions bring technology advances to the retail floor, using Planar's two decades of display innovation to transform the customer shopping experience.  Planar DS15 units have been successfully deployed with a major global brand, demonstrating that these types of solutions are enabling brand marketers and retailers to distinctively differentiate and promote their products."