News

Vans using Netkey software to target skateboarders

October 14, 2002

BRANFORD, Conn. -- Vans Inc. isn't skating around the issue of how to reach its 10- to 24-year-old target market. The company has installed self-service kiosks in its skateparks to market its footwear products, contests and events to skateboarders and in-line skaters.

The touchscreen kiosks, powered by Netkey software, give the skaters access to the latest information about Vans' products, according to a news release. The marketing program has helped Vans pull customers from its 12 large-scale skateparks near suburban malls to its retail locations.

The Netkey software secures the kiosk's computer operating system for public access, according to the release, and controls access to Vans' site and partner sites. Vans' marketing partners include Ford Division Trucks, Mountain Dew and Microsoft's Xbox.

Vans operates 169 retail stores in the United States and Europe.