The following is a short overview of Creative Agency Services Team (Cast) relative to the current retail landscape and specifically the move toward implementing technology at Point of Purchase.
Background Considerations:
In regard to the choices many retailers are now facing in their attempt to integrate technology-based display devices into their shelves, one of the problems we have noticed is that many of them are taking a ‘reactive’ approach in allowing Brands –and brand managers- to drive the decision as to which variety of device gets installed. Regardless of category, most of these devices either run a constant product video loop or activate automatically and play a product commercial, not the type of content that is useful in providing the shopper meaningful or relevant information that drives a purchase decision.
The result we are seeing is a hodge-podge of devices that clutter the shelves, yell unwanted marketing information (in-store spam) at shoppers as they pass by, annoy stores associates; and if they don’t break down, have the net [funhouse] effect of turning shoppers off… In a very short time frame, many retailers are going to wake up one day to find their stores buried in a disparate array of ineffective devices that do nothing to enhance the retail environment or customer shopping experience.
As the Architects of Customer Experience, the Cast model is to work with our retail partners to formulate a ‘proactive’ top-down approach to implementing virtual, interactive, CONTENT-DRIVEN, quality technology solutions that entice shoppers and give them control of the relevant information they are seeking to support a purchase decision... when it is needed most, at the point of sale.
Retailers, from a strategic perspective, have an opportunity here to not only implement technology as an effective shopper marketing strategy and better control retail atmospherics, but also to leverage an opportunity to floor plan the costs across various categories. Virtual, interactive, technology solutions -with the RIGHT CONTENT- is a key driver behind the argument that a small shift in 'Brand marketing' dollars toward in-store merchandising displays will have a profound impact on brand awareness, brand loyalty and result in eliciting the desired consumer behavioral response... a product purchase.
Commercials are made for TV. Relevant product information at the point of purchase is the domain of interactive display solutions.
Cast Competencies:
With these background considerations in mind Cast offers three key divisions of competency:
Retail Services – Cast Retail is currently the fastest growing retail services provider in the U.S. Due to our volume base and 'in-source agency' relationships with leading national retailers and major brand manufacturers, we have developed systems, training, and protocol specifically designed to address the unique needs of our clients. We have a track record of successfully integrating the systems and management style of an in-house organization with the scale and efficiency of an out-sourced model. Our goal is for our clients to feel that our competency is “in-sourced” to them (rather than contracting for out-sourced labor). The organization consist of over 18,000 Cast Members and 632 employees in all 50 states including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. We have offices in Sarasota Florida and Ventura California to provide a bi-coastal presence for client support and operational proximity.
Virtual Interactive Solutions – Cast Interactive offers proprietary virtual interactive solutions for today, tomorrow, and the future. Casts launched its proprietary Sellavision™ platform in 2010 and other game-changing solutions (such as JiveNET and mobile) are poised for introduction in the near future. These solutions offer our clients an integrated system for directly marketing to shoppers at the point-of-sale, training store associates, and more effectively managing retail service.
Creative Services – Cast Creative was originally founded to provide in-house agency support for our interactive technology platforms. Our staff consist of award winning graphic artists, photographers, videographers, programmers and copywriters. This capability now allows us to offer world-class Branding, Photography, Web and Print Design.
This unique blend of competencies provide both retailers and brands with the assets needed to truly enhance the customer shopping experience while driving incremental sales.
Sellavision Demo Content
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