Canadian retailer Mark’s rolling out store redesigns with ADFLOW solution

December 12, 2011 by Dave Haynes

ADFLOW Networks seems to be on a bit of a roll lately. On the heels of a nice joint marketing deal with Acosta and an announced rollout of interactive health stations in Rite-Aid store, the Burlington, Ontario-based software firm is announcing a deal to be the digital signage provider “for all store redesign initiatives” for Mark’s.

Mark’s is an apparel chain in Canada with hundreds of stores, selling business casual wear and the sort of rugged, safe stuff people working in trades pull on in the morning. The chain is owned by Canadian Tire and has started co-locating stores in the last couple of years.

“Mark’s is incorporating multiple in-store digital displays – both passive and interactive – into the DNA of their new store design,” says a release about the deal. “The new shopping environment features captivating, dynamic digital media throughout strategic areas of the store.”

Mediavation, Mark’s long-standing agency partner, is the driving force behind this initiative and the key creator of the in-store digital media strategy and content creation. They recommended ADFLOW Networks to help them achieve their vision for Mark’s.

Joseph Levy, President of Mediavation: “After much due diligence, Marks and Mediavation decided to partner with ADFLOW Networks to provide a unique in-store digital signage solution, mainly because of ADFLOW’s years of experience and proven expertise.”

Tom Ranieri, AVP Store Design at Mark’s, adds, “We felt that ADFLOW had a powerful and flexible system that allowed us to seamlessly integrate our multi-platform in-store digital signage strategy.”

The Calgary-based retailer is focused on brand enhancement, in-store customer experience, customer education, and driving sales. The in-store digital media network has large-format screens mounted in prominent locations throughout the store, and also has touch-enabled, interactive LCD displays called Touch Points. There is also a four-panel video wall at cash.

Mark’s was a client for several years of Digital View>EnQii>ComQi, but I’m not sure how current the relationship was between the two. I know the company had been actively looking around for a while, as I have chatted with a Mark’s guy at a couple of DSE shows and forums. The retailer was an early innovator with in-store digital, going back to at least 2004 with a fairly significant rollout of interactive stations and big screens.

[expand title=”Show/Hide Press Release” expanded=”true”]

CANADIAN RETAIL GIANT CHOOSES ADFLOW NETWORKS TO DELIVER UNIQUE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES VIA DIGITAL SIGNAGE

ADFLOW Networks, in partnership with Mediavation, has been selected by Mark’s to bring their new strategic store re-branding initiative to life, using innovative in-store digital media solutions.

For Immediate Release

Toronto, Ontario (Dec 12, 2011) – Mark’s, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Tire, has selected ADFLOW Networks as their digital signage provider for all store redesign initiatives. Mark’s is incorporating multiple in-store digital displays – both passive and interactive – into the DNA of their new store design. The new shopping environment features captivating, dynamic digital media throughout strategic areas of the store.

Mediavation, Mark’s long standing agency partner, is the driving force behind this initiative and the key creator of the in-store digital media strategy and content creation. They recommended ADFLOW Networks to help them achieve their vision for Mark’s.

Joseph Levy, President of Mediavation, stated that “After much due diligence, Marks and Mediavation decided to partner with ADFLOW Networks to provide a unique in-store digital signage solution, mainly because of ADFLOW’s years of experience and proven expertise.”

Tom Ranieri, AVP Store Design at Mark’s added, “We felt that ADFLOW had a powerful and flexible system that allowed us to seamlessly integrate our multi-platform in-store digital signage strategy.”

Mark’s innovative strategy is comprised of Four (Plus One) points of focus: brand enhancement, in-store customer experience, customer education, and driving sales. The (Plus One) point of focus is on driving traffic to the website, community outreach, and staff training via the interactive displays.

Mark’s new in-store digital media network consists of large-format screens mounted in prominent locations throughout the store to create a targeted ambience. The new stores also offer touch-enabled, interactive LCD displays called Touch Point that both educate and entertain Mark’s customers, while informing them about the benefits of Mark’s products innovation and design. The final digital media element, located behind the point-of-sale counter, is a stunning LCD Video Wall that displays high—resolution brand enhancement content spanning all four displays, making it easily visible from anywhere in the store.

“We are delighted to be Mark’s in-store digital media partner and a key contributor for this important initiative” says Mike Abbott, President of ADFLOW Networks. “Retailers today are looking for new and more effective ways to promote their brand, educate and entertain customers and drive sales. With their new in-store concept, Mark’s, together with Mediavation, are leading the way by creating a unique and engaging shopping experience.”

About Mark’s 

Mark’s is devoted to providing extraordinary clothing and footwear to Canadians. They have grown from one store in 1977 to over 380 stores across the country. Mark’s is part of the Canadian Tire group of companies. They offer customers exclusive private labels and Canada’s best sellers in men’s and women’s casual and business wear, outdoor apparel and work wear. To learn more visit www.marks.com

About Mediavation

Mediavation was founded over 30 years ago and provides an innovative communication idea for some of the world’s most recognized brands. Mediavation uses small collaborative teams in which all members contribute and share learning from each other to deliver innovative and effective ideas. To learn more visit www.mediavation.ca

About ADFLOW Networks

Established in 2000 and a pioneer in the Digital Signage Industry, ADFLOW Networks has been providing award winning solutions including the development, deployment, and management of passive and interactive digital media networks. All of ADFLOW’s Digital Signage networks are powered by ADFLOW’s patented Dynamic Messaging System™.

Headquartered in Burlington, ON, Canada with U.S. offices in Chicago, IL and Philadelphia, PA, ADFLOW has grown to become one of North America’s largest Digital Signage and Interactive Kiosk providers. To learn more visit www.adflownetworks.com

[/expand]