Solution Provider News: September 2015

RevTrax Introduces Sampling Insights Solution

RevTrax, New York, has launched a digital engagement solution called Sampling Insights that is designed to turn an in-store, offline transaction into a digital one in order to maximize trial response and develop long-term customer relationships. The new offering connects consumer behavior to in-store sampling events by integrating a personalized coupon into the event, which features a unique bar code. Sampling Insights allows marketers to have “a digital CRM experience that can be tracked, measured and optimized,” RevTrax CEO Jonathan Treiber, said in a media release.

Shopper Decision Trees by InContext Solutions

InContext Solutions, Chicago, has developed shopper decision trees that conduct research through 3-D virtual simulations to provide insights behind shopper decisions. The product promises the ability to test retail-specific, region-specific and occasion-specific options, new products before they go to market, and products without UPCs. “To evaluate the outcomes before investing is a huge win for retailers and CPGs,” InContext Solutions’ Rich Scamehorn said in a media release.

MyWebGrocer Partners With TubeMogul Platform

MyWebGrocer, Winooski, Vermont, has named TubeMogul, Emeryville, California, its software partner for video advertising. The provider of digital marketing solutions to the grocery and CPG industries will use TubeMogul’s platform on a self-serve basis, allowing retailers and brands access to closed-loop attribution, linking digital advertising with both online grocery orders and in-store sales. “Grocers and CPG brands will have even further access to data that will improve their digital grocery efforts,” MyWebGrocer EVP Greg Stevens said in a release.

Kantar Reports Value of FSI Coupons Up 5.5%

More than $281 billion in consumer incentives were delivered via FSI coupons in the first half of 2015, a 5.5% increase from the same period in 2014, according to data from Marx, a Minneapolis-based solution of Kantar Media, New York. The growth came despite the fact that the number of coupons distributed during the period decreased 0.9%, with a total of more than 156 billion coupons issued during the first half of the year. This was offset by an increase in the average face value for FSI coupons of 6.5% to $1.80. Average expiration also decreased 7.2% to 6.5 weeks, which is the eighth consecutive year of declining expiration lengths during the first half of the year.

Meredith Continues Digital Shopper Push

Women’s magazine publisher Meredith Corp., Des Moines, Iowa, has acquired New York-based Qponix, a Grocery Server solution that indexes thousands of local offers nationwide. The Qponix platform combines hyperlocal targeting with a network of CPG brands and grocery retailers to target consumers with time-sensitive offers. Meredith, which publishes magazines such as Allrecipes, began integrating these technologies last year and has already employed the platform to power shopper marketing campaigns for brands such as Target, Unilever and Del Monte.

Personnel Appointments

Benchworks, Chestertown, Maryland

Brenda Vujanic has been promoted to the position of executive vice president, responsible for managing the corporate marketing and communication strategy for the marketing services firm.

Centra360 Marketing, Westbury, New York

Shopper marketing veteran and brand activation specialist Howard Davidson, previously SVP/retail platforms at Acosta’s Shopper Solutions division, has joined the agency as its first chief marketing officer.

Displaydata, Bracknell, United Kingdom

The provider of dynamic digital display solutions has hired Eileen Keehan as SVP sales – Americas. Keehan brings more than 20 years of retail experience to her new role.

Dymax Corp.,Torrington, Connecticut

David S. Miller has been appointed territory sales manager assigned to manufacturers in the Chicago and Minneapolis regions.

Epsilon, Wilton, Connecticut

Rob Powers has joined the agency as senior vice president, strategy & growth.

IHL Group, Nashville, Tennessee

Jeff Roster, a retail technology analyst professional with nearly 30 years of experience, joins IHL as vice president of retail strategy to oversee retailer engagement, vendor briefings and the strategic IT services practice.

Menasha Corp., Neenah, Wisconsin

Derrick Samuel, former president, greater Asia, Colgate-Palmolive, and David White, former senior vice president, global supply chain, Campbell Soup Co., have been newly appointed as independent directors to Menasha’s board.

Mobeam, Palo Alto, California

George Garrick is the company’s new president and CEO. Mobeam has also tapped Joseph Battoe as executive vice president of retail and consumer solutions.

TPN, Chicago

Nicole Labadie Walker has been promoted to group account director.

What’s Ahead, Bentonville, Arkansas

Jay Thornton has joined as head of digital, and Alex Patterson has joined as head of sales.

Please send information regarding personnel appointments to: Linc Wonham, Shopper Marketing, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr, Ste. 200, Chicago, IL 60631 or email: [email protected]