ROANOKE, Va., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Shopping just got a lot more fun and informative with the launch of IntelliMat(R), a patented, portable floor display that delivers video advertising messages to consumers -- at the point of their decisions.
The IntelliMat is a wireless computer embedded in a very thin mat made of a lightweight thermoplastic alloy with four LCD screens, creating a 30-inch diagonal display with full multi-media capability. Translation: lots of color, motion and sound from a high-quality video display -- right at your feet, right in the store and right at the point of purchase decisions.
The IntelliMat builds on the success of static floor advertising first launched in the early 1990s. Because of its position on the floor, IntelliMat does not displace products on shelves -- or force consumers to look at TVs hanging from the ceiling. It lies in the consumer's natural line of vision and easily provides information to influence buying decisions. IntelliMat delivers a personal rather than a broadcast communication because it is in an individual's "personal space."
"Marketers are trying to gain a competitive advantage by reaching consumers where the purchase decision is actually made. According to leading industry experts, 75 percent of consumers make their final decision in the store," said Jim Currie, president and CEO. "I have been surprised by the number of companies interested in discussing exclusive rights to use IntelliMats to gain that edge."
IntelliMat is the product of IntelliMats LLC, a new company formed to manufacture and market the mats after extensive market research proved the mat was a powerful advertising tool. Prototypes were successfully tested last year at the Sony Store in New York City, Kroger stores in Virginia, an international trade show with Nike and charity events. The first IntelliMats, now being manufactured, will be delivered in November.
IntelliMats LLC is led by an experienced team, including Currie, an executive who previously led start-ups that included Rapid Refund, Borrowers Choice and RFID Solutions. He also served as general counsel of Fortune 500 companies. Tom Douglas, who oversees the technical development for IntelliMat, is the company's senior vice president of technology and strategy. He developed and managed operational infrastructure for IBM Global Service Network Outsourcing. Both executives leapt at the opportunity to lead this independent company after working on its product development and testing.
According to Debra Saunders, director of marketing and sales, "Interest in IntelliMats is keen among well-recognized consumer brands, retailers and advertising agencies. In addition, there has been a large amount of unsolicited interest from foreign companies wanting to sell and distribute IntelliMats in their countries."
About IntelliMats
IntelliMat is a patented, portable dynamic floor display that delivers digital advertising and informational messages -- at the point of decision. It provides consumers with valuable information in an engaging manner to influence buying decisions and to communicate important information. IntelliMat provides a new source of recurring revenue as well as sales improvement.
In addition, because each IntelliMat display is capable of becoming part of a network, it represents a new media network opportunity to reach consumers out of home. IntelliMat is manufactured and marketed by IntelliMats LLC. Currently, IntelliMats has nine issued patents in the United States and foreign countries and more than 70 patent applications pending worldwide. The company's Web site, http://www.intellimat.com/, currently is under construction.
