Microsoft has a new approach of delivering ads more effectively to the consumers. They have been working with a company called MediaCart for building computers that are to be mounted on grocery carts. The cart mounted computer allows consumers to navigate the store and then checks them out when they’re done. With this convenience brought to the consumers, of course, Microsoft will have some video ads mixed with it to make some revenue out of it.
These cart-mounted computers will be tested at ShopRite markets in the second half of 2008. The system provides handiness for shoppers while shopping, which they can just pick up items, scan them with the system and leave them in their carts. The console of the system will provide the running price tally and check items off the shopping list. The system is also equipped with RFID, which can track shoppers while they’re moving around in the store. Shoppers can also bring their list to the store with a swipe of their loyalty card.
I think the grocery cart-delivered video ads are kind of effective to reach the targeted groups. Especially when people are shopping, any ads about consumer products will easily catch their mind, which should be much more effective than TV or any other media ads. The grocery cart’s video ads will serve as one of the revenue streams for the online advertising company, aQuantive, which Microsoft acquired last year.
Source [Engadget]
January 14th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
It appears to be a great idea but, I think the more distractions the customer has the slower he/she will be getting through the store.