Parker’s is saving time and money with new digital signage from Cabletime.
Parker’s Convenience Stores recently invested in MediaStar digital signage from Cabletime, and the company has already discovered the many benefits of installing the new technology.
With the new signage, instead of using employees to travel around its 44 stores to update and upload content for the in-store displays, Parker’s is now able to manage content across its network from one server at its central HQ. This change represents a huge saving in time and the cost involved in frequent travel.
The store group, which aims to offer a smart alternative to traditional convenience stores, uses its displays to provide customers with digital menus for its breakfast and lunch offers, and also to show advertising. Prior to the installation of the new signage, content was originally uploaded manually and advertising was being delivered by DVD players and updated once a month via a new DVD.
“Using our staff to travel to different stores to provide content on a USB stick was time consuming and expensive. If we wanted to change even one item on a menu, or provide a two-for-one offer for a short period, we had to get this delivered specially. Even once we started emailing content files, they still needed to be uploaded on a USB drive,” Stephen Hines, chief technology officer at Parker’s Convenience Stores, said.
Cabletime’s MediaStar solution utilizes existing IP networks at Parker’s Convenience Stores to deliver content to an unlimited number of displays and TV’s. The MediaStar Media Manager software, which operates at the core of the system, allows one central administrator to control the scheduling, acquisition and delivery of content to the MediaStar players installed in each store, as needed. Updates and changes can be pushed out on demand, and Parker’s now has the flexibility to run advertising and marketing campaigns throughout the day.
“Updates are almost instantaneous and we can schedule them to keep customers interested without distracting them too much from their shopping,” continued Stephen Hines. “Installation of the MediaStar system was quick and it’s easy to use, we’ve had no problems with any of the hardware, so it’s been pretty bulletproof. But the main benefit has been the savings in time, which, of course, always equates to a saving in money.”
The success of the installation has encouraged Parker’s to start installing two displays in stores where a food service is offered, and this will be expanded, which will see the installation of more MediaStar units. MediaStar video walls, which will utilize more MediaStar signage solutions, are being planned for future rollout.
“This is a fantastic example of how MediaStar can be deployed to such good effect in a retail environment,” said Ed Carabetta, vice president and general manager of Cabletime USA. “Not only can Parker’s display menus that are up to date and easily changed, they can also make snap decisions on offers and promotions and run promotional messaging to further enhance their service to customers. We are delighted that the system has allowed Parker’s to cut down on the employee time running between stores which can now be put more effectively into the growing business.”
