Network of digital signage enhances the customer experience at one of Calgary’s top shopping centres
Concord, ON – Dec. 16, 2009 - Omnivex Corporation, Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and provider of enterprise software for digital signage networks, announced that Southcentre Mall in Calgary, Alberta is using Omnivex software to manage a newly installed digital signage network. Southcentre Mall recently underwent a $104 million renovation to bring it to the forefront of the upscale shopping centres in the Calgary area. The project includes the addition of digital signage powered by Omnivex software. The system is for shopper entertainment, wayfinding, advertising, and providing access to customer service information.
Originally built in 1974, Southcentre created a unique facility, focusing on making the shopping experience more comfortable, more convenient and less stressful. With some of Calgary's most sought-after retailers including Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, Coach and Bose, Southcentre wanted to ensure it provides an unparalleled shopping experience and is the preferred place to shop in the Calgary area. It began an entire renovation of the facility in fall of 2007. It was determined that installing a digital signage system would help to address its main challenges of providing better access to mall information and facility navigation, improving the aesthetic appeal and promoting the retailers within the mall.
Screens are strategically positioned throughout the mall at high traffic locations, including at customer service desks. These include 46” LCDs, touch screens and a large 3 x 3 video wall feature in the centre court. After struggling with its initial content management software, Southcentre decided it needed to find a better solution.
“We originally used very basic software to manage content on the screens, but we found that it was not able to meet our needs, as the content on the screens did not look very compelling and the scheduling aspect was not sophisticated enough,” said Shawn Hanson, Southcentre general manager. “Sharp’s Audio Visual was brought on to the project to advise about the software options available to manage the digital signage system. They recommended Omnivex.”
The digital signage is managed from a central location using Omnivex software. As one of Calgary's largest shopping malls, Southcentre has over 200 different stores and services. Facility navigation has always been a priority for the Mall, so wayfinding screens were installed to help customers navigate the just under one million square feet of retail space. In addition, Southcentre Mall displays content about the services and programs it offers, as well as advertisements for the retailers who have space in the facility.
“We provide content creation services and the ad space to our retailers free of charge,” added Hanson. “Shoppers like to learn about promotions taking place in the mall, while retailers like to get the brand exposure we are able to provide them with.”
The renovation and addition of digital signage to the mall reinforces Southcentre is one of Calgary’s best places to shop. Future plans for the digital signage system include expansion into other areas of the shopping centre and exploration of further opportunities to promote retailers and other groups using mall space.
About Southcentre Mall
Officially opened in 1974, Southcentre offers a diverse mix of more than 200 highly acclaimed stores and services, including exclusives Crate & Barrel, Bose, Restoration Hardware, Coach, and Disney. Southcentre is a family-focused shopping centre, dedicated to meeting customer's needs and building and sustaining a healthy, thriving community. Southcentre offers amenities such as family washrooms and nursing rooms, ‘Parent & Tot’ parking stalls in the lot, complimentary strollers with children's programming, KidStop areas, interactive directories, complimentary wireless Internet, Comfy Kids Club, and Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.southcentremall.com
About Sharp’s Audio Visual
Sharp's Audio Visual is one of Canada’s leading digital signage solution providers offering best in class technology and extensive industry experience with a national reach. Sharp’s AV is an expert in enterprise-wide integration systems. Our national scope enables clients with multiple locations to leverage audio visual technologies for the benefits of the entire organization. We can tailor a solution that meets your communication objectives and budget. Sharp’s offers different types of digital signage business models to suit all types of customers. For more information, visit www.sharpsav.com.
About Omnivex Corporation
Founded in 1991, Omnivex Corporation is a leader in software development for digital signage networks and electronic displays. Omnivex software is used by over 2,000 customers, including many Fortune 500 companies, to manage all aspects of digital signage networks, including content management, real-time data acquisition and distribution, and remote device monitoring and management. Omnivex and our customers have been recognized with numerous awards for excellence in digital signage. For more information, please visit www.omnivex.com.
