Walmart Announces "Smart Network"

In July I posted about Walmart working behind the scenes on a new digital signage network and that if they are then there are a number of things they need to fix...as it appears they're doing it.

Walmart announced their new 'Smart Network' today, an updated network that will be implemented in stores over the next two years.

"The first "shopper-intelligent network at retail" is the result of two years and $10 million in research and development used to identify the optimal locations, applications and programming for reaching the millions of consumers who visit the retailer's stores each week."

"The Walmart Smart Network will begin rollout in September 2008. Upon arrival in the first stores later this month, the new network will deliver messaging at the entrance of Walmart Supercenters on "Welcome Screens"; in the departments that shoppers visit most often on "Category Screens" in grocery, health & beauty and electronics; and on "Endcap Screens" that will advertise the items displayed on key endcap displays throughout the store."

The $10 Million deal partners with PRN (Premier Retail Networks) who will handle the network operations, production and advertising sales, DS-IQ who will have the large task of research, and a content development company called Studio2.

Dave over at Sixteen:Nine had a great comment about what this might mean for the industry.

"Having Walmart pull the trigger on this will, I certainly hope, get some other retailers out of the starting blocks. It could be argued that the first iteration did not lead to other retailers doing their own in-store networks, but frankly, the first go-round was something less than inspirational."

I wish all the luck to PRN, Walmart, DS-IQ, and Studio2...they've got a HUGE task in front of them, it will be fun, and will - hopefully - have a great impact on the industry's image to society. Kudos to you all.