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Expert Sales Team Staffed by Calif.-based Marketing Agency Extends
Microsoft's Reach
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (August 13, 2003) - Buying a new computer or a digital camera is a challenge for even the savviest of consumers. Just learning how to make all the pieces work together is oftentimes overwhelming and arduous. In the ever-evolving world of computer technology, Microsoft continues to remain at the helm with the launch of its "Experience Center" in the new Nebraska Furniture Mart, designed to make it easier for people to understand and set up the latest products. With the help of Calif.-based Campaigners, Inc., a nationally recognized results-driven sales and marketing agency that provides outsourced field sales and marketing services, on-site contracted "Delegates" or "XPros" (Experience professionals), will help demystify technology for the mainstream consumer to ensure they receive the most value and best experience from their purchase, while increasing retail traffic. The Nebraska Furniture Mart is located at 1601 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kan.
"Digital lifestyle is now more mainstream," said Darrell West, director, Retail Strategy, Microsoft. "As technology extends beyond the enthusiast audience and into the everyday consumer world, we recognize the need to make it easier for people to understand how to set up and use products such as digital cameras and wireless networks."
In an effort to further solidify its brand identity, Microsoft partnered with Campaigners to strategically improve the overall PC experience and to add excitement to the buying and selling of PC products. Campaigners will expand Microsoft's marketing efforts by providing field support with "feet on the floor" XPros to conduct product demonstrations and hands-on instruction. As a result, customers are a part of a personal, interactive experience, in which XPros go beyond simply answering questions, but instead offer a proactive approach to customer service.
"We aim to influence consumers' decisions at the point-of-sale, as well as demonstrate to customers the added value of Microsoft products," said Melissa Orr, president and CEO, Campaigners, Inc. "Since most buying decisions are made in-store based on the advice of salespeople, we ensure that our delegates are well prepared and able to maximize sales for our clients like Microsoft."
The equivalent of 12 football fields, the 712,000 square-foot new Nebraska Furniture Mart includes 450,000 square feet of retail space, offering appliances, electronics and computers, furniture and flooring.
Currently, 13 retail stores, including Circuit City, Mircocenters, J&R Computerworld and CompUSA are participating in the Microsoft Experience Center pilot program, in which, Campaigners' XPros will staff three locations. Providing consumers a better understanding about technology-related products, Microsoft hopes the Experience Centers will continue to expand the overall PC market.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
Campaigners, Inc. is a sales and marketing agency built from the ground up to deliver reliable, quantifiable results for their clients. Their performance culture - a relentless focus on achieving results at every level of our company - gives them a distinct advantage over the competition. Results that boost brand awareness, category leadership, and market share. The company provides outsourced field sales and marketing services and specialize in product demonstrations, events and promotions, online sales force training, mobile marketing, sales incentive programs, market research, sampling, consumer surveys and more. Campaigners has developed and launched hundreds of successful campaigns for such Fortune 1000 companies as Fujifilm, Intel, Samsung and AOL. Headquartered in Redondo Beach, Calif., Campaigners has satellite offices in the San Francisco Bay area and Ottawa, Canada, and has a field staff of more than 3,000.
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