3M rear projection technology helps create unique, human form digital display with absolute stopping power at the point-of-sale...

Bracknell, UK, 3 February 2009 Enterprising Dutch agency Boost Products and diversified technology company 3M today announced the successful introduction of an exciting new concept in in-store marketing at a supermarket in The Netherlands. By using a Vikuiti Rear Projection Screen from 3M cut in the shape of a human body and projecting 2D characters on to its surface, Boost has created a virtual shop assistant capable of communicating promotions to passing shoppers. Watch the video at http: nl.youtube.com watch?v urOy6Plvah8 .

Boost works a lot with supermarket sales promotion teams to translate media campaigns to the retail floor and, in this particular case, we produced the idea of bringing virtual promotion teams to the floor by projecting them on to Vikuiti Screens, commented Raymond Lentz, Managing Director, Boost Products. Our company totally believes in the usage of Vikuiti Rear Projection Screens in-store - not just for window dressing - to increase sales and convey strong, compelling brands.

The impact of the 2D character displays, which could also be celebrity endorsers or cartoon characters, is enormous and offers a state-of-the-art concept with which a retail advertiser and marketer can make a real difference. Boost is now developing concepts that can be used in the entertainment industry, he continued.

The Boost Products team were convinced of the Vikuiti Screen quality after visiting a tradeshow in Utrecht. Once selected, 3M and a local distributor provided full support to ensure an efficient and cost-effective installation process. A video of the shop assistant promoting a specific brand was produced by Boost and the screen was laser cut to the human shape by the distributor. The screen was then placed on the shop floor next to a sales display and the projector was installed on the ceiling. The projector connects up to the Boost narrowcasting system, which controls play out of the video from a remote location. Once the video is playing the virtual salesperson comes alive with outstanding performance under the bright lights of the supermarket.

This is a fantastic new application for Vikuiti Rear Projection Screen. The ability to cut it to any shape or size is the key to the whole solution and the creative possibilities are endless, said Lloyd Cole, European Marketing Manager, 3M Optical Systems. Any media agency interested in point-of-sale now has an opportunity to create something novel and to consider how they can put together a total package that includes screen, projector and content and promote the idea to end users.

A demonstration of the virtual salesperson will be taking place on the 3M stand at ISE 2009 10I144 in Amsterdam, 3-5 February.

For more information, please visit www.3M.co.uk vikuiti and www.boostgroup.nl.