Print Advertising In Freefall, Online Innovations Cushion The Impact On Grocery Retailers
Over $150B dollars are spent annually on consumer advertising. With the declining readership of print media, internet advertising is leading the way for consumer packaged goods with a growth rate of 14.4% in 2008. This percentage increase reflects a total rise in spending of $1.19B dollars.
Grocery stores have traditionally implemented their advertising efforts through print, radio, and television media channels. "In today's changing world, progressive grocery retailers are adapting their overall advertising strategy to include a diverse mixture of media," said Andrew Robinson CEO and Founder of GSN. "By captivating and engaging their clients through interactive media, grocery retail operators are increasing the transparency of their inventory and the effectiveness of their web based advertising platforms."
With the innovation of TiVo and similar products, consumers are skipping the commercials during their favorite television programs when they are at home. Innovations such as satellite radio and mp3 players have lead consumers of this generation to listen to traditional radio stations less often while in transit. Pop-up blocking software and spam blockers eliminate many advertisements before they reach their targets. This is creating a more competitive environment for advertisers.
The increased availability of online news sources in addition to the rising costs of print media have allowed the internet to quickly become the leading provider of information to the general public. Innovating tradition is a way of life in America that has provided the growth and success needed to sustain our nation.
Consumers are exposed to a constant bombardment of advertisements that are not relevant to their product search or personal needs. "The Grocery Shopping Network (GSN) is at the convergence point of consumer awareness and Trade advertising," said Andrew Robinson CEO and Founder of GSN. "The Grocery Shopping Network reduces the degrees of separation between initial consumer impressions and their decision to purchase a product."
Through innovative proprietary software, the Grocery Shopping Network has enabled grocery retailers to increase the effectiveness of their advertising programs. With the ability to link consumers with the products they need at the point of sale, combined with discounts that are not listed by retailers to the general public, The Grocery Shopping Network has established itself at the forefront of online grocery retail advertising.
Additionally, GSN's unique approach allows for members to keep up with all of the items they need electronically. This increases time efficiency and cost savings that help members survive through tough times.
"For most Families, saving $20-$30 dollars a week can be the difference between providing their children the tools they need to succeed and economic failure," said Andrew Robinson CEO and Founder of GSN. "After experiencing the effects of the current economic crisis, people want to spend more quality time building relationships with their families and saving money."
GSN's proprietary software allows families to balance their nutritional needs while saving hard earned money. Clients also have the opportunity to utilize UCook.com in conjunction with GSN's proprietary software suite. UCook.com's database includes over 60,000 recipes which allow users to not only plan their meals accurately, but also in accordance with any special dietary needs they may have. This combination of services offered via the internet allows members the unique opportunity to find savings, products, and also their personal shopping history in one place.
The growth of the Grocery Shopping Network is a result of experience, research, and strategic planning initiated and implemented by visionary leadership. Houlihan Smith & Company, a Chicago based specialized investment banking firm, has assisted the Grocery Shopping Network in their continued business growth by raising capital for the company.
About GSN
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Grocery Shopping Network (GSN) provides technological solutions focused on serving grocery retailers with innovative programs. GSN'S proprietary software offers services that include website development, online promotions, online shopping systems, and other relevant virtual content. With over 30 years of collective leadership experience in the retail grocery industry, GSN has the expertise and resources necessary to provide quality technological solutions retail grocery businesses demand.
Grocery Shopping Network Growth Statistics June 2007 through March 2009
June 2007
Visitors Per Month-384,754
Ad Impression Inventory-911,360
Stores Serving Ads-298
March 2009
Visitors Per Month-3,708,468- ↑ 963.9%
Ad Impression Inventory-30,644,260-↑ 3,362.5%
Stores Serving Ads- 2,478- ↑ 831.5%
About Houlihan Smith & Company
Founded in 1996, Houlihan Smith & Company is recognized as a leading provider of financial opinions, financing, merger and acquisitions advisory, and other corporate advisory services to public and private businesses. The Houlihan name is synonymous with deal-making expertise and leadership in valuation, as well as fairness issues. Houlihan Smith has experienced professionals servicing businesses around the globe from offices in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Houlihan Smith has represented dozens of Committees on a broad range of financial matters. Houlihan Smith is a member in good standing of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and is also registered as a licensed broker-dealer. For more information about Houlihan Smith, please visit the firm's website www.houlihansmith.com. Additional information on the firm can also be found at www.hedgefundvaluation.com or www.hedgefundrestructuring.com.
SOURCE: GSN