Convergent Wins Advance Auto Parts Contract for Unique In-Store Video Network
20 September 1999
Convergent Wins Advance Auto Parts Contract for Unique In-Store Video Network
ATLANTA--Sept. 20, 1999--Advance Auto Parts, the nation's second-largest automotive aftermarket retailer, has signed a contract with Convergent Media Systems to integrate and support the Advance Auto Parts proprietary, in-store television network. Convergent integrates satellite-based business television networks and interactive distance learning systems for training, education and communications.The Advance Auto Parts satellite-based digital video network will deliver video programming directly to customers via strategically placed in-store television monitors in 1,700 Advance Auto Parts retail locations throughout the United States. The network will broadcast customized features from CNN, NASCAR, ESPN and The Nashville Network. Advertising messages are expected to reach in excess of 200 million Advance Auto Parts customers in 2000, the network's first full year of operation.
"The success of similar in-store networks at Blockbuster Video stores and Planet Hollywood restaurants was the inspiration for the Advance Auto Parts Network," said Chad Tilley, executive vice president and general manager, Advance Auto Parts. "Test marketing revealed that customers stayed longer in stores with televisions, resulting in higher average sales."
Convergent will install compressed digital video systems and three to six monitors at each retail store, as well as an on-premise uplink and encoder at the company's headquarters in Roanoke, VA. Network installation will be accomplished by Convergent's team of 400 field service representatives, who are located throughout the United States and backed by proprietary tracking and reporting systems.
Convergent also will provide transmission, encryption, help desk, maintenance, space segment and project management services. State-of-the-art Network and Engineering Control Centers, staffed by customer service help desk and technical support teams, are the hub for many of these activities.
Convergent Vice President Greg Browning said, "When Advance Auto Parts contacted us about implementing their in-store video network, it was clear our companies were a good match. The expertise Convergent has honed over the last 18 years is exactly what Advance Auto Parts needed for its unique network. Not only do we get to do what we do best, but we get to work with a client we hold in very high esteem."
Advance Auto Parts
Advance Auto Parts, the second-largest auto parts chain in the nation, was established in 1932 in Virginia. With the recent acquisition of Parts America, Advance Auto Parts now has 1,700 stores in 38 states and 34,000 employees.
Convergent Media Systems
Convergent pioneered the satellite-delivered business television industry in 1980 and today operates 70 percent of the nation's business television networks. Clients include Fortune 1000 companies such as BMW of North America, Federal Express, Unisys Corporation, Bank of America, Compaq Computers, and Staples, as well as agencies of the federal government and state education institutions. Convergent is based in Atlanta and has offices in Dallas, Detroit, New York City, Sevierville, Tenn., and Washington, DC. Media Centers are located in Boston and Framingham, Mass., Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Auburn Hills, Mich.