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Luxury Fifth Avenue retailer, Michael C. Fina, has partnered with A. JAFFE, Platinum Guild International USA (PGI-USA), and Tappinn, to bring the jewelry industry's first store window displays with embedded QR codes to New York City. From September 16 - October 11, 2010, each of the retailer's five 45th Street window displays will feature a selection of never before seen platinum A. JAFFE bridal rings along with verbiage that embodies both platinum and the New York women who inspired A. JAFFE's latest collection. Each window will also feature a customized QR code, which, when scanned with a smart phone, directs shoppers to a Michael C. Fina branded Web site that provides additional product details along with metal education. From there, consumers are able to shop Michael C. Fina's gallery of platinum A. JAFFE rings, as well as make an appointment with the store and share their favorite rings via social networking sites.
A 2009 consumer study commissioned by PGI-USA illustrated the importance window displays play in capturing the attention of pre-engaged women and men during the crucial engagement ring research period. More than 54 percent of the study's respondents window shopped stores during their engagement ring shopping period, and reported they were more likely to enter a store if they liked the product they saw in its windows.
"In addition to revealing the importance of retail window displays, the consumer study revealed that pre-engaged women and men expect online educational content from retailers," stated Michelle Peranteau, Manager of Integrated Marketing for PGI-USA. "The Michael C. Fina windows with embedded QR codes marry these two elements to create the ultimate platinum jewelry retail shopping experience. Before even speaking with a sales associate, shoppers will enter Michael C. Fina with in-depth knowledge of both platinum and their favorite A. JAFFE engagement ring."
Nick Ford, Co-Founder of Tappinn, believes Michael C. Fina's QR code-embedded store windows will revolutionize the way jewelry retailers engage their consumers. "QR codes are steadily becoming a viable avenue of mobile communication for advertisers because they are highly interactive and let consumers have control," stated Ford. "Storefronts are the perfect application for QR codes because the store is able to connect with its customers in a non-intrusive way."
Jacklynn Manning, Communications and Creative Director of Michael C. Fina, believes the convenience of its window displays with embedded QR codes will allow the retailer to reach a new group of customers. "At Michael C. Fina, we've been committed to providing our customers with exceptional service for 75 years," stated Manning. "This means not only working one-on-one with customers here in the store to help them select the perfect ring and plan the perfect proposal, but also educating potential customers by distributing information in their preferred medium. Once customers see what makes platinum the most desirable metal choice and A.JAFFE so special, we are confident they will want to come in and learn more."
In addition to debuting the QR codes in the storefront windows, the displays will also feature lifestyle images from A. JAFFE's new brand campaign, which pays tribute to the company's rich New York heritage. "With over 115 years of experience in the bridal industry and our strong New York City roots, the Michael C. Fina windows are the ideal NYC-based landmark to debut the new A. JAFFE brand campaign," said James McArdle, CEO of A. JAFFE. "As both are leaders in the bridal industry, it made perfect sense for A JAFFE to partner with Michael C. Fina to offer this new innovative technology to our relaunched brand for New Yorkers and tourists alike. With just a quick scan of the storefront image from a smartphone, customers can instantaneously receive information about the A. JAFFE platinum ring collection at Michael C. Fina."
Shoppers wishing to visit the Michael C. Fina's window displays and take advantage of the QR code technology should visit the store's flagship location at 545 Fifth Avenue at 45th Street in NYC. The display will be live beginning Thursday, September 16, until Monday, October 11.
To learn how PGI can provide your business with customized platinum educational content, please contact Michelle Peranteau, Manager of Integrated Marketing, at .
About A. JAFFE: A. JAFFE has been a leader in the creation of the world's finest luxury bridal jewelry since its founding by Abraham Jaffe in New York City in 1892. Working in harmony, the A. JAFFE designer and artisan conceive and craft bridal rings that truly stand the test of time. The brand is distinguished by its heritage of continuous contribution to the evolution of the American engagement ring, including the origination of some of the first luxury solitaire and multi-stone engagement rings sold in the United States. A. JAFFE's unique archive ensures that the treasures of yesteryear will never be lost, while also serving to inspire original design that will take your breath away.
About Michael C. Fina: Michael C. Fina is the perfect place to turn when celebrating all life's many milestones, big or small. As New York's premier family owned and operated retail destination, we have been providing customers with quality products and exceptional service for 75 years. The flagship store, located at 545 Fifth Ave. New York, NY, offers a stunning variety of engagement rings, wedding bands, fine jewelry, tableware, estate silver, and bath accessories.
For more information visit our website , friend us on facebook , or follow us on twitter .
About Platinum Guild International: Platinum Guild International is dedicated to promoting Platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world's major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of platinum jewelry. For more information please visit .
About Tappinn: Tappinn is a web platform to build mobile web pages (Smart Sites) and generate/manage/track QR codes. The platform was designed to make it easy for brands and retailers to build and deploy customized mobile content (pictures, video, text, coupons, product specs, ect.) to unique shopping environments via QR Codes. For more information, please visit . |