DEERFIELD, Ill., Dec. 1, 2005 – GOLIATH Solutions today announced a multi-year agreement with Walgreen Co. (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG), the nations largest drugstore chain, to install its display tracking systems chain-wide at Walgreens more than 5,000 stores.
Working initially with 15 consumer packaged goods manufacturers, Walgreens will use the GOLIATH system to analyze in real time the sales impact of store displays.
The patented GOLIATH tracking system uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to electronically capture when, how long and approximately where displays are placed in Walgreens stores. When combined with Walgreens point-of-sale information, the GOLIATH data will allow the drugstore chain to design and implement displays that are proven to drive sales.
The system also can be used to notify store managers of which displays to put up or take down.
“GOLIATHs tracking system will help us customize our merchandising on a store-by-store basis and ultimately increase sales and profit per square foot,” said George Riedl, Walgreens senior vice president of marketing. “It also will help both our own purchasing department and our vendors evaluate past promotions and plans for future programs.”
Currently, the retail industry gathers this information by having auditors visit a sampling of stores. “With the GOLIATH system, well have unprecedented insight into marketing data collected daily from every store,” said Robert Kral, Walgreens vice president of purchasing.
Robert Michelson, GOLIATH CEO, said, “Were delighted to partner with Walgreens on this revolutionary initiative. With $17 billion spent annually by consumer packaged goods manufacturers on design and distribution of in-store marketing materials, GOLIATH can provide new insights to retailers and manufacturers to increase their returns on those expenditures.”
About Walgreens Walgreen Co. is the nations largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2005 sales of $42.2 billion. The company operates more than 5,000 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico. Walgreens also provides additional services to pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives (a pharmacy benefits manager), Walgreens Mail Service, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy and Walgreens Home Care.
About GOLIATH Solutions
Chicago based GOLIATH Solutions, is the industry leader in designing and delivering RFID based information systems that track and report the presence/value of displays in retail stores. GOLIATH provides a combination of patented technology; data analytics and marketing services capabilities to support its retailer and consumer packaged good manufacturing clients in optimizing their sales and profits. The retail channels targeted for GOLIATH deployment include: chain-drug, grocery, mass merchandise and convenience stores, and could potentially grow to include other specialty outlets. The GOLIATH leadership team includes senior executives with backgrounds from Kraft Foods, IBM and Information Resources Inc. For further information, visit GOLIATH Solutions on the Web at http://www.goliathsolutions.com
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Walgreens
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Corporate Communications
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GOLIATH Solutions
Marketing and Sales
Edward Franczek
EVP
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GOLIATH Solutions
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Lisa Spathis
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