Mass Connections launches retail promotion alerts program for consumers

CERRITOS, Calif. Shopper marketing company Mass Connections has launched a new communications program that utilizes such vehicles as mobiles devices and in-store radio and television programming to deliver real-time retail promotion alerts to consumers.

The program has been in development since the end of 2008 and in the market, as a limited pilot, since the beginning of April 2009. Following the test, the service is now "live" nationwide, company announced on Thursday.

Through the "Consumer Alert" program, real-time notifications alert consumers when promotion details are confirmed. The alerts can be triggered from each store providing confirmation that deliverables are ready, according to Mass Connections.

How it works: Mass Connections works with consumer packaged goods companies, retailers and media distribution companies to develop marketing campaigns around product promotions. In addition to promotional material, the campaign can now incorporate tactical components that utilize the Consumer Alert process.

Mass Connection's event personnel then swipes the Mass Connections card at the retailer's POS/debit system to trigger the beginning of the in-store promotion. The swipe is instantly received by Mass Connection's system, identifies the program, location, program, date and time, as well as the specific information to trigger all related campaign media.

The result is real-time promotional messages delivered as soon as the promotion is ready, supported by human verification that all materials and products are consumer ready.

Consumers can opt-in for the Consumer Alert program through a retailer's or consumer packaged goods company's Web site for notifications, by zip code, for free premiere giveaways, limited shelf life products, special discounts/offers, product recalls, etc.