Press Releases

MSN Selects Creative Channel Services to Create Strategic In-Store Partnership With RadioShack Stores Nationwide

In-Store Awareness Campaign Educates a Nationwide RadioShack Audience on MSN Program and Services

CULVER CITY, CA – December 14, 2001 – Creative Channel Services (CCS), the leading provider of sales training and product education programs for the retail channel, was selected by MSN to create, execute and manage a comprehensive in-store program with RadioShack to promote their MSN internet software. This high-profile, nationwide program illustrates the next step in the long-standing relationship between CCS and Microsoft, giving the software giant the ability to effectively target and educate consumers and retail sales associates on MSN internet software and program features.

As experts in the retail marketplace, and creators of CyberReps, the industry’s premier field marketing management team, CCS was able to quickly mobilize a nationwide field training force throughout top U.S. markets, to generate a globalized program push for MSN. The program features innovative internet kiosks at over 1,200 RadioShack stores, approximately 2,400 store visits, rigorous merchandising and compliance efforts, and CCS' signature high-tech reporting and tracking functionalities. Each “MSN Companion” internet kiosk will be stocked with appropriate product literature and MSN CDs, and RadioShack employees will be rated on their overall MSN product knowledge during regular store visits.

“CCS’ long-lasting partnership with Microsoft has been instrumental in giving CCS the opportunity to forge new, cutting edge training opportunities and strategic retail partnerships across the country,” said Andy Restivo, CCS’ Senior Vice President of Business Development. “This new partnership with RadioShack not only illustrates Microsoft’s faith in our retail and channel marketing expertise, it also represents an expansion of CCS’ services in terms of the effective, and immediate mobilization of our field team into a previously untapped market.”

The exclusive partnership, scheduled between October 19 and November 21, 2001, also introduces the inclusion of RadioShack into CCS’ expanding list of powerful retail partnerships, joining a list of major retail chains that includes CompUSA, Best Buy, MicroCenter, and many more. Strategic in-store field initiatives, combined with CCS’ innovative CyberScholar.com online product education website, CyberSmart face-to-face training seminars, and CCS’ proven web application development and program reporting capabilities -- continue to place CCS at the forefront of the technology retail arena, providing the computer and consumer electronics industry with the highest quality forums for facilitating interactive sales training and promoting the ongoing sharing of information and mindshare with reseller partners.

“CCS’ ability to rapidly mobilize and deliver a nationwide training initiative to one of the country’s largest retail chains illustrates the new frontier in targeted product education, as well as the next step in Microsoft’s on-going partnership with CCS,” said Branden Powell, Business Development Manger for Microsoft. “When it comes to complete, comprehensive frontline training, Microsoft will continue to turn to CCS.”

About Creative Channel Services, LLC
Creative Channel Services (CCS) is a leading retail marketing agency focused on helping manufacturers and retailers improve sales performance by creating influence at the point of sale. CCS' integrated solutions include field sales & marketing, training development, interactive services and promotional marketing, with a primary focus on creating brand advocacy through retail sales associates. Established in 1995 and headquartered in Culver City, California, CCS is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

For more information, contact:

Mark Boeder, Director of Marketing
Creative Channel Services
310-665-9900, ext. 345
Email Mark Boeder