Business/Technology Editors
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 1997--
Sales-Floor Kiosks Provide Continuous Coverage, High ROI, Increased Customer Satisfaction
First Wave Inc., today clarified comments made early this morning here at KioskCom '97. In an earlier news release from First Wave - part of a publicity effort for KioskCom '97 - the company inaccurately characterized the retail kiosk market.
The company stressed that - through well-designed, innovative applications that provide information, catalog-based ordering, couponing and other benefits - - touchscreen kiosks continue to deliver high value retailers, including increased product information, access to large inventory and the ability to staff remote locations.
"Unfortunately, sometimes the 'good news' message can get lost amid the gloom-and-doom," said John Glitos, founder and chief executive officer for First Wave. "First Wave firmly believes that retailers continue to enjoy increased sales and customer satisfaction and a high return on investment by deploying effective touchscreen kiosks in their stores. My intention was to point out the potential pitfalls of shortcomings in improperly designed kiosk solutions and draw attention to First Wave's expertise in this are. However, these comments have been used to inaccurately and negatively portray the broader market for kiosks. With careful analysis and planning, kiosks are an excellent value to both retailers and consumers."
Commenting on the retail kiosk market, Janet Muto, vice president, marketing for touchscreen industry leader, MicroTouch Systems Inc., said, "Frankly, we believe that John has done the kiosk and retailing industries a tremendous service by highlighting the need for careful development and implementation of kiosks in retail settings - or any public environment, for that matter. The growing roster of companies deploying successful kiosks is, perhaps, the most conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of retail kiosks."
About First Wave Inc.
First Wave, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., is a developer and manufacturer of interactive, multimedia touchscreen kiosk applications. Its Information Rainbow software is used to dispense information and gather marketing data through kiosks at retail stores, corporate lobbies, museums, hospitals and other public places. Customers include large organizations such as Osco Drug, MicroAge, the City of Bridgeport, Honeywell, David Weekly Homes, Arizona Public Service, the U.S. District Courts and Samaritan Health Systems as well as many small and medium-sized businesses.
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CONTACT: First Wave Inc.
Randy Bailey, 602/727-5337