WalMart In-Store TV to Track Local Storms During Hurricane Season

Here's a really good way to extend existing digital signage assets!

JULY 12, 2005-- BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Shoppers in hurricane-prone states know just how quickly things can take a turn for the worse. Thanks to the Wal-Mart Television Network, Wal-Mart shoppers in the Southeast will now know exactly what the weather is doing throughout their shopping trip, right up until the time they check out.

Wal-Mart's in-store television network provider, Premier Retail Networks, has partnered with The Weather Channel to provide live up-to-date weather coverage for the chain. The Weather Channel began airing in 250 Wal-Mart stores in Florida and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi to track storm coverage of Hurricane Dennis.

"As the 'store of the community,' we're always concerned about the well-being of our associates and customers, and this is a way to use the Network to provide important information," said Troy Steiner, Wal-Mart senior media director. "Our policy is to switch the Wal-Mart TV Network to live feeds from other media sources during events that affect national matters of safety and emergencies to ensure that everyone has the information they need. Our customers and associates are preparing for Hurricane Dennis during the hours and days leading up to the storm, and we believe that keeping as many people informed, as best we can, with up-to-date information provided by The Weather Channel is the right thing to do for everyone."

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