CHICAGO, August 14, 2007 – Information Resources, Inc. (IRI) today announced that it is working on a joint project with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to create a new generation of consumer panel services based on Wal-Mart’s unique customer segments. In addition, IRI is engaging in specialized marketing and merchandising analytic services for Wal-Mart. IRI panel data will be utilized and accepted as a reliable and valuable source of information across all departments and categories, where available, to support supplier collaboration.
In addition, IRI will provide in-store audit services to help Wal-Mart maximize effectiveness of in-store displays for consumer packaged goods throughout Wal-Mart stores. Wal-Mart is already leveraging consumer and shopper insights from the IRI RxPulse™ Patient Panel to better understand the motivations, behaviors and needs of its healthcare-related shoppers.
IRI will now align its industry-leading IRI Consumer Network™ Household Panel with Wal-Mart’s customer segments to provide a clear picture of the key consumer dynamics that drive Wal-Mart’s brand and category performance. The IRI Consumer Network focuses on every aspect of the consumer, including behavior, demographics and attitudes, so that marketing and sales professionals can know which consumers to focus on and how to reach them most effectively.
“IRI is thrilled to continuously be expanding our relationship with Wal-Mart and to work on this exciting project that will bring a unique consumer insights solution to the industry,” said IRI President and Chief Executive Officer Scott W. Klein. “Wal-Mart and its vendors will now be able to jointly share insights on the customer segments aligned with Wal-Mart’s business.”
“This unique relationship will enable Wal-Mart and its partners to better understand the Wal-Mart shopping experience including in-store activity, and thus increase their ability to win at the shelf,” Klein added.
“We are very pleased with the speed, flexibility and the people that make up the IRI team. We are excited to be working with them on a new generation of consumer, market, and in-store insights,” said Stephen Quinn, Chief Marketing Officer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
The IRI Consumer Network makes it easy for panelists to report complete and accurate data by simplifying the scanning process. Through recent panel expansion initiatives, IRI has gone beyond the conventional purchase panel to reveal a host of new, more accurate insights. For more information about the IRI Consumer Network, please visit: http://us.infores.com/page/retailers/consumer_relationship/consumer_network.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s Club locations in the United States. The Company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The Company’s securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT.
More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.
About Information Resources, Inc.
IRI is the world’s leading provider of consumer, shopper, and retail market intelligence and insights supporting 95 percent of the FORTUNE Global 500 consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail and healthcare companies. Only IRI offers the unique combination of integrated market information, automated and predictive analytics, innovative enabling technologies, and domain expertise. With IRI, leading retailers and manufacturers are able to quickly discover breakthrough insights driving smarter decisions and actions across the enterprise for breakthrough results. Companies around the world depend on IRI for improved productivity, stronger brands, and dramatic revenue growth. For more information, visit http://us.infores.com.
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IRI CONTACTS:
John McIndoe
E-mail: john.mcindoe@infores.com
Phone: (312) 474-3862
Fax: (312) 474-2512
Shelley Hughes
E-mail: shelley.hughes@infores.com
Phone: (312) 474-3675
Fax: (312) 474-2512