QR Codes Hit Fifth Avenue Luxury in High Fashion (Press Release)

Luxury Manhattan Retailer Michael C. Fina Adopts New Technology and Builds “Mobile Storefront” to Celebrate NYC Women and A. Jaffe Platinum Jewelry


New York, NY; September 14th, 2010 – TAPPINN Inc., A mobile applications platform and QR code creative agency today announced their collaboration with retailer Michael C Fina, PGI-USA, and A. JAFFE to bring QR (“quick response”) mobile codes to Fifth Avenue. The retailer’s five massive storefront windows on 45th Street off NYC’s famed shopping strip are dedicated to the women of New York and the platinum ring designs that symbolize their character. Each window features a different QR code that shoppers can scan with their smartphone cameras to view facts about the platinum jewelry designs being showcased.


After the QR code in scanned, shoppers connect with a Michael C. Fina mobile-optimized site that includes easy contact (email, call) function, videos, product galleries, pricing, mobile wallpapers, information about designers and product pages with social sharing function including the Facebook “like”. There are 27 exquisite A. Jaffe platinum bridal designs being highlighted in the display, each with its own mobile page that shoppers can interact with and share from their phone. Demo of "Mobile Storefront" site below.




Michael C. Fina is located at 545 Fifth Avenue, at 45th Street, and the campaign will run through October 11, 2010.

“At Michael C. Fina, we’ve been committed to providing our customers with exceptional service for 75 years. This means not only working one-on-one with customers here in the store to help them select the perfect ring, plan the perfect proposal, etc. but also educating potential customers by distributing information in their preferred form; online or through a Smartphone. The QR code technology is going to allow us to reach a whole new range of New Yorkers in a way that is both comfortable and convenient for them. Once they see what makes platinum the most desirable metal choice and A.JAFFE so special, we are confident they will want to come in and learn more.” - Jacklynn Manning, Communications & Creative Director

A 2009 consumer study conducted by PGI-USA (Platinum Guild International) illustrated the importance window displays play in capturing the attention of pre-engaged women and men during the crucial engagement ring research period. More than 54 percent of the study’s respondent window shopped stores during their engagement ring shopping period, and they reported they were more likely to enter a store if they liked the products they saw in the window.

“In addition to revealing the importance of retail window displays, our consumer study revealed that pre-engaged women and men expect online educational content from retailers,” stated Michelle Peranteau, Manager of integrated Marketing for PGI-USA. “The Michael C Fina Mobile Storefront marries these two elements to create the ultimate platinum jewelry retail shopping experience. Before even speaking to a sales associate, shoppers will enter Michael C. Fina with in-depth knowledge of both platinum and their favorite A. Jaffe engagement ring.”

Nick Ford, Co-Founder of Tappinn, believes Michael C. Fina’s storefront will revolutionize the way retailers engage consumers, and do it in a nonintrusive way. “QR codes are rapidly becoming the most exciting thing to hit mobile advertising since the ‘app’ because consumers have control” stated Ford. “The demand for mobile smartphones continues to sky rocket and so will the demand for mobile web content. We believe consumers are craving to connect with their favorite products and stores and share those favorites from their mobile phones while shopping. Storefronts can be the ideal communication application of QR codes and retailers should embrace it.”

In addition to debuting the world’s first Mobile Storefront, the window displays will also feature model shots from A. Jaffe’s new branding campaign, which pays tribute to the company’s rich New York heritage. “Just as New York represents success, magic, romance and charisma, so does the confident woman who chooses a platinum A. Jaffe engagement ring from Michael C. Fina to symbolize her marriage,” stated Pooja Johari, Marketing Director for A. Jaffe.

About Tappinn:
Tappinn is a web application used for the building of web sites and pages that are optimized for mobile. These “Smart Sites”, make it easy for brands, retailers and agencies to deliver customized mobile content (pictures, video, text, coupons, product specs, ect.) to unique shopping environments using mobile tagging with QR codes. Page content can be geo-targeted around physical advertising media such as displays, posters, magazine ads, events, business cards, billboards and other forms of signage. The built in QR code management tool in the Tappinn platform also helps the advertiser generate, tag and track all responses to any QR codes used in a campaign. BEYOND the CODE www.tappinn.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/tappinn.

About Platinum Guild International:
Platinum Guild International is dedicated to promoting Platinum and its pure, rare and eternal qualities to the consumer and the jewelry trade. PGI has offices in each of the world's major jewelry markets, providing information, assistance and education on all aspects of platinum jewelry. For more information please visit www.platinumguild.com.

About Michael C. Fina
Michael C. Fina is the perfect place to turn when celebrating all life’s many milestones, big or small. As New York’s premier family owned and operated retail destination, we have been providing customers with quality products and exceptional service for 75 years. The flagship store, located at 545 Fifth Ave. New York, NY, offers a stunning variety of engagement rings, wedding bands, fine jewelry, tableware, estate silver, and bath accessories.

For more information visit our website (www.michaelcfina.com ), friend us on facebook (www.facebook.com/mcfina ), or follow us on twitter (www.twitter.com/MichaelCFina ).

Calvin Klein Jeans QR Code Billboard in New York City (Pics and Video)

Calvin Klein Jeans have been know for edgy billboards but in a different way. Check out this giant Calvin Klein Jeans QR code billboard on the corner of Layafette and E. Houston in NYC! The code directs users to a sizzling hot 30 second video, Calvin Klein style. This is another big step for QR code exposure and it makes me wonder why more advertisers aren't making the most of their billboards by doing the same. I scanned this code from over 100 yards away.

QR Codes "In The Wild"

Here are some more pics from the JCK jewelry show 2010 of brands using QR codes.

QR Codes In Times Square! NYC Media Eyes Mobile Engagement.

Tomorrow, June 10th from 11-3 pm in Times Square (7th and 43rd NYC media will be sponsoring the Reuters screen to feature QR codes. The plan is to assist New Yorkers with their mobile lives by offering content dowloads relating to the offer. I am so excited to see what they have planned!! I always thought that Tappinn would be the first QR code in Times Square. Maybe it will be the 2nd?
I will be in the house tomorrow and will have a full report with pics. Here is the Facebook promo page 

http://www.facebook.com/NYCMEDIA.QRCODES

QR Codes Make Me Wanna DANCE {VIDEO}

This is a great video that my office made. It's informative and FUN. All about QR codes and the mobile web. Get down Get down Get down da da da da. I've got it in my head. LOL. ENJOY!

Window Perfs (Invisa-view) Powerful Storefronts!

Window Perfs or "Invisa-view" have become immensely popular in the digital print age amongst retailers. No wonder! UV protected and water resistant, this self adhesive media is PERFECT for storefronts. Tiny holes make up almost 30% of the surface giving the image transparency while viewing from behind. This is important to stores because restricting views from within due to window decals can raise safety concerns.



Storefronts are an important tool in engaging the shopper and prompting their curiosity. This type of media isn't for every storefront but it's a great option to consider. Window Perfs, Invisaviews and other self adhesive products should be in every brand's portfolio and shouldn't cost an arm and a leg to produce. Custom size availability and product lifespan are all things to consider when choosing a printer for this application.




Installation seems scary but it's actually a pretty simple process. The Duratran Co, experts on Window Perf printing, recommends using a soap and water solution to prep the window. They refer to in as a "wet install". After spraying down the window, peel off the backing on the graphic revealing the adhesive and lay it down on the glass. The soap solution will offer flexiblity when aligning the image to the window. Next, using a squeegee , flatten any air bubbles that exisit and set the graphic. Last, take a dry rag and remove any excess water. Most stores are quick to hire an install company but a few sets of hands and the soapy solution can get a majority jobs done.