Vertis Communications announces a strategic partnership with Grocery Shopping Network (GSN) that will enhance the Inserts2online (I2O) services Vertis provides to some of the most recognized grocers in the United States and Canada. Nearly 100 of North America’s top brands – including three of the top 5 food retailers – use Vertis’ I2O services to transform their traditional printed store circulars into interactive website content.

More than one third of U.S. households access advertising circulars via store websites, the majority of whom (65%) research weekly specials and discount coupons, according to Vertis Customer Focus research. Vertis I2O for Grocers will enable grocery retailers to meet demand for online content while:

• Generating revenue from GSN digital display ads placed on online circular pages;
• Achieving greater return on their investment in printed circulars by converting advertising insert design to web content and adding functionality available only online;
• Building customer awareness, program participation and website traffic through opt-in registration, RSS feeds, email features and social sharing;
• Increasing store traffic by promoting weekly specials and unique offers;
• Boosting sales through e-commerce integration;
• Measuring impact with analysis of online activity and leveraging that intelligence to better target their customers’ viewing and buying preferences.

“Consumers buying everything from televisions to tortillas are researching purchases before they set foot in a store,” says Jerry Sokol, interim president and CEO / CFO, Vertis Communications. “Grocers need to be online with savings opportunities and product information, as well as tools consumers can use to plan their trips to the store. Our new partnership with GSN will give grocers the power to connect with their customers while also generating revenue and driving sales. It’s a win-win all around.”