Rookie USA First Retailer to Leverage Celebrity Virtual Assistant; New Concept in Retail in-Store Experience and Melo Line

NEW YORK--()--As part of its grand opening, Rookie USA, a Manhattan-based premium, kids-only high end sports brand retail concept store, has selected the completely customizable Tensator Virtual Assistant, an innovative HD projection and audio-visual technology in the image of New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony. The Virtual Carmelo Anthony is part of Rookie USA’s retail concept; creating a new, in-store experience and way to conduct retail marketing, explaining how to use the store’s interactive features, introducing the complete Melo line, offering in-store advice and guidance, describing the Rookie USA Loyalty Program and even sharing basketball tips. Rookie USA is the first retailer to leverage a celebrity Virtual Assistant to launch both a new highly interactive store and an entirely new brand.

Prominently positioned at 6 feet 8 inches, the Virtual Carmelo Anthony captivates shoppers with its 3D look and feel, providing compelling store and branding information while engaging with customers. Surround sound audio is accompanied by highly visual information such as footage of Carmelo in action and the newest items in the Melo clothing line and sneakers, part of the Team Jordan brand. The Virtual Carmelo Anthony directs kids to the Hero’s corner to see superstar athletes in action and compare their footprints to those of their favorite athlete, invites them to experience the iPad bar, shoot hoops at the Virtual Basketball Court, and use the interactive touch screens and kiosks located throughout the store. Customers can scan QR codes with the Virtual Carmelo Anthony using their smartphones to gain exclusive information and deals on Rookie USA brands.

Rookie USA is designed to be a kid’s only retail destination, providing a premium experience for savvy shoppers. Having the Virtual Carmelo Anthony provides Rookie USA with the ‘Wow’ factor that enables them to better attract, reach and sell to its key audience.

“Rookie USA has gone the extra mile in creating a one of a kind shopping experience by leveraging the global appeal of a world-renowned superstar like Carmelo Anthony and combining it with our next generation digital signage solution, the Tensator Virtual Assistant,” said Bill Vetter, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tensator. “Because the Tensator Virtual Assistant is completely customizable there is no limit to the kind of marketing, or in-store experience that can be created to increase traffic, boost sales, inform customers about promotions, and generate excitement, all while building brand awareness.”

To see the Rookie USA’s Virtual Carmelo Anthony please visit http://www.tensator.com/us/showroom/virtual-assistant-global-installations.aspx.

Installed in airports and world-leading retail outlets, the Tensator Virtual Assistant is generating interest across the world, and across every vertical sector. Tensator has an established network of 100 distribution partners and 1000 resellers worldwide serving 170 countries, along with in-house support service resources and a wide global network of outsourced field service engineers.

About Rookie USA

Rookie USA is a premium kid’s retailer destination featuring world renowned brands Nike, Levi’s, Converse, Jordan, and Nike Action footwear, apparel, and accessories. Rookie USA delivers a fun interactive retail experience for kids of all ages. Rookie USA has interactive stations that kids can engage and participate in during their shopping trip; Carmelo Anthony Athlete Rookie Tensator technology, Kinect Virtual Sports Season 2 games (tennis, golf, football, baseball, skiing, darts, and basketball), an iPad kiosk, Rookie photo booths, and trivia facts about successful and role model athletes. Rookie also offers a strong Rookie card program offering one of a kind promotions and benefits. Rookie brings a new and innovative experience like none other to the children’s retail world. Rookie USA is located at 808 Columbus Square (between 99th and 100th St), New York, New York as well as online at www.RookieUSA.com.

About Tensator

Tensator is a recognized leader in the management of the customer journey. The company offers a large range of digital media platforms, electronic call forward systems, display and signage products, crowd and access control solutions, in-queue merchandising systems, and the Tensabarrier, one of the most respected barrier in the world. Tensator empowers blue chip retailers, international airport terminals, transport providers, financial institutions, major exhibition, leisure and entertainment venues, construction sites, restaurants and hotels to speed customer flow through the queue, improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Tensator helps eliminate lost revenues through walk-aways and drives high value impulse sales with its range of queue management solutions. Visit www.tensator.com for more information, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.

Contacts

PenVine for Tensator
Ilona Mohacsi, +1 631-764-3729
ilona@penvine.com

Release Summary

Rookie USA, an NYC premium, kids-only high end sports brand concept store has deployed the retail industry's first celebrity Tensator Virtual Assistant in the image of NY Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony.

Contacts

PenVine for Tensator
Ilona Mohacsi, +1 631-764-3729
ilona@penvine.com