Catalogs in Motion
Simporos, a Los Angeles–based software development company, will release a mobile application at JCK Las Vegas for iPads and iPhones that lets designers and manufacturers create digital catalogs targeted to retailers and consumers.
“During my earlier years in the trade, I realized most printed catalogs are very expensive, time-consuming, and usually out of date by the time the materials get into the retailers’ hands,” says Simporos cofounder Jeff Hebard. “We have reduced the learning curve of the sales associates while increasing the opportunity for manufacturers to reach more clients and retailers.”
Simporos will provide a template-based interface for manufacturers to plug in their product images and detailed product information. Retailers will be able to download a manufacturer’s app and walk consumers through a catalog featuring an entire jewelry collection. The app will allow manufacturers to access information such as most-viewed items, time spent on each page, and click-through rates.
They’ll also “be able to brand most components within the application, utilizing their logos, colors, hero shots, and brand messages while also incorporating collateral materials and continuing education to be used at the sales counter,” Hebard says.
Designers and manufacturers will have their stand-alone app available on iTunes; they can utilize key words to tag their apps for search functions within the store. In addition, they can provide a link for direct download of the app from their websites and social media outlets. The app will be available to the Android market in late 2012.