Future Shop Engages Lithium
- Sept. 26, 2007
- Virtual expert assists users
EMERYVILLE, Calif. – September 26, 2007 - Lithium Technologies, Inc. today announced that Future Shop, Canada’s largest national retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics, has deployed several new online communities powered by Lithium Technologies for store customers and technology enthusiasts. Future Shop’s online communities provide a dynamic forum where consumers can connect with peers, buyers, industry experts, store product experts, and manufacturers, to get help, exchange information, and learn about the latest technology available at Future Shop.
Future Shop’s communities are available in both English and French, with unique features such as a participation program that allows vendors to participate in the discussion forums at http://futureshopforums.ca.The most interesting new feature is “Aaron.” Site visitors are greeted by Aaron, an interactive virtual expert who will assist them as they navigate the sites, post questions, and search for answers. Aaron responds with information from the Future Shop Communities first, which leverages the topical responses of other customers, creating an ever-growing body of information and knowledge. Users can browse to similar topics in the other support sections provided by Aaron: Buying Guides, Recent Questions, and Editorial reviews.
“We see a great deal of innovation in the way Future Shop has chosen to drive users into their new communities,” said Lyle Fong, president and CEO of Lithium Technologies. “The virtual expert concept is unique and fun, while the dual language forums extend the reach of the communities to a much broader audience. Vendor participation for a company like Future Shop is also important because the forums provide a convenient avenue for deeper knowledge and expertise to supplement the peer-to-peer discussions. ” ”
Future Shop has twelve online forums powered by Lithium on topics ranging from home theater to gaming. The forums are a knowledge center where consumers can find on-demand assistance from product experts and vendors, as well as their peers who may have experienced similar technology challenges. Future Shop’s investment in the communities has provided consumers with a 24 hour support channel to enhance the customer experience.
“We are excited about the powerful community solution that Lithium is providing us, which is creating a more interactive social experience for our customers,” said Robert Pearson, Director for Ecommerce at Future Shop. “We see online communities as a way to better serve our customers’ needs by providing them access to the information that can quickly resolve their questions and interests in their technology products. We also believe that these communities will help us strengthen customer loyalty and build brand equity. After all, we believe that customers whose needs are met quickly and easily are more likely to return online, visit our stores, and share their experiences with their friends and families.”
About Future Shop
With 127 stores across the country and the nation’s premier web store (www.futureshop.ca) , Burnaby, BC-based Future Shop is Canada’s largest, national retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics. Future Shop and its more than 11,000 employees are dedicated to providing consumers with expert service and offering the latest digital products, including a wide selection of brand-named televisions, computers, audio, entertainment software and hardware plus appliances – all backed by a low price guarantee. The Company is committed to kids and communities, supporting non-profit organizations that help youth develop their skill set, discover their talents and sustain a lasting interest in education.
For more information about Future Shop, including store locations, visit www.futureshop.ca.
About Lithium Technologies
Lithium Technologies provides market-leading solutions for building successful online communities including forums, chat, blogs, search, polls and private messaging. Lithium’s on-demand platform, backed by community management expertise, enables clients to increase brand loyalty, sales, and customer satisfaction while decreasing customer care costs. Lithium’s solutions have been implemented by many of the world’s largest organizations, including Dell, AT&T, Comcast, Sprint, Nintendo, Symantec, and others. Founded in 2001, Lithium is privately held with headquarters in Emeryville, Calif. For more information, visit www.lithium.com.
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Media Contacts:
Susan Etlinger
Horn Group
415-905-4004
setlinger@horngroup.com
Jory White
Horn Group
415-905-4041
jwhite@horngroup.com
Susan Kirk
Future Shop, PR
604-412-1226
skirk@futureshop.com
- Media Contacts
- Susan Etlinger
Horn Group
415.905.4004
setlinger@horngroup.com
- Kelly Krebs
Horn Group
415.905.4059
kkrebs@horngroup.com
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