Intera and Macerich Launch Bluetooth Proximity Marketing Network

Jan 15, 2009 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) --

Company: Macerich Company (THE) (MAC)

Intera Group, a provider of out-of-home advertising and telecommunication services, and Macerich, an owner, operator and developer of retail properties, announced the launch of Intera's AzureMayan Bluetooth Proximity Marketing network at five Macerich regional shopping centers in the greater Los Angeles area.

According to the company, the launch includes Westside Pavilion in West Los Angeles, The Oaks in Thousand Oaks, Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos, Lakewood Center in Lakewood, and Stonewood Center in Downey. Bluetooth zones are located in or near food courts, cinema box offices, lobbies and other strategic locations throughout the more than six million square feet of retail space.

"Mobile marketing is vitally important for reaching consumers today and in the future," said Scott W. Burchard, senior vice president of business initiatives for Macerich. "It makes perfect sense to partner with Intera to deploy their Bluetooth network as shopping centers provide a unique opportunity to reach millions of consumers with relevant offers at the point of sale."

Macerich focuses on high-growth, attractive U.S. retail markets. In addition to properties in California, the company's portfolio includes some of the country's top-performing shopping centers in Arizona, the New York City metropolitan area and suburban Washington, D.C., the company said.

According to the company, Intera's AzureMayan Bluetooth Proximity Marketing network enables marketers and advertisers to deliver highly targeted messages to consumers based on their location and near the point-of-sale, when targeted marketing has the greatest effect. Most importantly the mobile user incurs no usage or data charges, unlike wireless carrier-based offers. Intera's network is 100 percent opt-in, so consumers only receive offers and promotions if they choose. Intera's content delivery system supports content formats including video, audio, images, downloadable mobile applications and text. Download rates are typically much faster than via wireless 3G networks.

"Macerich operates some of the nation's most dynamic retail centers and serves as a model to other mall owners and operators looking to enrich value for tenants," said Kevin Thornton, CEO of Intera. "Intera's AzureMayan Bluetooth Proximity Marketing network has generated outstanding returns for advertisers, especially in environments where consumers have numerous options and are looking for the best possible retail experience."

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