Mood Media Selected by FirstMerit Bank to Provide Dynamic Digital Signage Solution

AUSTIN, Texas, April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Implementation Begins for Prominent Financial Firm 

Mood Media has been selected by FirstMerit Bank to provide custom digital signage solutions in 200 branch locations. As part of the selection process, Mood previously installed several trial screens and media players in FirstMerit's flagship LaSalle Street location in Chicago, testing the installations via various configuration models and content strategies.

"FirstMerit has a long history of success built upon providing an exceptional level of service for every customer. Mood is thrilled to partner with such a strong brand and help enhance the FirstMerit branch experience," said Ken Eissing, President of Mood Media North America.

Mood worked with FirstMerit to design a solution which complements how its customers live, work and interact in today's digital world. Using technology to create a more personal and engaging experience for customers helps the bank promote new services and strengthen brand loyalty.

"It's amazing how the addition of screens and well-designed content can transform the look and feel of a space as well as customer behavior. People are now accustomed to digital content. They expect it, so our goal is to design a visual solution that provides a powerful way for FirstMerit to connect with its customers through engaging content and familiar technology," said Eissing.

Under a centrally-managed multi-state rollout process, Mood is currently installing two LCD screens in each branch lobby powered by a single Mood MVision device, the company's proprietary media player. The screens will feature dynamic digital content co-produced by Mood and FirstMerit highlighting the bank's products, services and brand. The content solution includes a built-in option to showcase regional news, sports and local weather.

Mood's platform provides centralized and flexible content management through an online portal. Content may be scheduled and shared across all locations, with customized content driven to individual branch screens as appropriate.

"The look and feel of FirstMerit's brand image works well with Mood Media's digital signage platform, allowing us to dynamically share information about our wide range of financial services and our commitment to the community. It's a powerful way to supplement the level of personal service FirstMerit provides in our branch locations," said Julie Tutkovics, Chief Marketing Officer at FirstMerit Bank.

Mood's visual solutions represent a compelling growth opportunity for the company and complement its other media services, including music and messaging. The financial vertical has been an early adopter of digital signage, using screens to replace or reinforce traditional marketing tools such as static signage and print collateral, particularly in lobby areas. According to a recent survey published by Networld Media Group, nearly half of all bank and financial respondents have already deployed some form digital signage and another 25 percent are planning to do so.

"We live in a screen-oriented world. Marketers in finance, retail and restaurants have recognized digital signage as a familiar and powerful medium for connecting with customers. It's become a strong component of their overall strategy for customer experience design," Eissing said.

About FirstMerit
FirstMerit Corporation is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with assets of approximately $23.9 billion as of December 31, 2013, and 404 banking offices and 431 ATM locations in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Pennsylvania. FirstMerit provides a complete range of banking and other financial services to consumers and businesses through its core operations. Principal affiliates include: FirstMerit Bank, N.A., FirstMerit Mortgage Corporation and FirstMerit Title Agency, Ltd. For more information, visit us at firstmerit.com.

About Mood Media Corporation
Mood Media Corporation (TSX:MM/ LSE AIM:MM), is one of the world's largest designers of in-store consumer experiences, including audio, visual, interactive, scent, voice and advertising solutions. Mood Media's solutions reach over 150 million consumers each day through more than half a million subscriber locations in over 40 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Mood Media Corporation's client base includes more than 850 U.S. and international brands in diverse market sectors that include: retail, from fashion to financial services; hospitality, from hotels to health spas; and food retail, including restaurants, bars, quick-serve and fast casual dining. Our marketing platforms include 77% of the top 100 retailers in the United States and 49 of the top 50 quick-serve and fast-casual restaurant companies.

For further information about Mood Media, please visit http://www.moodmedia.com. Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/moodmedia  and connect with us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/moodmedia.

For further information:

Investor Inquiries
Randal Rudniski
Mood Media Corporation
Tel: +1-512-592-2438
Email: randal.rudniski@moodmedia.com

Media Inquiries 
Sumter Cox
Mood Media Corporation
Tel: +1-704-972-7947
Email: sumter.cox@moodmedia.com