(Weymouth, MA) November 14, 2005…Point-of-Purchase (POP) advertising is an important part of the advertising mix that is impacting purchase decisions at the most immediate point. Nevertheless, producing and distributing POP materials that are time-sensitive and appealing to many regional markets can cost companies hundreds of thousands of dollars. As wide format digital printing systems become less expensive and easier to use, they enable companies to employ a more cost-effective POP process called Franchise Integrated Point-of-Purchase (FIPOP).

“What merely looks like distributed printing is actually much more than that because this about more than the number of graphics produced – it is about tailoring advertising messages and imagery for higher impact at that critical purchase point,” commented Tim Greene, a Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. “Despite the fact that the technology has been developed and the market requirement is clear, the implementation of FIPOP systems based on wide format printers is relatively rare.”

To shed some light on this emerging market opportunity, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is launching a new study entitled Franchise Integrated Point-of-Purchase. This study will determine the barriers and market requirements for new FIPOP digital printing systems. It will provide wide format printer and supplies manufacturers, finishing and display vendors, wide format system and supplies distributors, and major print service providers with the answers to critical questions such as:

• What is the potential size of the POP signage market by key segments?
• What portion of this market is eligible for FIPOP? Which industries and companies are more/less likely to adopt FIPOP?
• Who are the decision-makers and potential buyers of these systems?
• Where does POP content and printing come from?
• Where are the pain points in today’s POP production and distribution process?
• Are local stores and regional centers ready to produce POP?
• What are the cost thresholds and typical size requirements for FIPOP adoption? Is there any tie-in with inventory systems?
• What are the different business and production models?
• What are the needs for versioning and proofing?
• What are the typical turnaround time requirements for POP jobs?
• Can OEMs go direct with an FIPOP model?
• What are the barriers to FIPOP adoption?
• What role can the wide format digital print channel play in FIPOP implementation and management?
• What is the possible role of brand managers, store managers, ad agencies, and print service providers?

This study will be compiled by implementing a combination of primary and secondary research. InfoTrends/CAP Ventures will conduct in-depth interviews with franchise companies, brand managers, consumer packaged good vendors, major print providers and franchises, and advertising agencies, as well as a structured survey with potential adopters. The research will commence in early January 2006.

To learn more about the report or to become a sponsor, please contact Scott Phinney at , ext. 123 or via e-mail at . Early subscriber benefits are available until December 15, 2005.