So what is PoP? PoP is a ground breaking, fun, convenient and hi-tech way of selling DVDs, Blu-rays and entertainment direct to consumers, 24/7. PoP is an easy to use, self service vending kiosk; but you won't find the usual fare of snacks and drinks in this vending machine. PoP provides entertainment on the go, giving customers the chance to purchase the latest DVD, Blu-ray and PS3 offerings at their convenience. But PoP also does more than simply sell the latest movies. Using the interactive touch screen, customers can get the full PoP experience where they can read movie reviews, watch movie or games trailers or log in to see personal recommendations and special offers. To buy, customers simply touch the screen to select the DVD or Blu-ray they wish to purchase, swipe their credit or debit card and their product ‘pops' out. DVDs and Blu-ray are supplied in a standard case, just like you would buy in the shops. 

Each machine holds around 150 different DVD titles, including top new releases, such as the Oscar nominated ‘Changeling', ‘Death Race' and ‘You Don't Mess With The Zohan', as well as the box office smashes, ‘Mamma Mia!' and ‘Hancock'. PoP will manage the core range and will update the machines with all the latest new releases. PoP can also tailor a flex product range to suit and appeal to a site owner's customer demographic and seasonal holidays, such as a focus on romantic titles for Valentine's Day. Products are competitively priced with DVDs from £2.99 and popular Blu-ray titles such as ‘Casino Royale' and ‘The Incredible Hulk' from £11.99. PoP entices customers to visit regularly with special offers and deals, including the current ‘2 DVDs for £9'.

There are currently 94 PoP portals nationwide and more are being rolled out everyday. PoP portals can be found in all VUE cinemas, selected Empire, Odeon and Reel cinemas, as well as selected David Lloyd gyms and Bowlplex complexes. UCA plan to locate the portals in train stations and airports, perfect for commuters and those with long journeys ahead of them, as well as university campuses, for students who want an entertainment break from essays and revision, and also shopping centres. Watch out - these machines will be popping up all over the country.

Within a drastically changing British high street and the loss of Woolworths and Zavvi, there are now 1000 less retail outlets for entertainment. So where does the high street shopper go to buy the latest DVDs? PoP provides a new and innovative solution for convenient entertainment retail purchasing for consumers and retailers alike.

For retailers and site owners, PoP is a quick and easy solution for those interested in capitalising on opportunities to become an entertainment retailer over night. PoP is ideal for non-traditional DVD retailers, such as cinemas, gyms, universities, shopping centres, independent retailers or travel hubs, who might otherwise not be able to manage, stock and merchandise an entertainment range.

Installing a PoP machine requires no investment, no set up fees, or risk to partners. All that needs to be provided is a prime, high footfall location and a power supply. PoP manages everything starting with the installation and set up of the machines, to the range planning, promotions and merchandising. Partners can also benefit from no stock holding and attractive commission paid on net sales.

PoP's great design and technology enables retailers to stock a large quantity (up to 392 units) of merchandise from a tiny footprint of 0.7 metre squared. This provides great ROI for space used and a total entertainment solution for customers.

PoP machines are made from strong and tamper-proof steel, which means that product shrinkage becomes a thing of the past. Security is further enhanced with the secure chip'n'pin payments. PoP accepts only credit or debit card payments so there is no cash stored inside; site owners/retailers need not worry about security issues. Nor do they need to be concerned about staffing or management of PoP as the portals operate independently, with stock controlled remotely. The technology and interface used is bespoke to PoP.

VUE cinemas have capitalised on this opportunity with a PoP machine in every site. PoP has a great synergy with the VUE brand of innovation and entertainment and has created quite a buzz in the cinema foyers, with customers keen to play with the new PoP machines and grab a DVD or two, whilst they are waiting for their films to start, or simply to watch over the weekend with the family.

PoP will be following up its DVD and Blu-ray offer with a download function, which is due to be launched imminently. This will give customers the option to download film and music direct from PoP machines. Downloads will be compatible with most PDAs, memory cards/sticks or MP3/4 players and SD cards that can run WMV or MP3 format files. The process is quick and easy, with music downloads taking seconds and movies a few minutes.

Rachel Wilkinson, Head of PoP says: "Customers are already savvy to downloading and purchasing entertainment from the internet and are really excited at the possibility of downloading product outside of the home at a PoP machine. We conducted trials of PoP in various locations last year which proved very successful. Customers have told us they love the instant purchasing gratification of PoP - it enables them to update their DVD collection whenever they feel like it, in a fun and modern way, at their convenience." 

Should customers have any difficulties with purchasing their chosen DVD or Blu-ray, a Helpline number is advertised on all PoP machines and customer receipts. During office hours, customers will be able to get hold of an operator who will be available to help and all other queries will be responded to as soon as possible the next day.

For further information or to arrange a demo of PoP, contact:

James Crawford: 0207 079 6000 E: popinfo@nbcuni.com

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