SMG and WHSmith North America lay claim to a first with launch of in-store travel retail media network

WHSmith North America (WHSNA) and SMG have partnered to create what is pitched as the first travel focused, in-store retail media network (RMN) in North America.

WHSmith North America Media Network (WHS Media) will provide advertisers with opportunities to connect with high intent consumers across WHSmith’s 347+ and growing locations across the US and Canada, including stores at airports, rail stations and resorts across the continent.

In the UK, SMG runs the RMNs for Boots, Morrisons, Co-op, Asda and The Very Group, and lays claim to being the UK’s leading independent retail media operator. In 2023, SMG agency Threefold launched in New York, re-branding to SMG North America this month.

Toby Keir, CEO at WHSmith North America, says: “The launch of WHSmith North America Media Network represents an exciting new chapter for WHSmith North America on our ongoing journey to create more exciting and engaging retail experiences for consumers in travel."

"We’ve been hard at work for the past year with the team at SMG to build this entirely unique retail media offering tailored to the needs of our supplier brands, and we are thrilled to bring it to market in partnership with them. With significant store growth in the pipeline, opportunities for brands will only expand.”

Sam Knights, CEO at SMG, says: "With WHSmith North America Media Network, we’re creating a powerful connection between brands and travellers across prime locations that hasn’t been possible with existing RMNs on the market.”

“This network combines robust targeting capabilities with experiential marketing, creating memorable brand interactions that extend beyond the shopping journey. As the experts behind the largest retail media networks in the UK, we’re thrilled to launch this unique offering in the US with the brilliant team at WHSmith North America, who are as passionate as we are about revolutionising retail."

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail media was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.