The Experience Department (ted) – Part of RWS Entertainment Group (RWS) and a leading resort merchandise provider, has announced that it has deepened its merchandise partnerships with two large-scale park operators as a part of a global expansion. The firm, which is a certified B Corporation, will also be keeping sustainability top-of-mind throughout the process.
By extending its presence internationally, the company is building on its 20 years of experience in the merchandise industry. One of the major suppliers of resort items worldwide, ted helps clients run their businesses more efficiently by connecting activities, shows, retail, and merchandise.
Product briefing, design, packaging, point-of-sale solutions, international distribution, and retail outlet operations are all internal services provided by ted. To boost visitor dwell time and per capita expenditure, the company builds the full visual merchandising experience with the help of its international team of merchandise professionals.
The company upholds the highest environmental standards as part of the design and manufacturing of its products. Sustainable practices include sourcing materials as locally as possible, meeting scientifically supported targets for emissions, waste creation, and water consumption, and evaluating suppliers and products for their environmental impact to ensure that ted’s supply chain is consistent with its values.
As part of this global expansion, ted has strengthened its partnerships with two significant park operators.
Haven
One of the top providers of family vacations and holiday rentals in the UK, Haven, provides its customers with a wide range of retail options, including Fun Shops, Mini Markets, and Leisure Shops. In order to ensure consistent brand message and character alignment across the activities, shows and retail of its 40 UK parks, Haven assigned ted the challenge of bringing all the visual merchandising requirements of these shops under a single umbrella with one point of contact.
The firm’s merchandising services have covered supply chain management, marketing, customer service and logistics, in addition to improving Haven’s retail operations.
Plus, ted created four brand-new characters for Haven’s Seaside Squad, who have promoted an integrated brand message in entertainment, retail, and marketing. Parents and kids alike love these vibrant, colourful, and contemporary figures, which promote brand loyalty and encourage return visits. The company has produced over 145 goods based on the four Seaside Squad characters and is currently designing, developing, and programming an e-commerce platform to boost Haven’s retail sales through a brand-new channel.
Roompot
Furthermore, ted has also gone through a comprehensive merchandise campaign with Roompot: Holidays and Bungalow Resorts. Ted has given Roompot an innovative guest experience by providing a complete end-to-end solution for all personalised product requirements.
Koos, a lovable rabbit that serves as Roompot’s brand ambassador, was first developed by ted nearly three years ago. Since then, the company has produced and hosted Koos-themed activity sessions and created and sourced a variety of Koos outfits for each adventure. Animated storybooks, specially made social media material, 3D animation features, and numerous retail shop concepts and designs are some of the other Koos offerings
The company has also created live character encounters at the parks, such as mascot interactions and puppet performances, most notably the character-themed concept show “Koos Live.” It has also introduced character-inspired immersive and interactive areas, themed kids’ clubs, and other amenities to a number of Roompot locations. With future implementation of gamification and AR for Roompot, ted anticipates that this cooperation will continue for many years to come.
“Getting the retail experience right has never been more important than it is right now,” says Natasha Caller, ted’s head of retail. “Consumer expectations are high, and competition is fierce. Our expert team doesn’t just create high-quality, sustainable merchandise – they deliver memorable, effective retail experiences in-store that drive impulse spend, increase dwell time and inspire guests to return.
“We’re excited to continue innovating as we grow our client base worldwide.”
Earlier this year, RWS was selected by the TEA to provide full creative and production services for its upcoming 2023 and 2024 Thea Awards Galas.
