Step On Up, Acor Insole Kiosk Will Tell You What to Buy

Cleveland -- Medical company Acor Inc. recently introduced a display that makes arch support insoles more than an afterthought in footwear sales. Using heat-imaging technology, a foot pad at the base of the display reads a consumer's feet and matches a color imprint with graphics of arch shapes listed on the display, resulting in the insole that best fits that individual consumer. The display kiosk touts Acor's Sole Defense arches, a product line developed to provide customized cushioning in direct contrast with the classic "one size fits all" insole offerings, says Jeff Binczyk, vice president of sales and marketing for Acor. The Sole Defense orthotic insoles are made of four different materials and designed in three distinct arch shapes -- high, standard and flat. For a more customized fit, the insole may be heat-molded to fit an individual foot shape in as little as five minutes."Insoles have been brought to life with an innovative product and display that work together to create awareness, attention and traffic for retailers," Binczyk says. "This approach fills the niche of custom-type orthotics offered at a reasonable price, and has transformed the static insole product category into a strategic part of a footwear retailer's business." The Acor kiosk combines informational display panels, a spinner rack that holds 54 pairs of Sole Defense insoles and the heat-sensitive pad, which in 15 seconds reveals specific foot shapes and key pressure areas in a spectrum of identifying colors. Using this color-coded information, a consumer compares his or her foot image with kiosk graphics that depict that particular arch type, problems associated with a specific arch shape, and the thera-peutic benefits of the Sole Defense patented insole fiber materials. Customers use all this information to select the correct orthotic, displayed prominently on the kiosk's spinner rack. "For Acor, this kiosk merchandising strategy is as important as the product itself," Binczyk says. "By packaging the two together, we are offering a powerful combination that makes a connection with specialty footwear retailers." The kiosk uses no computer or electricity, but rather a simple heat imaging system that he says provides a "cost effective, retail friendly system without the cost, bells and whistles of expensive, computerized means that achieve the same end."The easy-to-use kiosk, Binczyk explains, can help Acor share the benefits of its more than 30 years experience with prosthetic, orthotic and pedorthotic devices with active consumers. Customers who are drawn in by the graphics and interactive foot analysis pad provide retail salespeople with an opportunity to explain the Sole Defense product, he says. Designed and manufactured by MCA of Massillon, Ohio, the lightweight PVC kiosk measures about 3 feet square by 7 feet high. It is provided free with an opening product order. Retailers may request a slatwall display instead, which holds 27 pairs of arches. It uses similar graphics to those on the kiosk.Placement started November 2003 in independent specialty retailers such as ski shops, running stores and comfort footwear stores. At press time, Binczyk says more orders shipped in March to additional outdoor retailers nationwide. He notes that the Super Show, the Outdoor Retailer Show and the ispo show have prompted kiosk orders.

Step On Up, Acor Insole Kiosk Will Tell You What to Buy

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