How Marvel's Digital Superpowers Won Over Brick-And-Mortar Retailers

Comic-book nerds are about to have it all. Beginning this month, all new Marvel releases are available digitally the same day they hit shelves. But the real feat is this: Comic-book stores will be on board with the change, too. That's because Marvel has spent years developing its strategy, including an online archive in 2007 and a branded app in 2010, and earned the support of retailers. Publishing industry, take note. Lesson #1 Embrace all mediums, both new and old. While traditional publishers originally feared the online marketplace, Marvel partnered with brick-and-mortar businesses and digital distributors. By consulting its retail partners before introducing digital initiatives, the company was able to leverage the industry as a whole. "A lot of meetings with retailers start a bit tense," says Peter Phillips, SVP of Marvel Digital Media, "but we explain that our goals can help them grow." Lesson #2 All customers can be treated equally. With most magazines, subscribers receive digital access for free, but newsstand buyers do not. Marvel has a different plan: A free digital download code for in-store purchases marks an industry first, and it's expanding the feature to graphic novels. Similarly, digital customers receive a $5 in-store coupon with their purchase, encouraging them to continue visiting storefronts. Lesson #3 Make an ecosystem to create value. At last year's South by Southwest, Marvel announced plans to offer enhanced multimedia with digital purchases,... Continue reading at 'Fast Company'

[ Fast Company | 2012-03-27 00:00:00 UTC ]

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