Crossmark Expands Into Experiential Marketing

PLANO, Texas – Sales and marketing services company Crossmark has formed BrandMasters, an experiential marketing agency that will provide turnkey solutions for brands to create meaningful shopper experiences via personal engagement.

Created to meet the rising need among consumer goods brands to effectively influence shoppers on the path to purchase, BrandMasters will offer services addressing all aspects of experiential marketing, from shopper insights to turnkey execution and measurement of programs ranging from in-store product sampling to outside events and digital engagement.

"Today, as brands face challenges in connecting with their consumers and shoppers, it’s become more critical than ever for a brand to deliver a message to its target audience that is relevant to them as individuals," said Joe Crafton, CEO of Plano, Texas-based Crossmark. "People connecting with people is the most powerful means of influence, and BrandMasters connects brands with consumers along the path to purchase through personal engagement in-store and out of the store."

For this new venture, Crossmark will leverage its position as North America’s largest in-store marketing services company, including in-store events through its NCiM division and Shopper Events joint venture. Further, the company noted that its Field Intelligence group is the largest in-store data collection force in North America. There’s also synergy with Twin Oaks, Crossmark’s shopper marketing venture with Southfield, Mich.-based Mars Advertising.

BrandMasters’ turnkey national programs for consumer goods brands will execute across all relevant areas where consumers shop and play.

"Our approach is uniquely positioned to add value," noted Ed Hoehn, who joined BrandMasters as senior vice president of marketing services. "We have built a platform on the strengths of Crossmark and added experiential marketing expertise. The platform includes proprietary data and analytics, retail expertise, exceptional field talent and strong relationships with retailers and consumer goods companies. Adding experiential strategy, design and management allows us to build and execute smart programs to drive tangible results for clients."

Crossmark has 47 offices throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.