10.07.02
The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., the leading designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of premium scented candles in the U.S., and Molecular, an Internet services firm, today announced the availability of Yankee Candle's "Make a Memory," an online rich media application that enables the Company's customers worldwide to customize, design and purchase candles directly through the company's website.
Now available at www.yankeecandle.com, "Make a Memory" provides customers with an optimal online shopping experience by offering the information and functionality required to quickly and easily customize and purchase candles based on their personal preferences. Created by Molecular using Macromedia's MX technologies, the rich media application consists of a one-screen "palette" that lets customers dynamically design their own custom candle using materials from five separate product lines. Customers can see their customized candle take shape as they make each design choice, plus change and compare design elements on the fly, all without ever having to refresh the Web page.
In addition to providing customers with a simple and intuitive shopping experience, "Make a Memory" automates an ordering process that currently averages 20 minutes by phone, reducing that time to less than 5 minutes online. The company anticipates increased customer satisfaction now that customers can instantly see how their personalized candle appears before purchase.
"Like any business, we are constantly looking for new ways to delight our customers, increase revenue, and optimize efficiencies for all of our sales channels. The application Molecular created is truly a revolutionary step forward in enhancing the customer experience online," said Dennis Shockro, Vice President of Information Systems for Yankee Candle. "Our new 'Make a Memory' application offers customers a simple, yet engaging shopping experience while also cutting costs typically associated with calls to our call center."
Design logic programmed into the "Make a Memory" system enables an intuitive candle design process that automatically presents shoppers with customization recommendations such as color, wrappers, and flowers. Created to increase sales and average order size by cross-selling complimentary products, the logic system provides Yankee Candle with a more compelling selling platform than a static online channel.
Now available at www.yankeecandle.com, "Make a Memory" provides customers with an optimal online shopping experience by offering the information and functionality required to quickly and easily customize and purchase candles based on their personal preferences. Created by Molecular using Macromedia's MX technologies, the rich media application consists of a one-screen "palette" that lets customers dynamically design their own custom candle using materials from five separate product lines. Customers can see their customized candle take shape as they make each design choice, plus change and compare design elements on the fly, all without ever having to refresh the Web page.
In addition to providing customers with a simple and intuitive shopping experience, "Make a Memory" automates an ordering process that currently averages 20 minutes by phone, reducing that time to less than 5 minutes online. The company anticipates increased customer satisfaction now that customers can instantly see how their personalized candle appears before purchase.
"Like any business, we are constantly looking for new ways to delight our customers, increase revenue, and optimize efficiencies for all of our sales channels. The application Molecular created is truly a revolutionary step forward in enhancing the customer experience online," said Dennis Shockro, Vice President of Information Systems for Yankee Candle. "Our new 'Make a Memory' application offers customers a simple, yet engaging shopping experience while also cutting costs typically associated with calls to our call center."
Design logic programmed into the "Make a Memory" system enables an intuitive candle design process that automatically presents shoppers with customization recommendations such as color, wrappers, and flowers. Created to increase sales and average order size by cross-selling complimentary products, the logic system provides Yankee Candle with a more compelling selling platform than a static online channel.