SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Penn Traffic Co. here said last week it will launch a joint marketing initiative with Odyssey Technology, Redmond, Wash., a company that partners with retailers to enhance their capacity for customer service.
enn Traffic iOn, interfaces with the stores' current databases, providing expanded services to the consumer, retailer, manufacturers and national brands.
Joseph Fisher, Penn Traffic president and chief executive officer, said, "Odyssey has taken steps to minimize the impact of the implementation on our operations while, at the same time, ensuring the solution meets the needs of Penn Traffic and its customers."
Les Knox, Penn Traffic senior vice president and chief marketing officer, observed, "We need to go beyond a Web-based solution to provide services and tools our customers will use and that will augment their lifestyles. Our implementation with Odyssey extends effectively beyond the Web to achieve this purpose."
Consumers access iOn services either directly through the Internet or with the Penn Traffic iOn Shopper, a handheld device similar in design and appearance to a personal digital assistant. Shoppers will be able to use the system to place complete orders for pickup or order some items will they shop for products they may prefer to select themselves, such as fresh produce, baked goods, cut flowers or meat.