Startle, the specialists in creating unique customer experiences for retail and hospitality brands, are pleased to announce their recent acquisition of Irish in-store marketing company, Visual ID. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for both organisations as a move into the grocery market for Startle, and an opportunity for increased offerings for Visual ID such as a new innovative in-store radio product.
Startle, operating from their London and New York offices, works with retail and hospitality brands that understand the importance of creating a great customer experience through perfectly curated playlists and effective branded in-store radio. Providing services such as background music, digital signage and atmosphere monitoring, they use music, data and behavioural science to create atmospheres uniquely designed around the business and brand objectives.
Operating out of its Dublin headquarters, Visual ID has built a strong reputation developing cloud applications for the retail and service industries. Specialising in digital signage, printed point-of-sale materials and social media asset creation, their marketing toolkit is utilised daily by over 3,000 businesses throughout Ireland and beyond. Allowing clients to securely produce, edit and distribute their marketing materials digitally, in print and online. Their products ensure legal compliance and brand consistency while also delivering operational cost savings.
The acquisition will bring together the complementary strengths of Startle and Visual ID, and introduce grocery brands such as SPAR and Londis to Startle’s portfolio of customers. They will bring their music expertise to Visual ID’s in-store radio offering, creating a synergy that will expand the existing product offerings. With both brands being focused on the power of tech and the importance of great customer experiences, the partnership looks to enhance the brands’ offerings, and customer base.
Adam Castleton, CEO of Startle, says: “I am thrilled to welcome Visual ID to the Startle group. It is our first acquisition in Ireland, an exciting market to be a part of. We look forward to working with Visual ID to offer in-store music and radio to their customer base, and helping them to export their innovative in-store marketing technology outside of Ireland. I already know they’re going to fit seamlessly into the culture at Startle, and I can’t wait to see where the partnership can take both companies.”
David McDonnell, managing director of Visual ID, says: “Everyone at Visual ID is so excited about becoming part of the Startle group. We’ve worked incredibly hard to establish ourselves in Ireland with some amazing brands, and we’re ready to increase our reach and product scope. Joining Startle felt like such a natural fit – their passion for creating top customer experiences stood out and aligned well with us. We’re really looking forward to offering even better services and support to our existing customers, as well as welcoming new ones.”
