Costco Wholesale Corp. yesterday said it plans to add custom marketing programming to its existing in-store media network solution, which currently consists of an end-to-end retail media solution that includes custom HDTV programming, advertising sales, network operations, media management, and scheduling.

The retailer has worked with Thomson's Premier Retail Networks, Inc. on its in-store media network and content strategy since 2004. The new agreement extends this relationship into 2010.

The new PRN services will include a greater amount of custom programming highlighting unique Costco services and department offerings, network branding, consumer electronics education, plus custom HD entertainment and sports programming drawn from PRN's partnerships with over 100 content partners. The Costco network operates in nearly 400 warehouses across the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii), as well as four locations in Puerto Rico, and reaches more than 86 million shoppers every four weeks.
 
"Our partnership with PRN continues to help Costco showcase great HD content on our TVs, communicate relevant messages to our members and enhance the member shopping experience," said Paul Latham, v.p., membership, marketing, and Costco services.
 
PRN works with retailers, content partners, and advertisers to create in-store programming developed to engage, inform, and motivate consumers where they shop. PRN's programming alliances include major television networks and other media properties, as well as movie studios, record labels and magazine and newspaper publishers. Its retailer customers include Acme Markets, Albertsons, Best Buy, Carrefour, Circuit City, Costco Wholesale, Jewel-Osco, Pathmark, Sam's Club, Shaw's, ShopRite, Star Market, and Walmart Stores.