Sock It

18 September 2009

British retailer Sock Shop is growing its online appeal with the launch of new viral game ‘Sock It’ this week. The digital news follows Sock Shop opening its first outlet in the UK after falling into administration three and a half years ago. Plans are also underway to open at least ten new stores over the next five years.

Sock It has been created by viral and digital agency TAMBA. The game aims to develop brand awareness and increase traffic to SockShop.co.uk.

Sock It is an interactive, multi-level game which challenges users to match up socks against a 60 second clock; offering a fun and brand-led experience to online shoppers. The game launches after Sock Shop announced a plan of digital activity earlier this year, which will include new microsites and the introduction of additional product ranges.

“TAMBA has incorporated Sock Shop’s imagery and brand messaging into an addictive and entertaining viral game. We will be launching the game through a detailed seeding process, across TAMBA’s established network of websites,” said Kay Hammond, CEO of TAMBA. “Sock It complements the brand’s fashionable image and will boost all aspects of online presence including newsletter subscription rates and appealing to new customers.”

Originally a global high street brand, Sock Shop launched in 1983. In 2006, the company was sold to The Ruia Group, which also represents brands such as Jeep, Glenmuir and Elle. Sock Shop operated as an online retailer for a number of years, and in July this year opened a store in Manchester airport. The retailer specialises in socks and hosiery from various brands such as Nike, Pretty Polly and Pringle.

“Sock Shop has seen a fantastic year both online and with the introduction of our new store,” said Cassie Ash, Marketing Manager at SockShop.co.uk. “TAMBA has created an original viral game that represents Sock Shop’s image as a popular British retailer - Sock It is an entertaining addition to our website, and will encourage user engagement among regular customers and new visitors.”

SockShop.co.uk first launched in 2004. The site now features 26 hosiery brands.

Sock It can be played on the Sock Shop website:

http://www.sockshop.co.uk/pages/popups/sock_it_game

About TAMBA

TAMBA ( www.tamba.co.uk) is a multi-award-winning viral and digital marketing agency specialising in high traffic viral games and campaigns. TAMBA campaigns experience tens of millions of game plays – around half of the entire Viral Chart are TAMBA projects. TAMBA is also a recognised market leader in the creation and distribution of Facebook widgets and applications, Myspace, Bebo and iGoogle applications. Clients include E-ON, Blu-Ray Disc Association, Lovefilm, Kwik Fit and Virgin Active.

Note to Editors – TAMBA is an acronym.

For further information please contact:

Laura-May Coope / Claire Armitt

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01273 779492 / 01273 779449

laura-may.coope@no-flannel.com / claire.armitt@no-flannel.com