Get Ready for an Electric Summer With Smart Set!

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 11, 2013) -

Editors' note: A photo and a video are associated with this news release.

2013 has seen an exciting new brand direction from leading Canadian women's retailer, SMART SET, from on-trend styling, elevated social media platforms, and targeted market initiatives. In keeping with this new wave of community engagement, the brand announces a provocative 2013 summer music festival sponsorship in Ontario and Quebec. Throughout the summer months and beyond, Canadian consumers will see SMART SET embrace an energetic and innovative new way to inspire and be inspired by their audience including a fun on-the-ground presence at Canada's hottest electronic music events. SMART SET decided to differentiate themselves by associating with electronic music today's new rock & roll which resonates with its target consumer.

In a bold new step in customer engagement, the brand is immersing itself in their consumer's lifestyle through strategic sponsorship alignment with three of this year's hottest Canadian electronic music festivals - Digital Dreams (June 29 & 30, Toronto, ON), Escapade (June 29, 30 & July 1, Ottawa, ON), and Piknic Electronik (May 19 & 20; June 23 & 24; August 31 & September 1 & 2, Montreal, QC). With renowned DJ headliners including number 2 ranked DJ in the world, Tiesto, British DJ sensation, Steve Lawler and Canada's own, Richie Hawtin, among others, these high profile events will provide a fun and energetic backdrop for SMART SET customers to interact with the brand.

"At its heart, Smart Set was always social, fun-loving and warm with a brand culture that is explorative and inquisitive. We love music, we love The Smart Sets (DJ sets) and this exciting music sponsorship is a natural extension of who we are: creative, inventive, imaginative and always engaging. The Smart Set lives to inspire, and this initiative further allows us to bring forth these ideas and be part of the community."

• Valerie Védrines, VP Marketing and Visual Presentation, SMART SET.

SMART SET will be running Facebook contests throughout the summer offering a chance to win VIP and regular admission tickets to join in on the electric energy of the events.

The brand's incredible on-the-ground presence will include the "The SMART SET Bubble" the first activation of its kind in Canada, and will act as an incredible style beacon for festival-goers in between all the action on stage! As a warm-up to the event, passers by will be invited to capture their own mini-party scene with friends in a 2-3 minute comprehensive experience. A 360-degree camera captures the approximately 15-20 seconds of music, light show, confetti and dancing inside the translucent sphere. Participants can then upload and share this moment with their social media platforms via an iPad station. Along with "The SMART SET Bubble", festival-goers will have the chance to connect with the brand via INSTAGRAM, posing with the SMART SET letters in yet another compelling competition.

From start to finish, SMART SET's presence and collaboration with Digital Dreams, Picknic Electronik and Escapade, will excite, engage and amplify their customer's over-all festival experience. "The SMART SET Bubble" will add intrigue to the event's landscape, and along with the social media engagement will aim to channel and magnify the occasion's energy.

The music festival sponsorship is just one step in the brand's new commitment to immerse itself in all components of their customer's lifestyle. From food to arts, SMART SET will be showcasing itself as a social and cultural destination where shoppers can come together to express their unique style and identity.

About SMART SET

With more than 135 stores, averaging 3,400 sq. ft, SMART SET is a style destination where young women come together to inspire and be inspired. From wear to work separates, denim, essentials and accessories, they offer the latest styles in women's fashion to mix, match & innovate!

The video associated with this news release is available at the following address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--qAXKquoF8

The photo associated with this news release is available at the following address: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20130611-smarts-800.jpg