• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, October 1, 2012

Premier Retail Networks, which operates in-store media channels for major retail chains -- including Wal-Mart, Costco and Pathmark, among others -- is getting a new name: Izon Media.

The new name, pronounced “eyes on," is intended to reflect the expanding scope of its media operations, which have grown to include mobile and social channels, in addition to its large digital place-based network.

Izon CEO Ahmad Ouri explained: "As smartphones become ubiquitous, our media networks and the 300 million pairs of eyes on our screens every month are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between online and offline advertising.” He says by adding social and mobile strategies to the mix, "marketers can further leverage our screens and enhance conversations with their targets.”

The company will demonstrate some of its mobile-to-place-based media solutions to media planners and advertisers with a sweepstakes giveaway taking place during New York’s Advertising Week.

Easily one of the largest digital out-of-home networks in the world, PRN/Izon has still had its ups and downs in recent years. In 2010, it was reported that Technicolor, the European owner of PRN, might sell the network as part of its bankruptcy restructuring. But the company scotched the plan in 2011 when no satisfactory offers were received.

In 2012, the company has forged ahead with new partnerships and ad sales agreements. Most recently, in August, PRN announced it struck a deal making it the exclusive ad sales representative for 7-Eleven’s new in-store video network, 7-Eleven TV.