Chitika, a provider of contextual advertising solutions, announced the release of eMiniMalls, a CPC-based and interactive product merchandising service.

Chitika says eMiniMalls is an alternative to static web banner ads and that their interactive product automatically targets to the content of a publisher's webpage. Online product merchandising, comparative shopping information and reviews are displayed as clickable tabs within the interactive ad space.

"Possibly the biggest obstacle to the increased success of online direct marketing, is the absence of a sales voice at the point of sale, to overcome objections and reinforce the buying decision. Providing easy access to comparisons, recommendations, product reviews, merchandising support and promotions to the shopper at the point of sale is a smart and effective way to increase sales and decrease shopping cart abandonment," says Alan Gerson, executive vice president, iMedia.

"Online spending is soaring once again, yet web publishers who depend on ad revenue for survival are not benefiting due to ineffective and outdated ad units such as banner ads. eMiniMalls replaces these static ads with a powerful, relevant and customized shopping experience that connects consumers with items catered to their interests and publishers with a valuable revenue stream," says Venkat Kolluri, CEO, Chitika.

Chitika's publisher clients include Shopping.com and college savings site Upromise.