Virgin Megastores’ Digital Banner Promotes ‘Heroes’
Virgin Megastores recently began promoting the recent release of NBC’s “Heroes” first season with a hanging digital banner created by Epson to resemble the DVD box.
The Epson digital marketing solution includes an Epson projector, a custom acrylic screen, a digital content management and distribution system, and content provided by NBC. The system allows for dynamic content change and can accommodate a variety of screen sizes and shapes. The rectangle-shaped digital banner is 5’ long and hangs over the DVD section in the center of the store. The digital banner promotes the “Heroes” DVD by projecting content from various episodes during the first season.
Wal-Mart To Be Hannah Montana Retail Headquarters
Wal-Mart Stores, together with Disney Consumer Products, will bring families affordable access to Hannah Montana merchandise and activities in 2008. Hannah Montana fans can browse Wal-Mart’s “Hannah Montana Shops” in Wal-Mart stores across the U.S. Wal-Mart will offer unique assortments of Hannah Montana-inspired products, including apparel and footwear, handbags and cosmetics, bedding, room decor, games, music and more. The new line will appeal to tweens looking for casual and athletic-inspired styles as well as accessories and decor.
“Parents and kids can depend on us for the best selection of Hannah Montana merchandise at the Wal-Mart price,” said Janet Bareis, Wal-Mart, Marketing Vice President.
“Fans will now have more access to Hannah Montana-inspired product,” said Kathy Franklin, V.P., Global Franchise Development for Disney Consumer Products.
Kodak Launches New Photo Kiosk Solution
Kodak's new Picture Kiosk G4X enables retailers to better leverage innovative new offerings from Kodak through a faster, powerful integrated combination of dual core processor and additional RAM & hard disk memory.
This high-performance kiosk will reduce wait time and increase consumer satisfaction with its rapid image loading and overall speed from start-to-finish. With the KODAK Picture Kiosk G4X and accessory DVD burner, consumers can create a Picture Movie DVD in as little as 5 minutes - making it the industry's only true instant solution that brings life to digital images easily and with original artist music.
"Consumers are looking for more ways to enjoy their stories,” said Brad Kruchten, General Manager of Kodak’s Retail Printing Group.
HP Launches New HP Photo Center
HP has unveiled new retail photo printing solutions that provide consumers the tools to personalize their photos and publish customized creative output.
David Murphy, Sr. V.P. at HP, said, “In combining our printing franchise with a world-class set of software and web assets, HP is creating a multibillion-dollar business poised to lead the transformation to a comprehensive digital supply chain, from content creation and management to publishing and consumption.”
The difference between the number of images captured and those that are actually printed is vast and growing. To bridge this gap, HP is empowering consumers with the tools to personalize their photos and publish customized creative content. In the retail environment, the company is transforming retailers’ traditional photo labs into digital publishing centers that move beyond prints to digital media, such as photo books, posters and calendars.
The new HP Photo Center features a new consumer order station with a 17" screen with screen-assisted navigation to make publishing creative content easier.
Sumseeds Caffeinated Sunflower Seeds Displayed
Dakota Vally Products’ Sumseeds, the leading caffeinated and energized sunflower seed snack, has introduced three new flavors - Dill Pickle, Honey BBQ and Salt and Pepper.
Sumseeds are infused with the energy components of caffeine, lysine, taurine and ginseng; the same ingredients found in energy sodas.
The new flavors of Sumseeds are available in a new 1.75oz personal size bag.
The new line is being promoted with this special standee display featuring baseball Hall of Famer, Tony Gwynn holding a bag of Sumseeds.
U.S. Post Office & Lucasfilm Feature Starwars Display
The United States Postal Service recently teamed up with Lucasfilm Ltd. to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars, with special Star Wars® stamps.
This display, placed in post offices around the nation features full size Star Wars Licensed characters. The twinkling LEDs in the eyes of C3PO and on R2D2 are attention-grabbers.
The Standee drew customers to the display to pick up a sweepstakes entry form, to win a Trip to Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles.
This display was created for the U.S. Postal Service by Innomark Communications, a Fairfield, OH-based p.o.p. display firm.
Scholastic Opens Interactive Store For Kids
The Scholastic Store in New York’s SoHo has been redesigned to makes shopping more interactive and exciting for families.
The SoHo flagship features a new guided shopping experience organized by age and interest, and brings Scholastic’s beloved books to life by adding an 11-foot-tall dinosaur from the popular “How Do Dinosaurs” series, a life-size Magic School Bus, a new baby section housed by Clifford The Big Red Dog and a giant Klutz Build-a-Book section with a magnetic activity board.
In addition, The Scholastic Store has integrated special “Lectorum para ninos” sections within each age group offering bilingual and Spanish-language books for kids.
Hope Van Winkle, Director of Retail at Scholastic, said, “The store’s new design makes learning and reading more exciting, and offers a new, guided shopping experience that makes finding books, toys and other products that parents trust and kids love easy for everyone.”
Book Lights Corrugated Free-Standing Floor Display
Light Wedge needed a floor display with a small foot print to showcase its personal Book Lights at Barnes & Noble.
This custom corrugated display was created to merchandise several product offerings. The project went beyond concept and production. It encompassed display assembly, fulfillment and shipping.
The entire project from initial contact to shipping took approximately five weeks.
The colorful display attracts attention and is designed to be space efficient.
The Book Lights Corrugated Free-Standing Floor Display was created for Light Wedge by Meridian Display, a St. Paul, MN-based point-of-purchase display firm.
American Greetings Displays ‘Gift Card Mall’
American Greetings’ U.S. card and gift shops have introduced gift cards for other retailers, making them the first mall-based stores to offer what is known as a “gift card mall.” The stores are featuring new displays offering gift cards for 16 different food, entertainment and lifestyle retailers, including Applebee’s, Circuit City, Blockbuster and Lowe's. The program is the result of the Company’s partnership with InComm, the nation's largest gift card marketer.
The gift card malls at American Greetings and Carlton Cards stores will offer more than just gift cards. They are equipped with everything consumers need to present these popular plastic gifts with style and a personal message, including specially designed cards, bags, tissue and unique gifting solutions.
International Greetings “Kroger 4” Pallet Display
This display was used to provide the consumer a way to easily find fashionable and top of the line quality products all in one place to make the gift giving experience enjoyable and memorable.The marketing goal was to provide customers with a collection of seasonal products that was prominently displayed in a “boutique” style pallet. This allowed the display to be sent fully packed with minimal set-up time in stores.
This International Greetings USA “Kroger 4' Pallet” was created by U.S. Display Group, a Tullahoma, TN and Newark, NJ-based p.o.p. display firm.
APC Displays Computer Peripherals
APC, West Kingston, RI, a global leader in computer power and cooling products, is using this fixture to merchandise its line of mobile c accessories.
This display, which presents a contemporary image and offers retailers great flexibility, recently won a 2008 American Package Design Award in the “Point of Purchase and Signs and Displays and Kiosks” category.
“The American Package Design Awards recognizes the value that creative staff members bring to the process of creating great packaging and point-of-purchase displays,” said Aaron Davis, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, APC.
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Wal-Mart Kiosks Display Digital TV Options
Some 13 million U.S. households will be impacted by the switch to digital broadcast, so Wal-Mart has made specific plans to help customers make an informed decision. U.S. households are about to receive $40 digital converter box coupons, and Wal-Mart is stocked and ready with these small converter box units designed to keep home analog TVs receiving a digital signal.
This digital shelf display will remind consumers of the impending switch to digital broadscast and their need to take action to continue receiving TV signals.
Customers can also sign up for cable or satellite service at Wal-Mart stores for their current home TV or with the purchase of a new TV through in-store kiosks with the help of a Wal-Mart associate.
HMSHost And Airport Wireless Launch Techshowcase
HMSHost and airport technology retailer, Airport Wireless, have opened the first Techshowcase at Oakland International Airport. Techshowcase features mobile consumer electronic devices from the world’s leading manufacturers.
Techshowcase incorporates multiple leading brand technology manufacturers into one easy-to-shop store. Each store is designed to convey the atmosphere of a “please touch” science museum, with live technology demonstration units mounted on interactive display fixtures.
“Business travelers are able to put their dwell time to productive use by shopping for high-quality mobile electronic products and accessories to keep them connected while on the road,” said Ilene Berman, Co-CEO, Airport Wireless. “Techshowcase also accommodates the needs of non-business travelers seeking mobile phone accessories, a high-quality entertainment device, headphones, batteries, gifts, and more.
Each manufacturer’s interactive display unit and product occupies a branded and distinct “mini-store” inside the Techshowcase store. Interactive exhibits are frequently replaced or refreshed with the latest merchandise so that travelers may enjoy a new experience upon each visit. Because Techshowcase provides electronics manufacturers direct access to their target demographic, many new products will be launched at Techshowcase locations before other venues.
GameStop Opens Premier Store And Tournament Center
GameStop Corp., the world’s largest video game and entertainment software retailer, has opened its first combination store and tournament center. Larger than a standard GameStop location, this 4,000 sq. ft. store is located in the heart of the gaming industry in San Jose, CA.
This location is a first of its kind venue for GameStop and the first in a series of tournament focused stores. The center features 24 networked gaming stations with plasma monitors and tournament events will occur most weekends with GameStop system-wide tournament finals occurring at least once a quarter.
“This world class facility takes GameStop stores and video game tournament opportunities to the next level,” said Dan DeMatteo, Vice Chairman and COO of GameStop Corp. “With these continued efforts, we are offering customers another way to get the most out of their gaming and are truly giving power to the players.”
GEICO Partners With AZA To Promote Zoo and Aquarium Wildlife Conservation
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and GEICO have formed a strategic partnership to promote zoo and aquarium wildlife conservation. GEICO Chairman, Tony Nicely said, “Our Gecko has proven to be a powerful spokescreature for our auto and motorcycle insurance products. Now he's taking on an additional assignment to help promote the wildlife conservation work done by zoos and aquariums across America”.
The three-year partnership will feature a traveling Gecko exhibit to appear at AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in the U.S.
Best Buy Launches Business Customer Loyalty Program
With business customers making up as much as 10% of its store traffic, Best Buy plans to help the “invisible business customer” shopping its stores. Best Buy will identify newly-added, business-grade products with the label “Professional Series,” denoting a product designed with features tailored to business use. The labels will appear on products as well as in-store signage. Best Buy for Business also will train store employees to help business customers.
“Business customers had been walking in and out of our stores for years without receiving specialized attention,” said David Hemler, President, Best Buy for Business. “We are taking steps to identify business customers, help direct them to the products and solutions they need for their businesses, and reward them through our loyalty program.”
Paradies Shops Brings New Retail Concept To Pensacola
Atlanta-based The Paradies Shops is introducing a new retail concept at Pensacola Regional Airport that combine universally recognized brands with local favorites.
Displaying the brightly-colored peacock logo above the storefront, CNBC Pensacola presents an innovative award-winning design alternative to traditional newsstands, airing the CNBC business day programming in the stores and offering an expansive range of newsstand items. Travelers will also enjoy an online station, providing the opportunity to check stocks and obtain real-time financial information. CNBC Pensacola also features two exclusive Paradies programs: Press Express and Read & Return.
NPD Issues Technology Trends to Watch
2008 could be a year of transition for consumer technology products according to the NPD Group. “As many of the fastest growing electronics categories mature, overall electronics sales growth is likely to plateau,” said Stephen Baker, V.P., The NPD Group. “Retailers and brands will increasingly look to beyond-the-box services to drive continued growth.”
NPD’s technology trends to watch include: 1.Analog TV shutoff. Television broadcasters will end transmission of analog programming over the air in February 2009. Marketers will try to entice consumers to upgrade to digital televisions. 2. Connected portable devices. PCs, portable navigation devices, MP3 players and digital cameras are building wireless links into their products. 3. Broadband video. Faster broadband access speeds are bringing new entertainment options into the home. 4. High definition DVD format war. Lower prices, greater HDTV penetration, and more content availability will spur the growth of high-definition optical disk players in 2008. 5. Service and support. A greater accent on service will be a key industry strategy in 2008. 6. Retail bundles. Marketing messages will talk up the benefits of product and service integration. 7. Retail channel inflection point. Retailers and manufacturers are transforming their businesses to better align with today’s customers needs, giving rise to new “micro-channels.” 8. New products need new selling paradigms. The products consumers use are changing, so the methods retailers and OEMs use to market these products will need to change.
CEA Reports On Digital Television
More than 50% of U.S. households now own a digital television (DTV), according to the Consumer Electronics Association. “With 50 percent of U.S. homes able to experience digital television, we have crossed a critical threshold,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO of CEA. “2008 will continue to demonstrate the growth and success of DTV, with 32 million units forecast to ship. Consumers are keen to add HDTV to their homes, with high definition expected to account for 79% of total DTV shipments in the U.S. in 2008.”
CEA forecasts 13% revenue growth for digital TVs in 2008, over 2007’s $25 billion in sales.
Harris Interactive Studies “Influentials”
“Influentials” are US adults who describe themselves as “extremely knowledgeable” about vehicles. They are much more likely than ordinary consumers, referred to as “Non-influentials,” to know many people who are also knowledgeable about vehicles. And, they are more likely to talk to other people about the vehicles they are considering. With this in mind, Harris Interactive recently studied “Influentials” in the automotive market.
Overall, one in five US adults (19%) fit into this category. Males (82%) dominate the Influentials. The average age of Influentials is 45. Influentials have higher incomes, with more than half (53%) earning $75,000 or more.
Close to three in five (57%) Influentials know many people who are very knowledgeable about vehicles, compared to just 18% of Non-influentials. Influentials talk about vehicles to family (60%) and friends (58%). While Influentials talk to each other about vehicle choices, Non-influentials actively seek out advice from Influentials.
Newman’s Own Wines Are Unveiled
Newman’s Own has unveiled Newman’s Own California Chardonnay and California Cabernet Sauvignon. The Newman's Own Foundation will donate all profits and royalties after taxes to educational and charitable purposes.
To realize his winemaking vision, Newman worked with the Rebel Wine Co., a collaboration of Three Thieves and Trinchero Family Estates.
Kellogg’s Animal Planet Wild Animal Crunch Debuts
Kellogg’s new Animal Planet Wild Animal Crunch is a nutritious cereal that ties in with the Animal Planet brand.
In four different collector’s packages with real animal photographs, Wild Animal Crunch provides interesting facts and games about wildlife and the environment.
Master Lock smartTOUCH Recognizes Users By Touch
bioMETRX and Master Lock Co., have launched the Master Lock smartTOUCH garage door opener at Home Depot stores. The garage door opener recognizes its users through the simple touch of a finger.
“The Master Lock smartTOUCH Garage Door Opener offers consumers the convenience of opening their garage door without keys, remotes or keypads,” said Steve Hedlund, V.P., Growth & Innovation for Master Lock.
Barbie Golf Gear Debuts
Barbie® has teamed up with Cougar Golf, to provide girls ages 4-9 with innovative Barbie™ golf gear. The stylish, high performance Barbie™ Golf sets, available in two different sizes, incorporate shorter shafts and girl-favorite features in their design.
“Golf continues to grow in popularity among girls and it is a great way for girls to get active,” said Juan Gutierrez, Director, Mattel Brands Consumer Products.
Ace Bayou Unveils Wireless Audio Recliner
Ace Bayou has unveiled its Wireless Audio Recliner. With a high-quality sound system and innovative design to maximize comfort, the Wireless Audio Recliner optimizes the home theater experience.
The recliner connects wirelessly with the most popular media devices, including home theater systems, mp3 players and gaming consoles.
SanDisk Brings Online Backup To USB Flash Drives
SanDisk Corp. has introduced Cruzer® Titanium Plus, a USB flash drive that offers automatic online backup for every file copied to the drive, giving users true peace of mind.
Cruzer Titanium Plus, with a capacity of four gigabytes offers users the best of both worlds, with access online and offline: Data is always available when Cruzer Titanium Plus is plugged into any computer. Users also get quick access to their backed-up files through any computer connected to the Internet, should they forget to bring the drive with them, or if the drive is lost or stolen.
Outwater Plastics Industries offers an extensive line of solar powered motors for adding motion to p.o.p. displays for all types of products. The line includes compact models which can be incorporated into all types of displays. Motors are offered to achieve rotational and pendulum movements. Outwater Plastics’ energy efficient and environmentally friendly Solar Powered Display Motors fully operate on available indoor or outdoor lighting. For more information, contact Outwater Plastics Industries, P.O. Box 500, Bogota, NJ 07603; (Tel) 800-631-8375; 201-498-8750, (Web Site) www.outwater.com.
Above All Advertising, Inc., has introduced Aire Vue™ Inflatable displays. This patent pending display system incorporates all the benefits of a sign while having all the attributes of a light weight, portable inflatable. The Aire Vue™ comes in 2 sizes and can be ordered with a full printed cover, and with printed panels. The Aire Vue™ is great for use at store fronts, on the top of vehicles, at shopping centers, etc. For more information, contact Above All Advertising, 9080 Activity Rd, San Diego, CA 92126; (Tel.) 866-552-2683 (Web) www.abovealladvertising.
Cyclonix, a Morgan Hill, CA-based exhibit firm, recently delivered exhibits for Capcom Entertainment for two key trade shows held two weeks apart; E3 Media and Comic-Con. For E3, Capcom’s goal was to reach a controlled audience of 5,000 buyers, media and press. To fulfill the attendees' objectives of evaluating games for their stores or creating game reviews, Cyclonix designed semi-private game demonstration alcoves. For Comic-Con, a consumer show, Capcom wanted to get its titles into the hands of the 125,000 gamer attendees. To achieve this, Cyclonix designed an elevated boxing ring where gaming tournaments were held. Instead of re-using the semi-private gaming alcoves from E3, Cyclonix created wide-open stations with elevated monitors that drew large crowds at each demo.
Media giant NBC Universal used this exhibit at the recent CES Show.The exhibit, which featured a broadcasting studio, presented various NBC properties, including iVillage, CNBC and SciFi channel in one space. The exhibit also featured special kiosks from Mediaport. The kiosks enabled CES attendees to download popular NBC programs such as 30 Rock, Project Runway and 12 Corazones from one of the many Mediaport kiosks located throughout NBC Universal’s CES booth. “Mediaport is helping us reach out to the digital savvy community. The company’s kiosks are providing the perfect channel for us to reach and influence new target markets,” said Frank Radice, Exec. V.P. at NBC.
Above All Advertising, Inc., will be showing the Aire Vue™ Inflatable anywhere display system, a lightweight, durable, double-sided air-inflatable sign that replaces the traditional metal frame sign. Designed for display in front of stores or shopping centers, at concerts, on cars and even on the water. The, Aire VueTM Inflatable is available in two sizes and can be conveniently set up with an electric or battery-operated air blower or foot pump. The advertising message is seamlessly displayed on a long-lasting fabric sleeve that covers the inflatable frame. The Aire Vue Inflatable can also be ordered with printed covers or panels. To learn more about the Aire Vue™ Inflatable, contact Gary Aires at Global Shop Booth 2535, or call 866-552-2683.
TM Shea Products will be showing its newest DVD/CD/Video Games Display. The unit offers an optional theft resistant pocket that deters multiple simultaneous game extractions from the display while still being easy to shop and load. To learn more about this display contact Tom Shea at Global Shop, Booth 6818, or call 800-992-5233.
Se-Kure Controls, Inc., will be showing this tall glass Alarm Display Case Security System, designed for all types of display cases. It protects up to 6 doors and has remote control operation. It is AC powered with Battery back-up. A remote horn is available. To learn more about this Alarm Display Case Security System, contact Roger Leyden at Global Shop, Booth 4038 , or call 847-288-1111.
Big Idea Pirates Merchant Ship. The objective was to create awareness of the VeggieTales movie and drive the customers to the theaters opening weekend. Big Idea wanted to increase brand recognition of licensed merchandise by creating an attractive display to achieve prime placement in the store. The display resulted in 7500+ joining the fan club and 60k entering the sweepstakes after visiting the website promoting the display. Created by U.S. Display Group, 810 S. Washington St., Tullahoma, TN 37128.
Kodak Battery Spinner
This unique shaped 2-sided floor display features styrene end panels that are a replica of a battery. The 2-sided styrene header sign is inter-changeable. Black peg panels are adjustable and provide flexibility. Metal parts have black powder finish and the lazy susan MDF base has a textured black powder finish. The Kodak Battery spinner was created by Nashville Display, 2306 Hartmann Dr., Lebanon, TN 37087.
American Girl Permanent Spinner Display
The main objective for this display was to consolidate all of American Girl's books into one location at the retail channel. The goal was to create a "one stop" shop. The display body is constructed of printed MDF side panels, die-stained MDF caps and Melamine clad base components. This spinning display ships KD and assembles in less than 10 minutes. The American Girl Permanent Display Spinner was created by Great Northern Corp., Consumer Packaging and Display, 1800 South Street, Racine, WI 53404.
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