LEAP Display Unveiled At Tower Records
Toronto-based LEAP Energy and Power Corp. has launched a new line of alkaline batteries with a revolutionary package and merchandising format. The new LEAP collection, whose bold packaging breaks the mold from traditional battery marketing, was recently unveiled at Tower Records, merchandised on an innovative display unit.
The new LEAP battery collection is mercury-free and formulated to offer premium performance in powering both high-drain and standard consumer electronic devices. LEAP is dedicated to providing consumers with an array of battery products specifically designed to power today’s wireless and mobile electronic devices.
Through the creative direction of global merchandising strategists d/g* (formerly Desgrippes Gobe and Associates), LEAP has become the first company within the alkaline battery category to eliminate wasteful blister packaging. Instead, LEAP batteries are packaged in transparent, sleekly designed cylinders that are made from ecologically friendly recyclable and reusable materials. Each product is color coded to allow for quick and easy consumer selection.
“We have developed a highly differentiated and targeted package designed to appeal to modern consumers, and as well, presented innovative merchandising options to our retail partners, transforming low-interest traditional shelf space into a high impact retail solution,” said Brent Meinkle, President and CEO, LEAP.
Blockbuster Kicks Off DIRECTV Sales
Taking a significant step toward transforming its neighborhood stores into full-service entertainment destinations, Blockbuster Inc. is enabling its customers to purchase an exclusive DIRECTV System equipment package in 3,800 Blockbuster stores.
DIRECTV is the nation’s leading digital television entertainment service offering customers access to more than 225 channels of programming, including local channels in select markets.
Blockbuster is offering two system packages that are designed to be simple to understand and contain exclusive offers available only at participating Blockbuster stores, including one-year of free rentals; an approximate $200 value, good towards any videos, DVDs or video games; plus a two-year Extended Service Plan on the DIRECTV System hardware.
To allow customers to experience DIRECTV quality and programming, Blockbuster has developed interactive kiosks, one for each participating store, to demonstrate DIRECTV via live satellite letting customers see and experience the DIRECTV System and comprehensive DIRECTV programming.
“We’re taking the mystery out of buying a satellite system by offering simple, high value packages no other retailer can deliver,” said Jim Notarnicola, Chief Marketing Officer for Blockbuster.
Arizona Republic Features Immedia Displays
The Arizona Republic will be the first newspaper to use electronic ink displays to transmit news to locations around Phoenix. The signs will incorporate Immedia displays from E Ink Corp., of Cambridge, MA.
The electronic ink based signs at all locations will be networked together, allowing messages to be updated instantly from one location. Safeway, Inc. will be the first retailer to feature the displays.
“By using Immedia, The Arizona Republic recognizes the importance of reaching out to readers at the point of purchase,” said Cyndi Reitmeyer, Retail Marketing Manager at E Ink Corp. “This kind of delivery is impossible with traditional in-store signage.”
John Frieda Debuts Rock And Roll Hair Kits At Tower Records
John Frieda Inc., has introduced Rock and Roll Hair Kits at Tower Records across the nation. Sally Hershberger, who’s styled the hair of Courtney Love, Sheryl Crow and the Back Street Boys, shares her styling secrets with everyone in the Rock and Roll Hair Kits.
Each fool-proof kit pre-packages Sally’s selection of “must-have” products by John Frieda, with her much coveted, easy-to-follow “how-to” help.
Consumers simply choose the kit that’s right for their hair type and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Batman Beyond’Promotion Launched
Consumers nationwide will have a chance to catch The Joker as Warner Bros and Hasbro, launch the “Batman Beyond: Decode & Win” game, which will feature more than 2 million in-pack game pieces placed in specially-marked Batman licensed products.
Over 125,000 instant-win prizes will be awarded including Batman action figures from Hasbro; “Batman Beyond: The Movie” videos from Warner Home Video; Batman soundtracks from Rhino; Batman comic books from DC Comics; DVD players from Zenith; and hand-held video game players featuring a Batman video game from Kemco.
Warner Bros. will support promotions at the point-of-purchase with full-size standees, counter cards, posters, shelf talkers, end-cap headers and blade signs.
Franklin And The Green Knight’ Video Launched
USA Home Entertainment is bringing “Franklin and the Green Knight” to VHS and DVD this fall.
USA Home Entertainment has established promotional alliances with Radisson Hotels nationwide, offering consumers the opportunity to buy one night and get one free at any Radisson with the purchase of the Franklin and the Green Knight video. USA has also teamed up with Kidpower, producers of the Franklin talking plush toy, to promote both the plush toy and the video through national TV spots.
Sears will feature Franklin boutiques, carrying Franklin apparel, home furnishings, toys and videos at over 850 Sears stores nationwide. Applebee’s restaurants nationwide will supply children with a tablemat and tumbler that will highlight the Franklin video.
Casio Displays In-Car Video Entertainment System
Casio wanted to display its in-car Video Entertainment System to help consumers understand the product, while building excitement and generating sales.
Display Technologies, College Point, NY, produced a high-tech counter display, which replicates the interior of an automobile. Full-color silk screened graphics recreate the driver’s seat, the road ahead, the rear-view mirror and dashboard.
The display accommodates an LCD television monitor that can be attached to the passenger seat’s headrest with mounting brackets. Bold, graphics of a second TV monitor simulate how it can be placed on the center console, as an alternative location. The Casio video cassette player slips under the passenger’s seat and is in full-view for consumers to see. With a power converter, these units can be operating in-store for a truly dramatic display. The display ships completely assembled; the retailer needs only to add the Casio components.
Tower Records Selects Liquid Audio Kiosks For Creating CustomCDs
Tower Records has selected Liquid Audio, Inc., Redwood City, CA, to supply kiosk solutions for its retail stores. Through the Liquid Kiosk Network, Tower Records customers can now preview and purchase music and create custom CDs from digital music kiosks right in the store.
“Tower chose Liquid Audio as their digital music technology provider for this launch because they have confidence in our ability to deliver a true click ‘n’ mortar approach to music retail technology and distribution,” said Paul Melnychuck, V.P., Business Development at Liquid Audio.
The Liquid Kiosk Network solution includes consumer Kiosk Stations, a Cashier Station, a CD Factory and Liquid Server. The consumer Kiosk Stations include a user-friendly touch screen interface that allows music fans to browse virtual music inventory, listen to previews and make music selections.
Gateway Country Stores Aim To Change America’s Relationship With Technology
Gateway Inc. has launched a massive, grass roots initiative to help consumers and businesses get more real-world use and less frustration out of technology. The company’s Gateway Country stores will conduct a community-by-community effort to teach people how to get more out of their PC with new offerings including: free weekly clinics in all Gateway Country stores, “Ask-a-Tech” sessions in all stores, training classes, Gateway Technology Ambassadors conducting free mobile clinics, and in-store advice sessions.
“We think it’s overdue that someone in the technology industry take the time to show people how technology advancements can benefit them,” said Jeff Weitzen, Gateway CEO. “So we’re launching a comprehensive initiative to do just that, with our Gateway Country stores serving as technology community centers and providing a range of training options.”
Hollywood Video Opens Library Of Free Movies
Hollywood Video is opening its doors to a new library of hundreds of free kids rental titles, available to families with kids of all ages. The new library features children’s-oriented titles from studios and networks including Disney, Fox, Jim Henson, Nickelodeon and Paramount. Hollywood Video is making these free titles available to all customers, on a first-come-first-serve basis, for their customary five-day rental. Customers are allowed one free rental at a time with no purchase necessary.
“Family entertainment has always been a cornerstone for our business,” said Jeff Yapp, President and COO, Hollywood Entertainment Corporation. “We’re a family-oriented retailer and we strive to contribute in some significant way to our local communities.”
Disney And Hasbro Announce Long-Term Corporate Alliance
The Walt Disney Co. and Hasbro Inc. have announced a broad multi-year corporate alliance encompassing the licensing of Disney film and television properties, and an array of creative initiatives at Disney’s theme parks and resorts.
Hasbro will have the right to develop and market toys and games associated with upcoming Disney-branded film properties, beginning with Monsters, Inc., a Disney/Pixar animated feature film scheduled for release in fall 2001. In addition, Hasbro will become the Official Toy and Game Company for Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.
PDA Sales Are Taking Off
Sales of personal digital assistants (PDAs) through the first half of 2000 equaled sales for all of 1999, suggesting that PDA sales will more than likely double by the end of year 2000, according to NPD Intelect Market Tracking, Port Washington, NY. Total dollar sales of PDAs reached $436.5 million in 1999, while in the first half of 2000, total dollar sales approached $406.9 million.
Also boding well for strong PDA growth is a slew of new products designed to appeal to new audiences. “Initially PDA products were targeted to professionals, tech savvy consumers and men,” said Lisa Schmidt, NPD Manager of Technology Products. “Today companies such as Handspring with its colorful Visors, Palm with its affordable M series and new Claudia Schiffer Palm, and Sony with its upcoming PDA line should open up the largely untapped, young consumer and female market.”
Nintendo GAMECUBE Console And Portable Game Boy Advance Debut
Nintendo will simultaneously introduce the Nintendo GAMECUBE console and the portable Nintendo Game Boy Advance systems.
Game Boy Advance is powered by a 32-bit processor. Its screen size increases by 50%, and screen resolution is up 60%. Its processor runs 17 times faster than that of the Game Boy Color. A special cable, allows up to four machines to be linked for full, four-player action.
Nintendo GAMECUBE sets new technical standards in a compact (6”x6”x4.3”) transportable housing.
Intel Debuts PC Camera
Intel Corp. is introducing the PC camera to offer users the capability to shoot Internet-ready photos and record video at and away from the PC. The package comes with a software suite so that when the digital PC Camera is reattached to its PC, consumers can make video phone calls, create personal Web pages, send e-mail postcards, create PC movies, edit photos and play PC Camera games.
Nokia Applies Interactive Feel To Phone Games
Wireless phone manufacturer Nokia has introduced the Nokia 3310, its first physically interactive and most fun cell phones with interactive tactile technology that allows vibrations to enhance mobile gaming.
The new vibra feature makes the phone vibrate at critical moments in gameplay - so you’ll know when you’ve been blasted by aliens in the Space Impact game, or when you hit the walls in Snake II.
Handspring Introduces VisorPhone
Handspring, Inc. has introduced the VisorPhone Springboard expansion module, combining voice communications with the Visor handheld computer. VisorPhone snaps into the Springboard expansion slot on any Visor handheld computer so people can use Visor to make and receive phone calls.
VisorPhone creates a single integrated product for voice and handheld computing needs.
New Compaq iPAQ Line
Compaq Computer has unveiled a line of Compaq iPAQ products and services, which expand Internet access. The iPAQ Personal Audio Player, offers one-button access through a personal computer to the iCAST music and entertainment web site; the iPAQ Home Internet Appliance, offers instant Web access provided by MSN Web Comparison service; the iPAQ Connection Point provides high-speed Internet access with wireless freedom, flexible home networking, and security services.
VTech Debuts PDA For Pre-Teens
VTech has developed Phusion, a personal digital assistant (PDA) created especially for pre-teens. The first PC-connected organizer designer for kids ages 9 years and up, Phusion offers a built-in digital camera as well as a variety of organizational tools that help teens organize their hectic schedules. Phusion can be placed on its docking cradle where images can be downloaded to a PC to edit, print or share on the Internet.
Sony Offers New PlayStation Console
Sony Computer Entertainment has introduced its newly-designed, compact version of the PlayStation game console, branded PS one. Incorporating the same functions as the original existing product, PS one is one-third the size, enabling consumers to comfortably carry the system.
Mazda Traffic Jams Sweepstakes Launched With In-Store And Mall Displays
Consumers can win a Mazda Tribute filled with CDs, PlayStation game consoles and Driver 2 PlayStation games by entering the Mazda-Traffic Jams Sweepstakes, a new multi-million dollar cross-promotion facilitated by EMI Music Distribution with Mazda Motors of America, Trans World Entertainment and Driver 2 by Infrogrames, Inc.
Mazda-Traffic Jams Sweepstakes are available at all 955 Trans World music locations. Trans World is also showcasing the new Mazda Tribute in 30 malls across the U.S.
EMI, which is administering the sweepstakes, worked with Trans World to create point-of-purchase awareness in stores and construct Web site linkage among all the participants including hollywoodandvine.com (Capitol Records), TWEC.com, Mazda.com and Infrogrames.com.
Disney Featuring ‘Big Rig’ Mobile Showroom
Disney Interactive is taking learning on the road with the Disney Big Rig, an eighteen-wheeler truck and state-of-the-art mobile showroom. This traveling exhibition will bring the company’s Active Learning-based software titles to children and families.
Disney Interactive is supporting the Big Rig with advertising in each of the cities the mobile showroom visits.
With flexible shelving units, a glow-in-the-dark ceiling and three “pop-outs” for further expansion, the traveling exhibition will let kids and parents experience firsthand the depth, creativity and learning benefits of each CD-ROM in a cool and fun Disney-themed environment.
Lobby Plasma Display Offers Ad Opportunity
Captain’s Management Corp., (also known as Kiosk Solutions and Management, Inc. or KSMI), has entered into an agreement with Malco Theatres, for the deployment of KSMI’s Plasma Wall Dynamic Display coupled with an interactive station.
The multi-media content displayed in each of the panels of the Dynamic Displays will include: film “trailers,” “loyalty program” information, and ads.
For more information, contact David Lott, Captain’s Management Corp., (Tel) 901-854-3574.
Gaming Vehicle Demos PlayStation 2
Sony Computer Entertainment has launched the PlayStation 2 Touring Attraction, a 68-foot custom tractor-trailer, which will provide fans the first opportunity for an exclusive, hands-on experience with the new computer entertainment system to be released this fall.
Inside the trailer environment, more than 60 participants at a time can play yet-to-be released PlayStation 2 game titles. For head-to-head competition, the vehicle’s layout converts into a championship arena where players can compete on an 80-inch big screen. Additionally, there are four 40-inch screens and 26 20-inch screens.
“The revolutionary gameplay of the PlayStation 2 is best understood when experiencing the system first hand,” said Andrew House, V.P., Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment. “The PlayStation 2 Touring Attraction allows our consumers to be among the very first to sample the product.”
Clearr Corporation offers its Luminaire Ultra permanent backlit displays and Luminaire Ultra II for narrow-profile backlit displays, which are available form stock in size 16x20, 24x36 and 30x40. Luminaire Ultra has set the industry standard for illumination factors, functionality and cost/benefit ratio. Indoor and outdoor models both single-and double-sided are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors and finishes. Luminaire Ultra II's sleek styling minimizes fixture awareness, drawing attention to the brilliantly illuminated graphics. Contemporary round corners are available along with square mitered corners. For more information, contact Clearr Corporation, 3750 Williston Road, Minnetonka, MN 55345.
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