Sprint ION Service Featured At In-Store Kiosks
Sprint has begun marketing its integrated communications system, Sprint ION, to residential and small business customers. Sprint ION provides integrated local and long-distance voice services, multiple phone lines, advanced calling features (like Caller ID), high-speed Internet access and customer-controllable features over a single connection to the home or business.
Sprint has set up retail kiosks to demonstrate Sprint ION features in Sprint PCS and CompUSA stores.
“With Sprint ION, consumers are able to conduct multiple phone calls, receive faxes, run advanced applications like videoconferencing and use the Internet at speeds up to 100 times faster than they can with conventional modems,” said Len Lauer, President of Sprint’s Consumer Services Group. Larry Mondry, Exec. V.P., Merchandising, CompUSA, said, “The ability to present a Sprint ION allows us to continue to be a total solutions provider.”
Nickelodean Magazine Offers Retailers “Got Milk?” Display
Nickelodean Magazine recently offered grocery retailers around the nation this two-sided corrugated floorstand.
This “Got Milk?” display offers a Free Special-Edition Nickelodean Magazine free with the purchase of 2 gallons of milk.
The base and tray of the display is flexographically printed and U.V. coated. The display header is a 4-color, 4-sided litho-laminate.
The display holds 300 magazines, with a weight of 95 lbs. The unit is shipped pre-packed.
This promotion was developed for Nickelodean by McCracken Brooks Communications of Minneapolis.
The display was created by Meridian Display & Merchandising of St. Paul, MN.
Warner Home Video Promotes “The Iron Giant’
Warner Home Video is presenting the video and DVD release of “The Iron Giant,” backed by widespread promotional support and in-store merchandisers.
“The Iron Giant” will be promoted via a $2.00 coupon for the video and an Iron Giant trading card distributed in theaters nationwide. In addition, General Mills will feature The Iron Giant on 4 million boxes of Honey Nut Cheerios with a $3 rebate offer and mail-in offer of an Iron Giant watch. Cartoon Network is offering kids the chance to be winners of up to $10,000 in cool prizes including TrendMaster toys from The Iron Giant and a collection of movies from Warner Bros. Home Video. Additionally, 500 first prize winners will receive The Iron Giant on video. Parents will have the chance to win Chevy Venture WB edition mini-vans through an on-line AOL promotion. Kids can log on and decorate a Chevy Ventura WB edition mini-van with art from The Iron Giant. The best design will win the van filled with toys.
Stardust Classics Featured In Versatile Display
Stardust Classics, the new book series for girls ages 7-12, is being displayed in this attractive, multi-season merchandiser.
This display is shipped complete with 39 softcover Stardust Classics books. The display can be used as a countertop or a bookshelf display or the optional pedestal can be added for a sturdy, stand-alone unit holding up to 54 Stardust Classics books.
Girls will be thrilled to read about the young heroines whose adventures fill the pages of the series. New this fall is Book Four Adventures, the latest addition to the series as well as Holiday Boxed Sets for the gift-giving season.
Humongous & NFL Promote Backyard Football
Humongous Entertainment has joined forces with the National Football League to promote Backyard Football, the newest addition to its popular sports CD-ROM series for kids.
Humongous Entertainment and the NFL joined forces for a Super Bowl promotion. Fans could register to win a trip for two to Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta by playing an instant win scratch ticket inserted into copies of Family Fun, Sports Illustrated For Kids, and Family PC. Two runners up will receive authentic San Francisco 49er helmets, signed by Steve Young. Five hundred second-place contestants will be awarded copies of Backyard Baseball and Backyard Soccer. Everyone who participates in the sweepstakes will receive $5 off the purchase of Backyard Football.
In-store displays are supporting the launch of Backyard Football.
NBA And Turner Run Joint Promotion
The NBA and Turner Broadcasting have joined forces to conduct a fully integrated marketing campaign.
With a fan sweepstakes as its centerpiece, the promotion will be supported through TV and print ads, and retail displays. The sweepstakes offers five grand prizes that take fans “Inside the NBA” with two tickets to a regular season game telecast on TNT or TBS, air travel, hotel, and special VIP access at the game.
The phone number for sweepstakes entry will be prominently featured at NBA center aisle displays at Kmart stores nationwide. Along with a variety of POS elements, the displays will include merchandise from NBA licensees Huffy Sports, Spalding, Topps and USA Home Entertainment as well as products from NBA sponsors Coca-Cola, Nestle and Sony PlayStation.
Ken Derrett, Sr. V.P., NBA Marketing Partnerships, said “We have developed a winning promotion that will grab the attention of fans.
Widex Displays Senso Plus Hearing Aid
Widex chose to present its Senso Plus brochure in an ultra sleek setting that reflects the state of the art technology associated with its high end Senso Plus 100% digital hearing aid.
The desired results were achieved by combining a screened brushed aluminum facia to a gloss black vinyl clad MDF frame yielding a striking geometric configuration.
Custom machined aluminum accessories complete the futuristic look.
The Senso Plus Hearing Aid brochure display was designed and produced by The Display Link Inc., Babylon, NY.
Sony/Sprint Feature Counter Display
This Sony/Sprint Counter Display was designed to support Sony brand cellular telephones and provide exposure for its cellular partner, Sprint. The unit was manufactured using materials that convey an upscale look.
The light gray frosted acrylic riser features a prominent Sony logo printed, white on a black gloss vacuum formed bar. Four graphic panels are held in place by clear extruded channels. Each graphic panel is easily removed to facilitate future updates and allow Sony to customize graphics by region. A metallic vacuum formed shelf above the base accepts up to three cellular phones. Each phone is secured to the unit by a retractor cord that allows the consumer to handle the phones, yet discourages theft.
This display was created by Thomson-Leeds Co., New York City.
Microsoft & RadioShack Form Alliance
Microsoft Corp. and RadioShack, have formed a strategic alliance that should accelerate the adoption of Web technologies and consumer connections to the Internet as well as develop new customers for both companies. Under the five year agreement, the companies will establish a Microsoft “store within a store” in as many as 7,000 RadioShack locations across the nation. Customers will be able to see demonstrations of and sign up for MSN dial-up or broadband Internet access.
The purpose of the alliance is to accelerate the adoption rate of narrowband and broadband Internet access using Microsoft products and services, as well as those from Microsoft partners. Accordingly, Microsoft will join RadioShack’s other strategic partners who have also set up a “store” inside RadioShack. This retail presence, as well as the presence of Microsoft products and services in other sections of the RadioShack store, will showcase a broad range of solutions and services based on Microsoft technologies.
Both companies will jointly fund a consumer marketing launch. Microsoft will also fund the initial store fixturing, in addition to updates to the Microsoft “store within a store.”
Nickelodeon & Gateway Team For Branded Computers And Theatrical Tour
A new multi-year alliance between Nickelodeon and Gateway creates specially-branded computers designed for kids. Rugrats and Blues Clues will be featured on specially-branded versions of the Gateway Astro PC.
In addition, the agreement includes Gateway sponsorship of Blue’s Clues Live, the network’s musical tour for preschoolers and the 2000 Kids Choice Awards on Nickelodeon; Gateway-sponsored on-air computer tips to be produced by Nickelodeon; featured Nickelodeon presence in all Gateway Country stores; and advertising by Gateway on Nickelodeon, Nick at Nite, Nickelodeon magazine and on Nick.com.
Jeff Dunn,, Nickelodeon COO, said, “Gateway recognizes the power of the Nickelodeon brand and the power of kids influence on computer buying decisions. Through this alliance, Gateway joins us in creating a product line that not only appeals to kids, but empowers them.”
Time Warner Media Break Debuts At Warner Bros. Flagship Studio Store
To showcase the breadth of Time Warner brands, Warner Bros. Studio Stores has opened the first Time Warner Media Break, an interactive media experience, at its flagship Studio Store in New York City.
Highlights of the Time Warner Media Break include listening stations where visitors are able to sample tracks from current CD releases, as well as internet access stations. Flat screen TVs and listening domes showcase the world of home video from HBO films, Warner Bros., TBS, New Line, and others. A newsstand area stocks Time Warner books, magazines, DC Comics, and gift books along with the Time Life series. Overhead, a blue LED reader board will flash up-to-the-minute news wired in via CNN Headline News. A children’s area features a large oversized television showing programming from the Kids WB! and Cartoon Network. There is also a large selection of juvenile books, interactive titles and movies.
Sam Goody Teams With SFX For Concert/Store/Internet Promotion
Sam Goody is offering a free 15-song CD featuring up-and-coming bands. The CD giveaway is part of a partnership between Sam Goody and SFX Entertainment that will use concert venues, in-store promotions and the Internet to promote new music.
“This promotion pulls together the worlds of e-commerce, retail stores and concerts to create an all-encompassing program,” said Archie Benike, V.P., Loyalty and Partner Programs for Musicland Stores. “By connecting our relationship with live music fans to Sam Goody’s in-store and online presence, we can offer these artists a significant boost in business,” said Steve Smith, President, SFX Network Group.
Boundless Launches iBrow
Boundless Technologies, Hauppauge, NY, has introduced iBrow, a new internet appliance. iBrow provides users with a better way to go online without the hassles associated with a personal computer.
“Boundless will become a premier Internet appliance enabler in the year ahead as most people shed the association of a PC as the standard means for accessing and using the Internet,” said J. Gerald Combs, Chairman, Boundless Corp.
General Mills Introduces Pokemon Punch Red Rolls
General Mills has introduced Pokemon Punch Red Rolls, new fruit snacks licensed by Nintendo that celebrate Pokemon. Each box of Pokemon Rolls will include one of five Pokemon trading game cards for a limited time.
“In order to keep our fruit snacks fun and entertaining, we love to work with equities that are hot with kids,” said Jonathan Yusen, General Mills Marketing Manager, Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks.
Columbia TriStar Runs ‘Champagne’ Celebration Sweepstakes Promotion
Columbia TriStar Home Video has launched “The Champagne Celebration,” billed as the biggest sweepstakes promotion ever mounted in the home entertainment industry.
The program, tied in with some of the Company’s most popular titles, is designed to give away 2000 prizes every day during the year 2000. Awareness for the promotion will be generated by a year long website promotion, a promo trailer on upcoming CTHV rental titles, custom header cards and various cross promotional partnerships with prize partner web sites. Corporate partners include Radission Hotels, Burger King, Commodore Cruise Vacations, Sony, Kellogg’s, Prodigy Internet Service and Capitol Records.
Every title in the promotion will be stickered with a fold-out insert containing information about the sweepstakes and a unique PIN number.
Humongous Launches SPY Fox Sweepstakes
Humongous Entertainment has released the CD-ROM, SPY Fox 2: Some Assembly Required with a “See the World With SPY Fox” sweepstakes offering a trip for four to World “EXPO 2000” in Hanover, Germany. Consumers can register to win by sending in an official entry form found at retail displays.
Humongous is also partnering with Loews Cineplex Entertainment. A 6-foot interactive talking standee located in theater lobbies will greet more than 22 million moviegoers during the promotion period.
Ericsson Runs Holiday Promotion
Ericsson recently ran the Ultimate Stocking Stuffer promotion. Retailers could offer consumers a free Ericsson Original Accessory with the purchase of any qualifying Ericsson mobile phone.
Consumers could get their free Ericsson Accessory after mailing the redemption form and proof of purchase to Ericsson. The redemption form is matched with a consumer gift certificate for easy removal from the “real stocking” counter card display. Additional p.o.s. materials included mini case clings and wobblers.
Colorful Floor Display Debuts Teletubbies Video
The Teletubbies bring laughter to children with the release of the newest, exclusive-to-video title, “Big Hug!”. Teletubbies is marketed in the Americas by The itsy bitsy Entertainment Co., a division of Handleman Co.
In-store excitement will be generated by a kid-friendly 48-unit merchandiser with a Big Hug! header card. Merchandisers will also be available in 18-, 24- and 36-piece configurations.
HBO Home Video Displays New ‘Babar’ Video
HBO Home Video is displaying Babar: King Of The Elephants, which is being released with a free on-pack activity book and $4 in savings coupons for Sears Portrait Studios. Babar fans can also enter national consumer sweepstakes for a family trip for four to Disneyland.
Promotional partners for the campaign include Sears Portrait Studio, Applebee’s family restaurants and HBO cable affiliates.
Babar: King Of The Elephants is available in 12 and 24 pack merchandisers.
Sony Promotes Spyro (2): Ripto’s Rage!
Sony Computer Entertainment America is promoting the launch of Spyro (2): Ripto’s Rage!, available exclusively for the PlayStation game console. The “$10,000 Fantasy Vacation” Sweepstakes will award one grand prize winner with a $10,000 travel credit to embark on their dream vacation.
In the Fox Kids Network’s “Rage with Spyro” Sweepstakes, viewers can enter to win the grand prize, a ride around his/her hometown with five friends in a PlayStation branded limousine; the opportunity to host a PlayStation party for their class; a PlayStation console; and 25 PlayStation games.
Sweepstakes contestants can fill out entry forms on the Spyro (2): Ripto’s Rage! point-of-purchase display.
Microsoft Displays Computer Game Accessories
Microsoft is using this modular counter display system to showcase its Sidewinder computer game accessories.
The display system is flexible so retailers can tailor the display to fit their space availability.
This display was created bor Microsoft by Gage In-Store Marketing, a Minneapolis, MN-based promotional services firm.
Warner Home Video Displays Humphrey Bogart Collection’
Although 100 years have gone by since Humphrey Bogart was born, Warner Home Video (WHV) is celebrating this great movie legend by releasing 18 Bogey classics on VHS in “The Humphrey Bogart Collection,” which will be first available in March at nationwide video outlets. WHV is also introducing three Bogey classics on DVD: a Special Edition of “The Maltese Falcon,” “The Big Sleep,” which contains the 1945 pre-release version and the 1946 theatrical version on one disc and “Key Largo.”
Available concurrently with the new DVDs and The Bogart Collection is the Special Edition DVD of the most quintessential of Bogart Films; “Casablanca.” Among the highlights of The Humphrey Bogart Collection is the “Bogart/Bacall 4-Pack,” available for a limited time only, which includes “The Big Sleep Theatrical Release Version,” “Dark Passage,” “Key Largo,” and “To Have And Have Not” as well as a free bonus documentary, “Bacall On Bogart.”
This floor display merchandises “The Bogart Collection” on VHS under the header “Hollywood Legends.”
Staples Featuring Cell Phone Shelf Display
Staples Canada is using this shelf display to merchandise cell phones. Combining the product offerings of several tele-communication companies, this 24" wide x 16-1/2" deep x 16" high display features 6 different cell-phones. Each phone is tethered to the display by means of a 40" retractable cable which allows the customer to compare the size and feel of the different alternatives. Four 12" wide x 5-1/2" high individual acrylic signholders provide for manufacturer's promotional mini-posters, which can be changed as required.
The unit is constructed from 5/8" mdf board painted a mahogany brown. Phones are cradled in individual silver metallic acrylic holders which are attached to a black expanded metal grid. Product information relating to individual phones is featured directly in front of each phone in a 3"x3" acrylic signholder combined with a 1-1/4" x 3" price ticket channel.
This display was created by Creative Displayworks, a Concord, Ontario-based display firm.
Back to Top
To See previous issues of Creative Consumer-Electronic click here
To See Previous Issues of Online Weekly in Creative's Archives, click here.
To See other Creative Online Newsletters click here
