AT&T Launches Interactive Display Program
AT&T's new digital retail program keeps shoppers and customers “in-the-know” about AT&T Products. The objective was to assist with sell through of AT&T’s DSL and Uverse products.
A permanent kiosk was developed with 27" flat screen monitor, 15" touch screen monitor, integrated keyboard, concealed pc with internet connection and interchangeable graphics.
The AT&T EMS Interactive Display Program was launched at AT&T retail locations throughout the U.S. and was created by Performance Rettail Marketing, Bensenville, IL.
Qwest Launches Interactive Retail Kiosks
Qwest Communications has launched a new generation of interactive retail kiosks. Qwest has unveiled kiosks in shopping centers in Colorado, Iowa, North Dakota, Washington and Arizona, with plans to open additional locations across the company’s 14-state region.
All of the residential and small-business products that Qwest offers, including voice services, Qwest high-speed and fiber-optic Internet services, Verizon Wireless service and DIRECTV® service, are available at the Qwest kiosks, but the goal of Qwest’s new retail strategy is to let consumers experience the very broad set of products and services Qwest offers, and see how these services can be mixed and matched to suit their lifestyles.
Jim Vogel, V.P. at Qwest, said, “The Qwest kiosks show consumers how the right mix of products and services available through Qwest - high-speed Internet, Verizon Wireless, video and voice - can work together.”
Walmart 'Rock Again AC/DC Store' Launches New Album
AC/DC has joined forces with Walmart for the exclusive sale of Black Ice -- AC/DC's first album in eight years, at all Walmart stores and Sam's Club locations. The band’s AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band(R) Track Pack(TM) video game, will also be sold exclusively by Walmart and Sam’s Club.
Tying into the retail launch of Black Ice, Columbia Records and Walmart plan to give fans even more access to this legendary band. In each of its 3,500 Walmart stores, Walmart created a “Rock Again AC/DC Store” within the store. While the new $11.88 Black Ice CD album holds centerstage, it will be surrounded by new AC/DC apparel, DVDs, past albums, games, and even a social gaming station for fans to try out their rock-n-roll skills on Rock Band.
Walmart also dispatched interactive Black Ice trucks on the streets of New York City and Los Angeles tying into the albums release. Making new stops each day, the trucks fill the air with AC/DC music, and allow players to demo the new AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band(R) Track Pack game on the truck's back stage.
“We've turned up the volume to support what we know is one of this year’s most awaited albums from one of the world's most popular bands,” said Gary Severson, Wal-Mart’s Senior Vice President of Entertainment. “This is the first time in our history where we’ve taken such a large area within our store to celebrate a legendary band, and we invite fans of all ages to come out with us and get ready to rock.”
HP Experience Stores Merge Technology & Lifestyle Interests
HP has introduced the new HP Experience that will make it easier for consumers to find, compare, learn about and purchase products and solutions.
Key store highlights include: improved store layout, interactive demos and a clutter-free environment.
Experience Zones for Mobility, Digital Entertainment, Digital Photography and Gaming provide enjoyable, tailored experiences, making it easy for consumers to find, compare and interact with the appropriate HP technology for specific lifestyles and interests.
The HP Alternate Experience Centers will cater to the lifestyles of distinct customer segments - women, youth and families, by taking HP technology to locations where these key audiences shop and play.
Kodak Creates KODAK EXPRESS Experiential Store
Eastman Kodak Co. has unveiled its new “KODAK EXPRESS Experiential Store” design.
The Experiential Store enables participating KEX store owners to offer their consumers a photo-centric shopping experience, rather than just photo services transactions.
John Culverhouse, Marketing Director, Retail Printing Solutions, Eastman Kodak Co., said, “Our Experiential Store redesign, better positions photo retailers to create these environments. These environments leverage the trusted Kodak brand and comprise quality products that fulfill consumers’ needs, and an aesthetic that inspires consumers to do more with their pictures.”
The Experiential Store leverages a broad portfolio of products for 26,000 KEX store locations worldwide. The result is a clean, bright store divided into four retail areas (Shoot It. Create It. Print It. Display It.).
PopCap Games Displays Bejewled Twist
PopCap Games is displaying its latest hit PC game Bejeweled Twist(TM) at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Target, among other retail chains.
With marketing and point-of-sale support and packaging with production values unprecedented for a casual game title, Bejeweled Twist is poised to quickly usurp its predecessor Bejeweled® 2.
“Support for PopCap products at retail is at an all-time high and continues to grow, with our games currently being carried in over 20,000 retail locations in North America,” said Glenn Drover, Director, Retail Sales.
P.O.P. materials include end caps, half-pallets and temporary corrugated displays.
aVinci Media Displays Photo Movie Software
aVinci Media Corp. is displaying its aVinci® Studio Photo DVD kits in Walgreens stores across the U.S.
Chett Paulsen, aVinci’s CEO, said, “Walgreens customers will be able to buy our DVD kit and use their home computers to create compelling full motion productions, complete with fully licensed popular music that they can view on any television or personal computer with a DVD player.”
The aVinci® Studio Photo DVD kits will be on display in the photo departments of Walgreens stores. Each kit comes with nine different “movie” themes for customers to choose from, including All Occasion, Wedding, Baby, Achievement, and Vacation, to name a few with additional seasonal titles available for download online. The kits include a finished professional quality DVD production that is mailed directly to the end customer.
Z-Wave Display Brings Green Home Solutions To Fry’s
The Z-Wave-based home management solutions are now available in Fry’s stores across the nation, making it the first retailer nationwide to offer affordable energy savings for the whole home.
Yan Rodriguez, Director, Home Networking & Access with Wayne-Dalton, one of the members of the Z-Wave Alliance, said, “Our offerings at Fry’s will provide consumers with easy to install wireless products that can solve real challenges for today’s busy homeowner including energy conservation, enhanced safety and security, and remote home management from a PC or cell phone, to name a few.”
The Z-Wave display will feature products from three Z-Wave Alliance members -- Wayne-Dalton, Hawking Technologies and GE -- to provide a one-stop shopping resource for Z-Wave-enabled home automation and control solutions.
ooma Expands Retail Presence With New Displays
ooma, Inc. announced that its ooma home phone system that provides free home phone service will now be displayed at leading consumer electronics stores across the country including Best Buy, Datavision, Fry’s Electronics, Micro Center and J&R.
“We are pleased to offer consumers more retail outlets to purchase an ooma home phone system,” said Aaron Duran, V.P., Retail Sales, ooma.
An ooma system consists of the ooma Hub™ connected to a broadband connection and an existing home phone. The ooma Scout device extends the benefits of the ooma system to additional phone jacks in the home.
Pioneer Opens U.S. Retail Store In Phoenix
Pioneer Electronics has opened the doors to its second U.S. store in Phoenix, AZ. The 3,200 sq. ft. store showcases Pioneer’s state-of-the-art products in a comfortable home environment with six vignettes, each featuring unique themes and different technologies, as well as a revamped mobile electronics section bringing an interactive shopping experience to patrons.
“Building upon the immense success of our flagship store in Orange County, CA, Pioneer’s Phoenix store breathes new life into the traditional shopping experience offering enhanced services previously unavailable to customers, helping them build a direct relationship with Pioneer,” said Jeff Hagg, National Retail Manager of Pioneer Stores. “By opening this dialogue with consumers, we can provide specific feedback regarding their interests and needs to product planners and engineers, aiding in the development of new products.”
Verizon Wireless Stores Display New BlackBerry Storm
Verizon Wireless Communications Stores are featuring the new BlackBerry(R) Storm(TM) on display, available exclusively in the U.S. from Verizon Wireless.
The world’s first “clickable” touch screen BlackBerry has been reported to be selling quickly at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores for $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.
Suunto Interactive Display Offers Wrist-top
Computer Watches
Suunto USA wanted an interactive in-store display for its sophisticated wrist-top watches.
Suunto used the VideoFlyer 064 solid state media player from Digital View, Morgan Hill, CA. The VideoFlyer 064 provides a 6.4" TFT panel with full motion MPEG video and an 8-segment touch screen with programmable playback that mounts on top of the rear panel of the watch display.
The customer can watch the Suunto company video or go right to “Which wrist-top computer is right for you?” and learn which model has the features they’re looking for.
KURO Retail Environments Open Nationwide
This store-in-store, brand building environment was recently designed to showcase Pioneer’s high-end KURO plasma screen.
Drawing inspiration from the brand itself (KURO means black in Japanese) the environment combines an intense color palette with sleek, modern ambiance. Dramatic halo lighting showcases the KURO products against brilliant polished surfaces-an effect which expands the perceived size of the room. Sharp-edged, glossy-black fixtures define the space and underscore the product's premium quality.
“We designed and built the environments to reflect the dramatic Intensity of the KURO product, to articulate its advanced technology and to draw the quality driven customer that Pioneer’s marketing team targets,” said Rob Murphy, chief marketing officer of MC², a Chestnut Ridge, NY-based experiential marketing agency.
Virgin Megastores Launch ‘Beatles Boutiques’
Virgin Megastores are teaming with Signatures Network to help celebrate the Beatles by creating Beatles Boutiques in all of the chain's U.S. stores. The Boutique will offer a comprehensive collection of Beatles apparel, accessories, books, CDs and DVDs in specially designed mini-stores inside all the Virgin Megastores.
“As the premier entertainment lifestyle retailer, Virgin Megastores are the perfect home for a complete Beatles Boutique that will offer exclusive fashion items and Beatles-themed products, as well as a deep collection of music and DVDs,” said Maureen Ferguson Lewis, Divisional Merchandise Manager, Virgin Entertainment Group.
Renewable Choice Energy Launches
‘Green Your Phone’ At Best Buy Stores
Renewable Choice Energy has developed GREEN YOUR PHONE, a first-of its-kind retail product, which enables cell phone users to offset their mobile devices electricity use with wind power. GREEN YOUR PHONE allows sustainability-minded customers to support renewable energy, as the purchase supports the development of wind power projects across the U.S.
Best Buy is the first major retailer to debut this product at 1,000 stores across the nation.
GREEN YOUR PHONE is loaded with 500 kilowatt hours of certified renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset the manufacturing and use of two mobile phones for two years. The product includes two “Offset with Wind Power” decals so customers can display their purchase.
“GREEN YOUR PHONE provides our customers with a tangible way to support renewable energy,” said Scott Moore, Vice President, Marketing, Best Buy Mobile.
7-Eleven Sets Sights To Become
Convenient Destination For Video Games
7-Eleven® stores are introducing a line-up of seven of the top video game titles for sale as well as one of the most comprehensive selection of prepaid gift cards for another growing gaming phenomenon - Massively Multi-player Online Games, or MMOGs.
“Video games aren’t just for kids anymore, and they’re not just sold at big box and game stores either,” said Michael Jester, 7-Eleven Category Manager, Gaming & Electronics. “We can offer consumers a more convenient place to purchase games and accessories. They can reserve their copies and pick them up starting midnight on the release date at locations closer to their homes.” Displayed next to the console games is a broad selection of online game gift cards to make virtual purchases in MMOGs.
BAWLS Guarana Partners With GameFly
BAWLS Guarana, the energy drink choice for video gamers, has launched a partnership with GameFly, the leading online video game rental service. Through this new affiliation, BAWLS will give customers a chance to try GameFly free for 30 days and GameFly users will receive substantial discounts on the purchase of BAWLS Guarana/GameFly co-branded products.
“Partnering with GameFly is a perfect fit for BAWLS Guarana,” said CEO Hoby Buppert. “GameFly's easy-to-navigate site will be a big hit among our customers, the majority of whom are avid gamers.” Sean Spector, GameFly SVP, Bus. Dev. said, “This promotion will allow us to connect with new customers via the on-pack promotion and special one month offer.”
One Million Wireless HDTV Installations
Predicted For 2012, Says ABI Research
We've got wireless phones, wireless Internet and wireless home networks. Next, coming to a living room near you, is wireless high-definition TV. However, the market is still in its “incubation” stage, with fewer than 100,000 devices expected to ship this year. According to a new study from ABI Research, optimistic forecasts point to 2012 as the earliest year for the milestone of one million wireless HDTV installations worldwide.
Wireless will simplify installations and allow more flexibility in positioning TVs. “The initial sweet spot in the market is where wired installation would be difficult or complicated,” said Steve Wilson, Principal Analyst. Some TV manufacturers such as Sharp and Hitachi are targeting buyers with elegant products that come with a wireless connectivity option.
DFC Intelligence Forecasts Video Game Market to Reach $57 Billion in 2009
DFC Intelligence forecasts worldwide video game and interactive entertainment industry revenue to reach $57 billion in 2009. This forecast includes revenue from video game hardware and software, dedicated portable system hardware and software, PC games, and online PC and console games in 25 countries.
With high spending on expensive hardware and a slumping economy, there was some concern that consumers would not have enough money to buy software products. This does not appear to be the case. “Consumer spending on software is at record levels and the game business seems to actually benefit from a recession because games are a relatively cheap form of home entertainment,” said DFC analyst David Cole.
The report forecasts sales for each of the major game platforms. The Nintendo Wii is expected to be the number one selling console system of this generation. “The Wii does not appear to be a fad and it has the chance to be one of the best selling systems of all-time,” said Cole. The Sony PlayStation 3 is expected to equal the Wii in annual software sales by 2012. The Microsoft Xbox 360 remains a leading player in some of the top markets, most notably the U.S. and U.K.
Memorex Launches
Electronics For Women
Memorex has unveiled a strategy to reposition the historic Memorex brand to appeal to the adult female consumer.
Memorex will be shifting its identity to one focused on creating electronics and media tailored to fit the lifestyle of the 25-44 year old woman and every member of her household. Memorex will expand its current product emphasis to include intuitive and stylishly designed home and personal electronics such as Blu-ray Disc players, iPod® accessories and MP3 players.
Winn-Dixie And SONY
Collaborate On MusicPass
Shoppers at Winn-Dixie stores are now putting music in their shopping carts. Under an agreement with SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, customers of the grocer’s 521 stores can purchase the newest form of pre-recorded music that is downloaded to iPods and other digital music players.
The Platinum MusicPass is a credit card-size digital album card that allows consumers to download full-length albums in the form of high-quality MP3 files.
Customizable HP EliteBook Delivers All-Day Power
HP has introduced an unprecedented milestone in mobile computing: up to 24 hours of continuous notebook operation on a single battery charge with the introduction of the HP EliteBook 6930p.
Ted Clark, Sr. V.P. Notebook Global Business Unit, HP, said, “With the HP EliteBook 6930p, customers no longer have to worry about their notebook battery running out before their work day is over.”
Above All Advertising offers Pop Up Tents for in-store and outdoor promotional events, trade shows and other promotional applications. The 100% polyester tops of pop up tents are made of 600 denier, heavy duty polyester that is water resistant, fire retardant and UV protected. The patented aluminum frame is 30% lighter than most steel frames. The Pop-Up tents are highly portable and they set up instantly. For more information, contact Above All Advertising, 9080 Activity Rd, San Diego, CA 92126; (Tel.) 866-552-263; (Fax) 858-777-3537; (Web Site) www.abovealladvertising.com.
Se-Kure Controls offers the Vantage I & II for securing electronic product displays. With its Button Control System, each department can be programmed so that only the designated sales associates can turn on or off the desired products. From Cell Phones to Cameras and MP3 Players, the new Vantage™ can handle the entire Electronics Display. Features include: Totally Self-Contained Alarm w/Power, Color Coordinated, Auto Centering, Power Pass-Thru, Stand Heights: 4" to 10". Advantages include: Every Location Programmable, Unique Color Changeability, Cost Effective, and Minimal Installation. For more information, contact Se-Kure Controls, Inc., 3714 Runge Street, Franklin Park, IL 60131; (Tel) 847-288-1111; (Web) www.se-kure.com.
DAC Products offers a modular Electronic Merchandising System. Its modular system works in concert to create a visual and audio symphony. Wall and floor fixtures accommodate locking universal TV mounts for unlimited merchandising options and security while concealing cables and amps. For more information, contact DAC Products, 625 Montroyal R., Rural Hall, NC 27045; (Tel) 800-431-1982; (Web) www.dacproducts.com.
Customizable HP EliteBook Delivers All-Day Power
The ‘Sprint Brand Experience’ at the Indianapolis Colts’ new Lucas Oil Stadium features digital signage displays mounted throughout the stadium concourse to showcase Sprint’s new handheld devices. Along with traditional digital signage, a unique 3D experience allows Sprint to provide an interactive football simulation game in which fans become the quarterback in a virtual Colts game.
“The Sprint Brand Experience incorporates advanced 3D gesture recognition solutions to create an immersive video game type experience,” said Steve Birke, CEO of Wireless Ronin Technologies, which implemented its RoninCast digital signage solution for Sprint.
JVC Unveils LED
Billboard In New York’s Times Square
JVC has unveiled a new LED billboard that is the first true 720p high definition display in New York’s Times Square.
The new billboard features three LED displays -- the main screen and two “tickers,” including one that encircles the globe.
The JVC LED billboard was manufactured by Clear Channel Spectacolor using the following vendors: D3 LED LLC (LED display manufacturer), ArtFX Murals (hand-painted the JVC globe.)
JVC has maintained a continuous presence in Times Square since 1979.
Dr Pepper Conducts Promotion With
Major League Gaming
Dr Pepper and Major League Gaming (MLG), the professional video game league, will launch a nationwide promotion where every 20 ounce bottle sold is a winner, supported by an online content experience built around the #1 team in MLG, Str8 Rippin.
“We’re excited about giving Dr Pepper consumers access to Str8 Rippin and a chance to interact with Major League Gaming,” said Terry Hockens, Brand Manager, Dr Pepper.
There will be 175 million Dr Pepper and Diet Dr Pepper 20-oz bottles featuring MLG star, Tom ‘Tsquared’ Taylor.
Walt Disney Parks And Verizon Bring Mobile Magic To U.S. Parks
Walt Disney Parks And Verizon Bring Mobile Magic To U.S. Parks
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones.
Guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort. An exclusive mobile application will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; and receive messages from characters.
John Harrobin, Sr., V.P., Digital Marketing for Verizon, said, “Now guests with Verizon Wireless service will unlock even more magic from their visit with instant access to key information.”
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