Sony Electronics Debuts Convergence Retail Display
Sony Electronics has introduced a kiosk that is designed to be a one-stop interactive audio-video and information technology (AV/IT) product focal point in retail stores.
The kiosk, which displays the connectivity of cameras, printers, PCs and camcorders with Memory Stick media and i.LINK, are being featured in more than 700 retail stores across the country.
The sleekly designed blue and metallic display uses compelling imagery, a fast-paced video and Sony’s advertising slogan, “Change The Way You See The World,” to attract consumers to the display and to try digital products.
“With the growth in audio/video convergence products, we saw a need to provide a new way to explain how digital products work together,” said Mark Viken, Senior Vice President for Digital Imaging Marketing at Sony Electronics. “Whether by Memory Stick or other connectivity solutions, helping to show consumers at the store level how imaging, PC and audio products work together will help them embrace digital technologies and give them a new electronics shopping experience.”
The kiosk takes a different approach to displaying products in the retail environment by integrating camcorders, cameras, printers and PCs in one location. The kiosk gives consumers a hands-on opportunity to move digital images or video from a camera or camcorder to a PC, printer or digital photo frame. In the future, the retail display will include a description of Memory Stick audio products.
The kiosk is part of a larger marketing program that includes advertising designed to familiarize consumers with how electronics products share information.
Gibson Showcases Guitars & Accessories On Display Towery
Gibson is using this fixture to showcase its guitars at retail music outlets.
The tower unit prominently displays the guitars in all directions and establishes a strong brand presence for Gibson. It also merchandises guitar strings and other accessories in a minimum of floor space.
This display was created for Gibson by Nashville Display, a Nashville, TN-based display firm specializing in permanent displays and fixtures.
Pokemon Video Launched With Largest Campaign In Warner History
Warner Home Video (WHV) is bringing “Pokemon: The First Movie” to stores, backed by a major promotional campaign offering five Once-In-A-Lifetime Prize Packages.
WHV will insert five special “Golden Tickets” into five randomly selected “Pokemon: The First Movie” VHS packages. Each of the five purchasers who find a Pokemon Golden Ticket will win a first-edition starter set of Team Rocket game cards; a trip for two to Japan; a meeting with Mr. Ishihara, creator of the Pokemon card game; and a $1,000 shopping spree at The Pokemon Center in Japan.
“Every kid in America wants to own this movie,” said Dan Capone, V.P., Marketing, WHV. “The franchise is about to get even bigger with the video-DVD release of the first movie; the summer theatrical release of the second Pokemon movie; and Nintendo’s release of new Pokemon games.”
Nintendo will include an offer for a free “Pokemon Players Stadium Guide” inside every video and will distribute a $3 rebate for the video in Nintendo Pokemon Stadium games. Zenith will offer a $30 rebate on its portable gaming TV with each video/DVD purchase; Heinz Ketchup will run a $5 video rebate and Clorox will feature a free poster offer.
P.o.p. support includes 24-, 36-, 48-, 60- and 96-unit merchandisers.
Merchandiser Displays Universal Family Videos
Universal Studios Home Video is featuring this whimsical Family Fun Center Display to support the release of the animated feature, “An American Tail: The Treasure Of Manhattan Island.”
The eye-catching displays are available in 12-, 18-, 23-, 48- and 96-count merchandisers. Consumers will instantly receive $3 off at register with the purchase of “An American Tail” and other participating Universal or DreamWorks Family Features.
Panasonic Demonstrates DVD With Car Audio Display
Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. was looking for a display that would allow consumers to experience the awesome surround sound and picture quality of DVD. It needed a display that would grab consumers’ attention and allow dealers to demonstrate the DVD system. This DVD Car Audio Display has metal tubing which supports the curve over the customer to envelop the individual within the audio system. The unit is also being used as an educational tool for consumers with permanent technical information on the display, as well as take home brochures.
The Panasonic DVD Car Audio Display was created by Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc. of Grafton, WI.
Green Hill Featuring Compact Interactive Display
Green Hill Productions, Nashville, TN, is offering retailers this space saving 12-title interactive display.
The counter unit, with a cherry wood finish and full-color graphics, makes it easy for customers to sample 12 different recordings. A companion counter spinner holds 96 cds, with a retail value of over $1,200.
The unit is easily updated to accommodate new releases.
High-quality stereo headphones are included with the display.
America Online Announces Alliances With Wal-Mart & Circuit City
America Online has announced a wide-ranging strategic alliance with Wal-Mart to provide the vast majority of Wal-Mart communities with convenient, low-cost access to the Internet. The agreement creates a new co-branded Internet service provider (ISP) and numerous cross-marketing initiatives.
Currently, six out of every 10 towns in which Wal-Mart operates have local Internet access, and the companies have agreed to work together to increase the availability of local Internet acccess to communities that do not now have it available. Wal-Mart will also distribute AOL 5.0 software that includes a convenient link to Wal-Mart’s Internet shopping destination, Wal-Mart.com. As part of the agreement, Wal-Mart will promote both the Wal-Mart/AOL co-branded ISP and the AOL flagship interactive service through advertising as well as in-store promotions.
America Online has also announced a strategic alliance with Circuit City to provide in-store promotion of AOL products and services to Circuit City shoppers nationwide, making AOL Circuit City’s preferred Internet online service, and to feature Circuit City as an anchor tenant in key Shop@ online shopping destinations on several AOL brands.
AOL products and services will be featured in dedicated retail space in Circuit City’s stores nationwide. Circuit City will offer consumers everything they need for home connectivity, including access to the Internet via AOL through narrowband technology and broadband technologies including DSL and satellite, as well as wireless interactive devices.
Borders Selects AltaVista Search Engine To Enhance Shopping Experience
Borders Books and Music has licensed technology from AltaVista Co., the internet search engine, to power its new in-store kiosks. Borders is using the new Title Sleuth kiosks to enhance customers’ shopping experience by effectively searching and locating products in the store as well as throughout its’ online catalog. Customers will be able to walk up to any kiosk to locate books, cd’s and videos in the store or online and check availability and prices.
“Our focus is on enhancing the Borders customer experience that is all about exploration, discovery, and access to information,” said Mary Jean Raab, Sr. V.P., Direct Sales.
Gateway To Operate ‘Store-Within-A-Store’ In OfficeMax Locations
OfficeMax, Inc. and Gateway, Inc. have formed a strategic alliance that allows Gateway to expand dramatically its retail presence in keeping with its innovative country store strategy and gives OfficeMax customers access to Gateway’s world-class technology products, personalized service and support.
Under the agreement, Gateway plans to install Gateway stores inside more than 1,000 OfficeMax stores across the U.S. by the end of the first quarter of 2001. Each Gateway store-within-a-store, which allows small business owners and consumers to experience Gateway technology, will be staffed by Gateway employees and will allow customers to configure built-to-order PCs. As part of the agreement, OfficeMax will phase out its own computer department and OfficeMax.com will be the only office products partner on Gateway.com.
Information Appliance Market To Explode To $17.8 Billion By 2004
The market for information appliances is rapidly taking off, according to new research from IDC, the Framingham, MA-based technology information company. As an ever-broader group of vendors attempt to address the “Post PC Era,” the worldwide market for information appliances will exceed 89 million units, or $17.8 billion, in 2004, up from a market of 11 million units and $2.4 million in 2000.
Bryan Ma, analyst for IDC’s Consumer Devices research program said “Online users want access to services in more locations and situations, while many other consumers desire Internet access without the inherent complexities of PCs. It is clear the PC will not be the only enabling device as both groups find information appliances a solution that can improve their lifestyle and work style.”
Information appliances are an emerging category of consumer electronics that provide low-cost, easy-to-use access to the Internet. These include Internet gaming consoles, NetTVs, Internet smart handheld devices, Web terminals, email terminals and screenphones. IDC forecasts that U.S. unit shipments of consumer information appliances will outnumber those of consumer PCs by 2002.
2000 Will Ring In Record Growth In Consumer Electronic Sales
Sales of consumer electronics products will hit a record $85 billion in 2000, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). This is the 8th consecutive year of growth for the industry. Gary Shapiro, CEA President, said, “We anticipate even further growth as the lines between traditional information technology and consumer electronics products blur.”
The home information category is projected to grow by 6.5% in 2000 with sales of $37 billion. Total PC sales will hit a record $16.8 billion in 2000 with 16.8 million units expected to be sold. Computer peripherals will add another $10 billion in sales to the computer hardware category. PC software will surpass $5.2 billion in sales, a 16% rise from 2000.
Sales of digital cameras hit 2 million units in 2000, up 75% over 1998. This year, unit sales will reach 2.6 million. In 2000, DVD players became the fastest selling electronics product in history, with more than 4 million units sold, up 371% over 1998 sales. CEA projects sales of $1.5 billion in 2000 (6.5 million units). Sales of gaming hardware and software is expected to rise by roughly 16% in 2000.
NPD Issues Digital Camera Study
Nearly 19% of high-end cameras sold in October of 2000 were digital cameras, according to marketing information provider NPD INTELECT, Port Washington, NY. Sales for the category were up significantly over the same period last year, when only 7% of all cameras sold (above $50) were digital. Digital cameras recorded a 52.5% increase in sales over the prior year.
One winner of the growth trend is the camera specialty store, which saw a 122% hike in dollar sales for digitals. Camera specialty stores now capture nearly one-third of total sales dollars for digital cameras.
Digital cameras are changing the face of amateur photography. Nearly half (49%) of digital camera owners use them strictly for personal use: 38% post photos on Web sites; 83% share them via e-mail; and one third create personalized merchandise including greeting cards, invitations and gifts.
Sony Launches ‘AIBO’ Entertainment Robot
Sony Corp. has announced the availability of the “AIBO” entertainment robot, which acts in response to external stimulation and its own judgment.
Aibo actually displays various emotional expressions, and learns by communicating and interacting with people.
Mistic Teams With Hip-Hop Artists
Mistic Brands has teamed up with Def Jam Recordings, to market herbally enhanced flavored natural energy drinks. “The premium beverage industry is all about keeping on top of what’s hot,” said Ken Gilbert, Sr. V. P., Marketing, Mistic. “From music to fashion, hip-hop is setting today’s trends.”
The bottle wraps will feature images and bios of popular Def Jam recording artists.
Fisher-Price Introduces IntelliTable
Fisher-Price, Inc., East Aurora, NY, together with Microsoft, has developed the IntelliTable, which will allow preschoolers to be exposed to computer applications away from the computer.
The table features three detachable play and learn rings. In the center of each ring is a light-up panel that graphically reinforces the learning in a fun, interactive way. These rings provide three distinct learning activities: basic early learning skills, music, and educational games.
Blaupunkt Introduces Car Navigation System
Robert Bosch Corp. has introduced the Blaupunkt TravelPilot RNS 149, a combination car stereo CD player and car navigation system that can replace a current car stereo.
This system can guide the driver to any town center, street address or intersection in the continental U.S. The CD-ROM geographic data base includes all public roads and a list of specific points of interest, such as hospitals, airports, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, parks, etc.
Energizer e2 Creates New Battery Category
Eveready Battery Co., has launched Energizer e2, a new category of batteries that combines advanced titanium technology and a new cell construction to deliver exceptional power and dependability.
Energizer e2 is being supported by a fully integrated campaign, including completely redesigned packaging and merchandising.
Kerbango Introduces Standalone Internet Radio
Kerbango, Indian Wells, CA, has unveiled a standalone Internet radio. It provides all the features of a typical radio and it also makes it easy to tune-in to the thousands of radio stations around the world broadcasting on the Internet.
The listener no longer has to be near a PC to select and listen to internet audio content.
Bandai And Saban Introduce Interactive Toy
Bandai America and Saban Consumer Products have licensed technology from Microsoft to produce the Interactive Omega Megazord. Saban will encode all episodes of the “Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue” series, which recently debuted on Fox Kids Network. During the broadcast of each episode, new dialogue and sound effects are transmitted to the toy via a base stand connected to the TV, effectively making this a “new” toy each time an episode is watched.
Dr Pepper Mission Control Promtion Is Launched
The Dr Pepper Mission Control promotion, tied to the release of Touchstone Pictures’ “Mission to Mars,” will provide up to 10 grand prize winners the opportunity to experience a trip towards outer space.
Dr Pepper Mission Control offers consumers the opportunity to instantly win one of 10 trips to the edge of space, or one of 15 Kawasaki Prairie 300 all-terrain vehicles, 5,000 Mission to Mars movie CD soundtracks, 10,000 tickets to the movie and 500,000 12-packs of Dr Pepper products. Instant-win prizes will be located behind the lable of specially marked Dr. Pepper bottles and cans.
“This is a spectacular opportunity to experience traveling to the outer reaches of our atmosphere,” said Cindi Clark, Dr Pepper Sr. V.P. Marketing.
Grand prize winners will travel to Russia to ride in a Russian Air Force MiG, capable of reaching an altitude of 80,000 feet.
Merchandising materials includea display spectaculars, pole signs, 3-D shelf extenders, vender and cold vault static clings and rolling rack graphic kits.
HBO And MGM Hotel Commission Mural
As part of a promotional campaign, HBO and the MGM Grand Hotel recently commissioned a 190’ high x 130’ wide, see-through mural of Cher that dramatically wraps one side of the hotel. It is the largest graphic ever installed in Las Vegas.
The see-through window graphics were printed by Las Vegas-based Adera Corp, on CLEAR FOCUS SuperVuew perforated window-graphics film, produced by Clear Focus Imaging, of Santa Rosa, CA; (Web Site) www.clearfocus.com.
Heinz Promotion Offers Rebate For Pokemon Movie
Two Heinz brands are joining together for a promotion featuring an exclusive Pokemon video offer. With the purchase of either Ore-Ida Fried Potatoes or Onion Rings and Heinz Ketchup, consumers will receive a $5 mail-in rebate for a “Pokemon: The First Movie” video or DVD.
“By combining the strong consumer awareness of these brands with the continuing excitement surrounding Pokemon, Heinz is bringing value and attention to store shelves this spring,” said Deborah Ioli, Promotion Specialist for Heinz.
The rebate will be featured through a national FSI, in-store tear pads; static clings and header cards; as well as special Heinz Ketchup Pokemon bottles.
AirTouch & Mills Announce Marketing Alliance
AirTouch Cellular’s has linked with The Mills Corp.’s The Block at Orange shopping center for a unique marketing marriage. With 16 full color back-lit photographic banners on 90-foot stylons and 32 similar images on 30-foot pylons, AirTouch has a high-profile presence throughout The Block.
The Block’s Stylon Partnership Program makes a bold statement in a captive consumer environment.
Sterling Promotional Corp., White Plains, NY, will be showing the patented Lion King Inflatable Chair. It was selected by Disney to accompany the video release of their blockbuster Lion King movie. The chair's bright, colorful graphics and strong construction makes this a super hit with kids of all ages. The chair design has a smooth, wrinkle-free backrest which allows a complete logo or graphics to be reproduced without any distortion. To learn more about this display, contact Steven Linder at POP Marketplace, Booth 8760; or call 914-694-6500.
CDA Industries Inc., Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, will be showing this 3 Com Home Networking End Cap, a display designed to communicate and educate consumers about home networking and also present 3 Com's products. The unit was constructed of die cut Sentra substrate with LED lighting and processed silk screening. To learn more about this display, contact Bob Neilsen, at P.O.P. Marketplace, Booth 8314; or call 416-752-2301.
THE E*TRADE "INTERNET ESSENTIALS" DISPLAY. This display was created for McCracken Brooks Communications. The pre-packed display contains 36 E*Trade Start Up Kits which include start up software and a $100. gift account application. The base and shelf of the display were flexo printed with a UV coating and the header card is four color litho laminate. The display packout and distribution took place within 3 weeks. Created by Meridian Display & Merchandising, 162 York Ave. East, St. Paul, MN 55117. POPAI AWARD ENTRY.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS MEET FRANKENSTEIN. This display was designed to grab the consumer's attention in a highly competitive market, while appealing to the target children's market. The colorful corrugated merchandiser uses the characters in a fun environment, not only as a vehicle for the videos, but as an advertising standee as well. Created by Smurfit-Stone Display Group, 2900 Sprouse Drive, Richmond, VA 23231. POPAI AWARD ENTRY.ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS MEET FRANKENSTEIN. This display was designed to grab the consumer's attention in a highly competitive market, while appealing to the target children's market. The colorful corrugated merchandiser uses the characters in a fun environment, not only as a vehicle for the videos, but as an advertising standee as well. Created by Smurfit-Stone Display Group, 2900 Sprouse Drive, Richmond, VA 23231. POPAI AWARD ENTRY.
GOT MILK? NICKELODEON MAGAZINE DISPLAY. Meridian Display, in conjunction with McCracken Brooks Communications and Nickelodeon Magazine, created this two sided display for distribution to grocery retailers. It features Special-Edition Nickelodeon Magazine, which is free with the purchase of 2 gallons of milk. The unit is corrugated with U.V coated, flexo printed base and tray. It holds 300 magazines weighs 95 lbs. Created by Meridian Display & Merchandising, 162 York Ave. East, St. Paul, MN 55117. POPAI AWARD ENTRY.
Nintendo of America Video Game Cabinet
Nintendo of America, Inc. wanted a dedicated secure space for calling attention to and merchandising Nintendo N64 Video games. The video game cabinet highlights the colorful graphics on game packaging and promotes "hit" games with full motion and sound. The video cabinet was placed in K-B Toy Stores and offers glass locking cabinet doors, back-lit illuminated header graphics and a customized color television as a video disc player that promotes the latest trailers of new games. The Nintendo of America Video Game Cabinet was created by Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc., 1975 Wisconsin Avenue, Grafton, WI 53024.
Golden Books Rotating Floor Display
Golden Books wanted a versatile display to merchandise children's books and workbooks with full-facing exposure in a minimum amount of floor area. The design features injection-molded 2 inch slatwall for maximum flexibility. Injection-molded trays provide product protection and reliance against the bumps and hits a children's display is subjected to. The colorful displays were enthusiastically received at retail. The versatile unit permitted the publisher to custom-tailor a wider variety of books to specific markets. The Golden Books Rotating Floor Display was created by Display Products N.A. Inc., 31 Old Dock Road, Yaphank, New York 11980.
Sennheiser Headphones Merchandising Display
Sennheiser Headphones are being merchandised in this permanent fixture in upscale electronic and audio retailers. The design fits well in store environments and is also functional as consumers can test the headphones easily from the display. Fluorescent lights illuminate the silk-screened styrene graphic panel and the metal arms allow for easy access to the product. The unit contains an audio-cord retraction system inside which helps maintain the display's neat and tidy appearance. Electronic devices manage the sample Compact Disc audio. The display ships efficiently with minimal set-up. The Sennheiser Headphones Merchandising Display was created by Art Merchandising, 601 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001.
Sprint InfoXpress Internet Kiosk
InfoXpress is an internet kiosk, which is uniquely designed in a Sprint PCS phone. The slim and portable touchscreen phone can hang anywhere to provide high quality graphics, sales information, customized internet content, and more. InfoXpress is designed for easy access and real time information, the choice for a rapidly changing competitive market. The Sprint InfoXpress was created by MaxImage, P.O. Box 382574, Memphis, TN 38183.
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