72-Cube Video Wall Featured At Discovery Store
Shoppers at San Francisco’s Discovery Channel store at the Sony Metreon encounter a dramatic 72-cube video wall system that takes center stage in a multi-media playground that brings animals and science to consumers, enhancing the shopping experience.
The new store’s video system consists of 72 Sony 50” cubes in a 2 x 36 configuration and looms high above shoppers in the 11,000-square-foot outlet. The system displays MPEG2 encoded archived Discovery Channel programming, animation and other tidbits to engage spectators. The store also offers shoppers a variety of interactive displays and kiosks that both educate and entertain.
The video wall system was engineered by Innovative Design Technologies, Inc. (IDT), Burbank, CA. IDT developed custom frames for the video cubes that comprise the entire video wall display, creating a shallow-depth system in a unique trapezoid shape. Only 34” deep, the entire video wall system is suspended nearly nine feet from the ground in a metal truss. “Video walls typically require a lot of depth and are limited in the way they can be configured based on the shape of the individual cubes that comprise the entire system,” said Brett Armstrong, co-owner of IDT. “By using custom frames we are able to reduce depth requirements and develop a completely new look for individual locations that are designed to suit their taste and clientele.”
The store concept was developed by New York-based retail design firm, Pompei A.D. Ron Pompei, one of the firm’s principals, said, “The video wall draws customers into the store and leads them through the process of discovery, a world where education and shopping come together.”
Sharp Features DVD Player Display
This portable display holds Sharp’s new DV-L7OU DVD player. Designed for Sam’s Club, the display allows customers to test-drive the DVD player, and ensures against theft using a series of security brackets.
“The DVD display is a simple, straightforward solution,” said Brian Frey, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MTi, which developed the display for Sharp Electronics. “It gives customers the ability to play with the unit before buying, and allows the retailer to relax, knowing that the unit is secure. Best of all, it is portable, so it can be easily moved as the department evolves.”
MTi, based in Hillsboro, OR, specializes in merchandising solutions for consumer electronics companies.
7-Eleven Introduces Toy Works Section
7-Eleven is introducing a new Toy Works section featuring an expanded selection of toys. Targeted to children between 5 and 12, 80% of the toys will be priced under $5.
“Children have always been an important part of our business, but today’s kids are more sophisticated, discriminating customers,” said Doug Woodward, 7-Eleven Category Manager for Toys and General Merchandise. “Our goal is to provide fast, fun-stop-shopping for kids.”
Woodward said stores will introduce a new assortment of toys every six weeks. The selection will be filled out with novelty candies that have strong play-value.
Woodward said, “We know that if toys have a permanent home at 7-Eleven, kids will learn to seek them out just like they do Slurpee and Big Gulp drinks.”
Lego Mania 2000 In Corrugated Floorstand
The Lego Mania 2000 Floor display was designed to gain access into new under developed market segments and non-traditional toy retailers, such as grocery and drug store chains. The display successfully gained strong, off-shelf space for key Lego products and themes.
The visuals were consistent with the visuals for Lego’s direct mail, internet and TV advertising.
The corrugated unit features 4 color process printing and aqueous varnish laminated to “B” flute kraft singleface.
The display was created by Triangle Display Group, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA.
Scholastic & Lifetouch Team For Promotion
Scholastic Entertainment Inc. and Lifetouch Portrait Studios have teamed up to offer a promotion starring Scholastic's "Clifford The Big Red Dog".
Lifetouch Portrait Studios will offer “Clifford” themed portraits in 440 Photography by JCPenny studios nationwide.
To help generate widespread consumer awareness for the promotion, national FSI’s will be dropped this summer producing more than 200 million impressions combined. In addition, striking point-of-sale materials highlighting the Clifford portrait offer will be prominently displayed.
Through the promotion, consumers will have the chance to have their portraits taken against a specially created backdrop featuring Clifford's image. There will also be Clifford plush props and accessories provided for the portrait sitting and children will receive a special Clifford™ kids Fun-Pack.
Stuart Little Floor Display Promotes Video Release
Columbia TriStar Home Video releases “Stuart Little” on DVD and videocassette, with colorful floor displays supporting the video release. Based on the classic book by author E.B. White, Stuart Little combines live-action with visual effects and tells the heartwarming story of a mouse who is adopted by a human family.
There are also special counter displays designed to generate impulse purchases.
Permanent Floor Display Merchandises Jigsaw Puzzles For Buffalo Games
Buffalo Games, Inc., a manufacturer of puzzles and games, is featuring this floor display, which holds 36 Photomosaics jigsaw puzzles.
Photomosaics, one of the hottest forms of digital art today, is a method of arranging thousands of tiny photographs that when viewed from a distance, combine to form a single large image. Buffalo Games’ best selling Photomosaics line features up to 26 unique images.
The display holds a large quantity of product in a small amount of floor space. It is easily accessible from all four sides.
Carlton Cards Introduces Peter Max Collection
Carlton Cards’ new Peter Max collection of cards and gift wrap has been introduced reflecting the current popularity of the artist’s work. The new Carlton collection features 67 different Peter Max paintings from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s on cards, gift wrap and gift bags.
“Peter Max’s artwork has a broad cross-generational appeal,” said Tina Benavides, Executive Director, Card Planning for Carlton Cards. “Baby boomers are nostalgic about the Peter Max artwork they grew up with on posters and album covers, while his style also appeals to a younger generation who is very visually oriented and into all things retro right now.”
First RadioShack.com Store Opens
Tandy Corp. is testing a new e-commerce retailing strategy by opening its first web store, RadioShack.com in Aurora, CO. The store is virtually a mirror image of the Company’s radioshack.com web site.
“The RadioShack.com store is an extension of our e-commerce initiative,” said Lou Provost, Sr. V.P. RadioShack Store Operations. A unique feature of the new store is the seven interactive Internet pods connected to the e-commerce site of RadioShack.com. The 20,000 sq. ft.-store features the same 22,000 products found on the web site, six times the number found in the average RadioShack store.
Discovery Exploration Shop Opens At FAO Schwarz
The Discovery Communications Consumer Products Group recently announced a new Exploration Toy Shop at FAO Schwarz’ flagship New York store.
The Discovery Channel Exploration Toy Shop will meet consumer demand for fun, high quality, interactive learning toys for children ages 6 to 12.
“We are thrilled to bring this exciting shop to our flagship store and proud to showcase the valuable contributions Discovery Channel is making to the industry,” said David Niggli, FAO Schwarz COO and Director of Merchandising. “In the past few years we have been experiencing a steadily growing demand for learning toys. Discovery Channel has conceived a whole new way to present the category.”
Borders Books Introduces Borders Explorers Program
This spring, Borders Books and Music unveils an enhanced Borders Explorers Program in all of its more than 290 stores across the country, that will help parents find what they’re looking for and tell which titles are appropriate for their kids.
The first thing kids and their parents will notice is the easy, new way to navigate around the children’s department. Bright signs will point young customers in the right direction, providing a detailed section outlook at a glance. In addition, “guided shopping boxes” on the ends of shelves give an even more detailed description of selections. The colorful boxes have information printed on the outside indicating which titles are on the shelf and identify recommended and award-winning titles.
“This program gives parents and children the opportunity to get even more out of their visits to Borders stores,” said Tami Heim, President of Borders stores and Borders.com.
Sears & America Online Form Alliance
Sears, Roebuck and Co. and America Online have announced a strategic alliance to bring the Internet and related emerging technologies into millions more American homes. The alliance is designed to make signing up for Internet service easier than ever for Sears customers.
Sears customers will be able to subscribe to a special co-branded edition of the AOL software that will be developed to include special Sears offers and convenient links to sears.com and other Sears interactive sites. All 858 Sears full-line stores will prominently feature displays of AOL interactive products and services in dedicated retail space, and Sears will promote AOL as its preferred online service. The alliance also will provide consumers the convenience of a one-stop destination for narrowband and broadband services as well as AOL-branded internet-enabled devices.
Sears will promote AOL in-store and with promotional campaigns. AOL will provide prominent promotion of Sears online businesses across America Online brands.
New Universal CityWalk Offers Retail Choices In Fantasy Environment
Universal CityWalk, a landmark entertainment complex located in Universal City, CA, has made its debut offering 30 new entertainment, dining and retail choices in a fantasy environment utilizing multi-media effects and conceptual architecture.
Newly included among CityWalk’s mix of entertainment options are the NASCAR Silicon virtual racing experience; an IMAX-3D movie theater; and Jillian’s Hi-Life Lanes, a rock ‘n’ roll bowling alley with state-of-the-art video monitors and a mega-watt sound system.
New retail shops created exclusively for CityWalk include Cirque du Bijoux, costume jewelry; and Retro Rad, vintage clothing/accessories. Other new establishments include brand outlets such as Skechers USA; and Harley Davidson.
Circuit City Plans Two New Concepts
Circuit City Stores plans to test two store concepts; one focused on consumer electronics and a second on major appliance offerings. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunities that digital technology brings to businesses,” said W. McCollough, COO, Circuit City Stores.
By converting non-selling square footage to selling, the retailer will increase sales space by 30%. The new space will be used to add AOL Internet Centers; the Sony Memory Stick Interactive Universe, and expanded digital audio, wireless phone displays; and DVD, DIRECTV and digital television displays.
“Our plans for the appliance business are equally significant,” said McCollough. “These 8,500-sq. ft. stores will be located in shopping centers close to an existing Circuit City location.”
Holiday RV Opens Recreation USA Store
In its quest to establish a recreational vehicle and marine dealership national brand, Holiday RV Superstores, has unveiled the first theme store using its Recreation USA tradename. The Orlando, FL-based dealership chain said that its new 31,000 sq. ft. store in Spartanburg, SC, will serve as a prototype for other dealerships, with premium features such as onsite Internet access, an ATM machine and a full-line service center.
The Spartanburg store offers a large, indoor showroom that features a full line of motorhomes, towable RVs, pleasure boats and pontoons as well as a parts store.
Delphi And Palm Offer Hands-Free Auto Products
Delphi Automotive Systems and Palm, Inc. have formed an initiative to develop new multimedia products for vehicles. Delphi’s Mobile Productivity Center is designed to be used hands-free in cars through voice recognition to retrieve and load information into the Palm handheld.
Customers will be able to access Palm.Net’s services which include news, financial information, e-mail and Web access. The MPC will fit into a cup holder and plug into a cigarette lighter.
Kraft Launches Pokemon Macaroni & Cheese
New Kraft Pokemon Macaroni & Cheese features six Pokemon characters and six collectible packages with a different Pokemon character on the front. Each package also features eight Pokemon collector coins. There are a total of 48 collector coins in all.
Ric Brockmeier, Sr. Brand Manager at Kraft said, “Combining two kid favorites into Kraft Pokemon Macaroni & Cheese was a natural way to make it even more fun.”
GTE Promotes With Interactive Kiosk
GTE required an outdoor, interactive marketing kiosk to promote the quality and scope of its wireless telecommunications services at outdoor concerts and events.
This interactive outdoor marketing kiosk features six product areas where GTE phones and Internet services could be sampled. A dedicated “digital postcard” station allowed concert fans to send the performing artist a personalized photo and message “postcard” via GTE Wireless service. Outdoor weather protection featured sailcloth canopies and exterior UV coating paint finish. Colorful graphics throughout the structure were digitally output and mounted to bowed Sintra.
The interactive outdoor marketing kiosk was produced by Mostre Design, Carlsbad, CA.
Pepsi-Cola and Yahoo! Team For Promotion
Pepsi-Cola Co. and Yahoo! Inc. announced a joint online and offline promotional program, entitled Pepsi Stuff.com.
The PepsiStuff.com program will enable consumers to earn awards and discounts online from promotional partners through an under-the-cap promotion scheduled to appear on 1.5 billion single-serve bottles of Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi ONE, Mountain Dew, Diet Mountain Dew and Wild Cherry Pepsi.
Through Yahoo!, Pepsi's popular “Pepsi Stuff” promotion will become interactive allowing consumers to collect points under the caps and quickly redeem their points online for prizes and discounts from leading manufacturers and retailers.
Yahoo! is scheduled to receive logo placement on Pepsi p.o.p. materials placed in 50,000 retail stores nationwide.
Samuel Adams To Run Grill & Groove Promo.
The Boston Beer Co. will conduct its Samuel Adams Grill & Groove promotion, featuring a summer celebration with great music from VH1 and the beers of Samuel Adams.
Grill & Groove runs in June and July culminating for two days when over 30 radio stations from around the country will broadcast live from the Samuel Adams Brewery. It is the biggest consumer promotion ever from both The Boston Beer Co. and VH1.
The national promotion will qualify participants as local winners of premium packages and as entrants to VH1's Big Backyard Barbecue, where a national recording artist will perform at a live Labor Day event.
On- and Off-Premise support includes promotion-specific 12 packs and POS, and take-one coasters with sweepstakes information.
Ask Jeeves and Dole Unite For Promo.
Ask Jeeves announced that grocery shoppers nationwide who are buying Dole bananas, will find bananas bearing Ask Jeeves stickers featuring questions such as “What nutrients are in bananas?” and “What’s a recipe for banana cream pie?”
The cross-promotion is part of the company’s campaign to create awareness about the information people can find through Ask Jeeves at Ask.com.
Ask Jeeves and Dole will label 100 million banana bunches with stickers featuring Jeeves.
David Hellier, V.P. Marketing, Ask Jeeves, said: “Our campaign is focused on demonstrating how valuable Ask Jeeves can be as a resource.”
Burger King Ties-In With Flintstones Film
Burger King Corporation announced its Big Kids Meal promotion, which will offer four interactive toys in a promotional tie in with the Universal Pictures’ and Hanna-Barbera/Amblin Entertainment film, “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas.”
The toys will include a toy that depicts the first Burger King restaurant, named ”Bronto King.”
Promotion support includes national television advertising, in-store merchandising and special crew gear depicting scenes from the movie.
The promotion will run for four weeks. It will run internationally, spanning over 40 territories wordwide over 3 months.
SeekMEDIA Offers Book Browser Kiosk
SeekMedia.com, Inc., Sarasota, FL, has launched its new “Book Browser” kiosk program allowing retailers to offer more than 600,000 books in-store, without losing valuable shelf space.
The “Book Browser”" uses just 6 square feet of floor space. Customers can use the kiosk to check out the latest book reviews and book industry news and to shop for a wide variety of books.
Once retailers sign up for the program and purchase a kiosk, SeekMEDIA.com's internet bookstore SeekBooks.com will support in-store kiosks by processing orders, collecting payments and providing customer support.
Magma Group Helps MyPoints.com Reach College Students
The Magma Group, a Boston, MA-based marketing firm, recently helped MyPoints.com reach college students across the nation. The Magma Group’s “Team Magma” network of over 4,000 collegiate organizations encouraged college students to sign up for Mypoints’ internet rewards program.
The Magma Group also signed up students at special events around the nation, including this Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans.
For more information, contact Magma Group, (Tel) 617-783-9700; (Web) www.magmagroup.com
Sprint Telephone Inflatable Replicas
Sprint uses these telephone replicas in various sizes to create brand awareness at locations throughout the U.S. Marketing Managers display these inflatables continuously throughout the year to create immediate advertising impact for new phone models. These inflatable replicas are used at sporting events, store openings, trade shows, malls and store locations. For more information on inflatables, contact MaxImage, P.O. Box 382574, Memphis, TN 38183.
Kid City Interactive Kiosk
This whimsical kiosk offers retailers a highly effective display and retail selling center for the full line of Everland Music audio and video product. The responsive touch-screen interactive system employs state-of-the-art technology for optimum visual and audio impact. A high speed modem facilitates remote software updates, enabling the introduction of new and featured items. System hardware housed in the base of the unit is accessible through a hinged side panel for field-level maintenance. The kiosk won a Gold OMA in the Interactive category as well as Display of the Year - Permanent. It was created by Trans World Marketing, 360 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, NJ 07073.
Donkey Kong 64 Sales Promotion Program
The Donkey Kong 64 Promotion was targeted toward the video game Department at mass merchants, toy independents, specialty electronic stores and consumer electronic stores. The objective was to draw attention to Nintendo’s hottest new game and to be the dominant display in the target store or department. Another objective was to retain a prominent position in the store display with a small footprint. The promotion began with the shipment of a pre-sell kit which included a video tape to demo previews of the game and items for store employees to wear and use. Next, point of purchase was offered including standees, counter cards, etc. The marketing objectives were achieved resulting in the sale of 2 million game paks. This display which won a Gold Award in the Sales Promotion category as well as the Display of the Year - Semi-Permanent, was created by The Corporate Image, 2203 Airport Way S., Seattle, WA 98134-2027.
RCA Digital Entertainment Center
The RCA Digital Entertainment Center makes a powerful in-store statement, drawing consumers to the contemporary home entertainment line. The modular system is designed to accommodate curved and flat wall installations ranging from 10-18 feet, with high variations of up to one foot. A live product presentation with feature area for pure digital components and satellite feed to all monitors assures optimum consumer impact and involvement in 6,300 RadioShack locations nationwide. This fixture, which won a Gold OMA in the Entertainment and Computers category, was produced by Trans World Marketing, 360 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, NJ 07073.
Learning Company/Staples Spinner. The display was designed to be a freestanding unit replacing multiple counter displays. The objective was to provide a bright, easy to recognize unit that would increase sales in the Staples CD Video area. The display was constructed with wire and metal tubing and painted with a bright in-store color for Staples, powder coated for durable impact resistant surface and silk-screened for a professional finish. Created by CDA Industries Inc., 1055 Squires Beach Rd., Pickering, Ont. L1W 4A6, Canada. BRONZE AWARD.
ThrowBots Floor Display. This display was designed to gain access into new under developed market segments and non-traditional toy retailers. The objective was to provide a dynamic aisle display. The unit successfully gained the off-shelf feature for key LEGO products and themes and made a strong brand statement. Created by Triangle Display Group, 601 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19134. BRONZE AWARD.
Nintendo of America Video Game Cabinet. This display provides a secure space for merchandising Nintendo 64 Video Games. The cabinet highlights the graphics on the game package and promotes “hit” games with full motion and sound. It offers glass locking cabinet doors, illuminated header graphics and a custom color TV as a video disc player. Created by Frank Mayer & Associates, 1975 Wisconsin Ave., Grafton, WI 53024. SILVER AWARD.
Sega Dreamcast Interactive Pedestal Display
This display is an interactive console which showcases the new videogame platform and software. The display is designed to appear sleek and hip drawing attention to the Sega Dreamcast brand name. Extended controllers allow interactive game-play by consumers. The display's objective was to launch the new video game while capturing the fun and excitement of the video game category. The unique features of the new game system were communicated. Sega Dreamcast has surpassed expectations and has sold exceptionally well. The interactive display helped attract the desired young consumer and created excitement in-store. The Sega Dreamcast Interactive Pedestal Display was created by HMG Worldwide, 475 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10018.
InfoXpress - Portable, Wireless Touchscreen Internet Kiosk
Max Image introduces InfoExpress a wireless phone connection which can run unplugged on batteries for several hours virtually in any location. This lightweight information station extends and leverages the full power of a company's internet site beyond the traditional home and office venues. Currently units are deployed by Spring PCS to provide high quality graphics, sales information and customized internet content for Business to Business and Business to Consumer markets. InfoXpress is available form Max Image, P.O. Box 382574, Memphis, TN 38183.
Polaroid 76' x 116' Custom Island Display
This Polaroid 76' x 116' custom island display was featured at the Photo Marketing Association in Las Vegas. Theme areas of the exhibit included Home, Work and Play, to reach influential buyers and capture the fun, hip and innovative personality of Polaroid. Home welcomed visitors into a retro-modern living room that featured Polaroid's consumer camera line Work consisted of functional workstations, silver laminated countertops and designer chairs and Play offered an exciting escape into a world of fun and promoted the I-Zone camera line. At the center of the exhibit, retail-merchandising units showcased Polaroid product. The Polaroid Exhibit was created by The Rogers Company, 7550 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060.
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