FYE To Offer Windows XP-based Viewing Stations
Trans World Entertainment’s “FYE,” the nation's largest mall-based specialty retailer of music and video products, will employ Microsoft.NET technologies, Windows Media technology and the Windows XP operating system to deliver a richer music-shopping experience for FYE customers both in-store and online.
Through its “eWorks” initiative, FYE will deploy more than 25,000 Windows XP-based listening and viewing stations and kiosks in its stores, using Windows Media to provide high-quality audio and video samplings.
Windows XP technology will allow FYE to individually tailor the shopping experience for consumers both online and in-store. The centerpiece of FYE’s in-store music experience will be more than 25,000 industry-leading listening and viewing stations built on Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Media technology, offering consumers a revolutionary new shopping experience through its new “Backstage Pass” loyalty program. Through these listening and viewing stations, consumers will have the ability to sample music and videos, as well as preview any selection stocked in the store.
With more than 1,000 new Windows XP-powered kiosks, consumers will be able to search and browse FYE's entire library, sample music, and order and ship normally hard-to-find selections. Both the Windows XP-powered kiosks and listening stations will be rolled out to FYE locations over the next year.
Initial locations include the Company’s flagship store in midtown Manhattan as well as locations in Detroit, MI; Hartford, CT; Seattle, WA and Tampa, FL.
Virgin Entertainment Introduces Digital Preview System
Virgin Entertainment Group has selected the new IBM NetVista Kiosk for a unique, in-store digital preview system.
The new online system allows Virgin Megastore customers-simply by scanning a product's bar code at the Web-enabled kiosk-to preview more than 250,000 CDs, 11,000 DVDs and 7,000 console games before deciding what to buy. Virgin developed the new system in house with touch screen kiosk technology from IBM, server and client software technology from Microsoft and entertainment data from Muze and Video Pipeline. The new system also provides Virgin recommended titles, and soon will offer search, remote ordering and access to exclusive Virgin content and products. Customers will be able to search by criteria including artist name, album title, movie name, actor, producer, writer or director.
The system is the first stage in an ongoing initiative to integrate Virgin Entertainment Group’s “Click and Bricks” operations.
Merchandisers Display
‘Osmosis Jones’
Warner Home Video’s release of “Osmosis Jones” on VHS and DVD was backed by a marketing campaign targeting both parents and children.
Customized merchandisers bursting with color are available in 18-, 24-, 36- and 48-unit configurations, as well as 24- and 48-unit mixed VHS/DVD merchandisers. Coinstar is offering a $5 mail-in rebate to consumers who purchase Osmosis Jones and features the title in its merchandisers. A CD sampler, featuring music by platinum artists including Sugar Ray, POD and Willa Ford, is attached to the back of every VHS and DVD.
Circuit City’s Broadband Station Offers Internet
Circuit City has announced the installation of Broadband Stations at 598 superstores nationwide. The retailer has agreements with five of the top six major cable systems and two national DSL providers, giving it the most comprehensive display of Broadband High Speed Internet options offered at any consumer electronics retailer.
Using the Broadband Station, any customer in any market can now easily learn about Broadband, find out what services are available to them and make the purchase to get up and running.
“We realize that we need not only to tell our customers that Circuit City provides Broadband products, but show them how this technology connects everything in their home-from personal computers and digital cameras to handheld computers and MP3 players,” said John Froman, Circuit City’s Executive Vice President of Merchandising. “Circuit City’s ultimate goal in providing the Broadband Station is to make Broadband technology simple to understand, purchase and use.”
The Circuit City Broadband Station is one-stop shopping for customers, according to Froman. Instead of wondering how fast a Broadband connection is, customers can test it out themselves by surfing the Internet right in the store. The Broadband Station is equipped with a television that runs a DVD program, which highlights what Broadband can do and showcases products that can be enabled or enhanced with a Broadband connection. Customers also have easy access to the hardware they need. Available at the Broadband Station are modems from leading vendors such as Motorola, Inc., Thompson Electronics Co. and Hughes Electronics Corporation and home networking solutions. Trained associates, called Broadband Specialists, are also in the store to answer questions from consumers.
Displays Support Launch Of NFL Showdown Game
Wizards of the Coast has introduced the NFL Showdown 2002 sports card game, incorporating an electronic reader called The PlayGrid. The PlayGrid, developed in conjunction with Tiger Electronics, is a handheld scanning device that allows football fans of all ages to play a strategic and statistically accurate football game without sacrificing the fast-paced action of an actual NFL game. The PlayGrid device reads, decodes and stores information from cards that are swiped through its electronic scanner. It then computes each individual play result from the information it has stored.
The NFL Showdown 2002 sports card game is available in two-player Starter Sets, draft packs and booster packs. P.o.p. displays support the NFL Showdown 2002 sports card game at retail.
Motion Display Promotes Sales For Motorola & Alltell
Motorola and Alltell have paired up for a promotion to boost sales for Motorola’s Timeport cellular phones and Alltel’s cellular service.
This display attracts shoppers’ attention with its dramatic rotation and motion effect, achieved with a standard battery powered motor.
The display was created by mounting litho sheets to 200# E flute corrugated and Fome Cor. The unit is constructed with fiber poles and stock wire feet.
The promotion agency FFWD, (formerly Marketing Continuum), developed the promotion and created the graphics for the display.
Rapid Displays, headquartered in Chicago, IL, created the p.o.p. displays for the promotion.
Displays Support Canadian Launch Of Xbox
Microsoft called upon Creative Displayworks Corp. of Vaugan, Ontario to develop fixtures and promotional displays in support of the launch of the Xbox game console in Canada.
Distinctive fixtures were created with fluorescent green acrylic shelves equipped with pusher trays to keep the video games neatly organized. An endcap display was created that features an actual Xbox game system together with boxed video game inventory.
In addition, snap frames, poster holders, menu signs, floor mats, banner stands, and exterior banners were created.
Units were constructed from a combination of wood, metal and plastics.
FujiFilm Offers Retailers Film Merchandiser
This FujiFilm fixture features colorful side panels that highlight the benefits of Fuji color film.
The unit prominently features Fuji’s logo and signature green color, providing strong brand identification. The film replica on top of the display draws shopper’s interest and further reinforces the Fuji brand identity.
The unit is designed to hold a great deal of product in a minimum of floor space.
This display was created by Harbor Industries, a Grand Haven, MI-based p.o.p. firm.
Toys “R” Us Flagship Store Opens In NYC
Toys “R” Us has opened its international flagship store in New York City's Times Square. “Our Toys “R” Us Times Square store encompasses our strategic vision of renewing the company’s growth heritage over the next few years,” said John Eyler, Chairman and CEO. “We are bringing together the best in theatrical retailing into a specialty, shop-oriented environment.”
The centerpiece of Toys "R" Us Times Square is the 60-foot-tall indoor Ferris Wheel. The store's entire façade is made of glass panels which reveal an expansive scrolling billboard system that unveils timed toy and branding messages for the 1.5 million guests who travel through Times Square every day. The billboard, consisting of 165 six-foot by five-foot scrolling panels, changes appearance in seconds. In addition to the large external billboard system, the store also boasts the Geoffreytron, a 20-foot LED screen that offers entertainment from toy trivia to videos of the latest toys.
The international flagship store houses more than 20 feature attractions, which include: a 4,000-sq.-ft., two-story, contemporary Barbie Dollhouse with its own staircase, elevator and the latest in Barbie merchandise and fashions. At the Jurassic Park Exhibit, there is a 5-ton, 20-foot high and 34-foot long animatronic T-Rex dinosaur with a mighty roar and realistic moves. In the E.T. Shop, there is an animatronic 42-inch tall E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial-complete with a glowing heart, nodding head, blinking eyes and finger pointing “home” to his 1,600-pound light-flashing spacecraft hovering overhead. The Candy Land Shop is like walking into an actual version of this favorite children’s board game with innovative life-size candy sculptures amongst the sweets that are displayed. Guests can take a shopping break at the “Pepsi Taste Station,” an interactive refreshment center.
Sears Appliance & Electronics Stores Open
Sears, Roebuck & Co. recently opened two new 20,000-sq.-ft. test formats offering shoppers the same breadth of appliance and electronics products found in the largest Sears mall-based stores, with the convenience of a neighborhood strip center location. The first two Sears Appliances and Electronics stores have opened in Bolingbrook, IL and Mt. Prospect, IL. “Our appliance customer tells us that she wants more shopping convenience, so we’re testing this format in off-mall, neighborhood locations,” said Lyle Heidemann, President, Hardlines for Sears.
The Sears Appliances and Electronics stores offer a large selection of the top appliance brands; kitchen vignettes that present appliances in a kitchen setting; a new self-serve vacuum cleaner department; and “digital solutions for the home” product displays for home theatre, digital imaging products, pdas, digital cameras and mobile audio.
Good Guys Opens New Flagship Location
Good Guys has opened a new flagship location in Los Angeles that will serve as a prototype for future Good Guys locations. The new flagship features theme-based lifestyle imagery, original fixture designs and many different interactive displays. In-depth information is available on virtually every product.
Cathy Stauffer, Exec. V.P., Merchandising & Advertising, Good Guys, said the new store “represents a dramatic departure from traditional consumer electronics merchandising. By making products more inviting to customers and easier to understand through high-impact graphics, detailed product information and interactive displays in an open, sales-assisted environmwent, Good Guys is taking the complexity out of shopping for entertainment electronics.”
Pokemon Center Opens
Pokemon Center, the new interactive, retail destination in New York’s Rockefeller Center, features interactive gaming environments, free activities and Pokemon merchandise.
Among the features of this one-stop Pokemon destination are: Pokemon Sound and Light Shows-characters dance around the walls depicting the Pokemon Universe. Animatronic Characters-life-size Pokemon characters, guided by computer-controlled motion systems, create a larger-than-life feeling of being within the Pokemon world. Pokemon Trainer Gym-the gym lets visitors try out the latest Pokemon games on both Game Cube and N64 platforms. Each of the game stations features a 42" plasma TV screen. A Trainer Scoreboard lists rankings and depicts photos of players. Pokemon Distributing Machine-Four distributing stations are equipped with large screen displays and docking ports for Game Boy cartridges to swap and receive special Pokemon characters available exclusively at the Pokemon Center. Ultra Pokedex-This interactive database is the knowledge center for the Pokemon world, featuring stats and video images of all 251 characters, and information on store merchandise.
Big Boy Restaurants Debut New Concept
Big Boy Restaurants has unveiled a new concept, Big Boy Original “At The Movies,” located inside the Star Southfield Entertainment Complex in Southfield, Michigan. Big Boy Original “At The Movies” is decorated with a mural of movie legends, and features ‘50s background music.
“This new concept is unlike anything we've ever done,” said Tony Michaels, CEO of Big Boy Restaurants. “We will be closely evaluating it for expansion to other sites.”
Hispanic Consumers Offer Tremendous Growth Opportunity For PC Industry
Nearly half of Hispanic consumers who do not yet own a home computer expressed interest in purchasing a PC during the next year, according to a new study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The “Hispanic CD Market Overview” survey results show that 45% of Hispanic consumers, compared to only 22% of overall consumers in the U.S., are interested in a computer purchase.
Currently, only two in five (39%) Hispanic households own a PC, compared with the national penetration rate of 63%. This is reflective of the much publicized "digital divide," resulting from disparate access to the latest technological advances such as PCs and high-bandwidth Internet connections.
The survey found that lower levels of household income contribute to the ownership disparity, as lower income Hispanic households show even lower levels of adoption, but found that a language barrier also contributes to the disparity. Interest in consumer electronics is lowest among Hispanic consumers whose primary language spoken at home is Spanish, with 37% saying they are not interested, compared to 21% for English speakers. Further, a vast majority of the Hispanic population considers Spanish spoken by salespeople (70%), written in owner manuals (67%), and written on product packaging (64%) as very important, regardless of their primary language.
“The relatively small penetration of PCs in Hispanic households represents a large un-tapped niche for manufacturers,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO of CEA. “As an industry, we must develop targeted marketing efforts that create a compelling message for the Hispanic community.”
PDA Market To Reach $6.6 Billion By 2005
The Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) market will reach $6.6 billion by 2005 with approximately 39 million units shipped, according to a new research report issued by the Aberdeen Group, a technology research firm.
“Although PDAs have enjoyed great success in the consumer market to date, enterprise purchases will be the chief driver of growth moving forward,” said Isaac Ro, author of the report titled “Mobile Handheld Devices: Enabling Enterprise Communications and Data Management.”
U.S. Video Game Industry Gains
Despite a weakening economy, retail dollar sales of U.S. video game hardware, software and accessories increased 33% January-September 2001, compared to the same time the previous year, according to NPDFunworld, a leading marketing information provider. Unit sales of video game hardware, software and accessories also rose 12% from January to September 2001, compared to the same time the previous year.
The U.S. video game industry generated $4.3 billion in revenue during the first nine months of 2001, while sales during the same time period last year were just $3.2 billion.
“When we consider that the fourth quarter typically makes up 50% or more of the annual dollar sales volume for the video game industry, and then add in the launch of two new console hardware systems, the Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo GameCube, a new record for the video game industry looks likely,” said Richard Ow, NPDFunworld Sr. Account Executive. “Due to recent national events, Americans may be spending more time at home, which bodes well for video game sales.”
Sony Debuts LCD Screen
For PS one Game Console
Sony Computer Entertainment America has introduced the LCD Screen (for PS one), the compact videogame console. The new LCD screen (for PS one), gives the popular gaming device more mobility so fans can play almost anywhere. At five inches diagonally, the lightweight peripheral delivers crisp resolution and stereo sound via built-in speakers. Offered as a new option for the PS one game console, the LCD Screen enables game play without the need for a full-size television, allowing consumers to share the game experience when on vacation, business trips, etc.
Canon Debuts
Elura DV Camcorder
The new Canon Elura 20MC digital camcorder from Canon U.S.A. boasts multiple shooting modes and connectivity options that make it highly versatile to complement DV-ready computers, TVs, and VCRs for video editing, printing and sharing images in the family room, classroom, boardroom and over the Internet.
The size of a cell phone, the Canon Elura 20MC records video and digital photos to the universal MiniDV digital videocassette.
Logitech Introduces
Cordless Gaming
Logitech has announced the first 2.4GHz cordless controller for the PlayStation game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. “Today, we've extended cordless freedom to the PlayStation gaming environment. Users are no longer restricted by a corded controller,” said Ted Hoff, V.P., Logitech’s Interactive Entertainment Division.
Sony Introduces New
Designs For DVD Player
Sony Electronics has introduced the DVD Style3, also known as DVD Style Cube.
The player stands out with its three-position functionality, slim shape and slot-loading disc mechanism. The player, which can be used vertically, horizontally or hung on a wall is versatile enough to complement any audio/video system.
Motorola Debuts
Ruggedized Mobile Phone
Motorola has introduced the ruggedized i55sr handset, a sporty mobile phone with rubber overmolding for durability in challenging environments. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, the Motorola i55sr handset meets military standards for shock and vibration resistance, and its rubber overmolding provides a better grip and protection for use in rugged conditions.
LEGO Tour Promotes Product Line
LEGO Tour Promotes Product Line
LEGO wanted to promote its line of Underwater Adventure products and its “Deep Sea Challenge” building contest. Digital Tech Frontier LLC of Phoenix, AZ, was retained to create a LEGO world tour.
Using 3D animation technology, Digital Tech Frontier created Deep Sea Adventure, a virtual Lego adventure with digitally rendered LEGO Divers and Aquariders. Digital Tech Frontier took Vride, its mobile sensory theater, on the road. Within the mobile theater, which seated 12 people at a showing, each person viewed the 3D experience through their own Personal Head Mounted Display.
Gateway Stores Feature
New Look
Gateway, Inc. recently developed a new look for its nearly 300 retail locations incorporating a graphics program, customized by store, ranging from signage to product displays.
Various manufacturing methods, implemented by LSI Grady McCauley, including screen printing, digital imaging, metal working and fabricating, were used in the production of department signage, graphics for work station fixtures, fixture toppers, seasonal graphics, outdoor promotional signage, floor graphics, product displays and illuminated back lit graphics. A large, dimensional lap top icon is suspended from the ceiling for a dramatic effect.
LSI Grady McCauley, North Canton, OHo, manufactures and installs retail graphics programs.
Sirius Launches 'Rhythm Of TheRoad' Mobile Tour
aSirius Satellite Radio has launched a unique consumer and retail experience, the “Rhythm of the Road Tour,” that will bring the Sirius services to listeners in key markets across the country.
This mobile sampling tour features a custom-built 65-foot giant Ferris wheel dubbed the “Wheel of Sound,” that is equipped with eight Sirius-ready theme cars for consumers to ride in and listen to Sirius’ service. These full-size antique and contemporary cars will be custom-painted to highlight different channels on Sirius. The tour also features two trailer trucks that open into listening kiosks for consumers, and a DJ booth that will play the Sirius service live. “The key to our regional launch formula is to allow consumers to experience the Sirius service for themselves,” said Joseph Clayton, Sirius’ President.
The tour will be on site at Sirius retailers and special events throughout the year.
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