Apple Unveils ‘Mini’ Retail Store Design
Apple has opened its new “mini” retail store, designed with stainless steel walls and seamless white floors and ceilings. The mini store is half the size of Apple’s smallest store to date, which will allow it to be placed in a variety of new locations. Apple recently opened its first six mini stores.
“Our mini store is a big experience that fits in a small space,” said Ron Johnson, Apple’s Sr. V.P., Retail. “The mini store will allow us to place stores in a variety of interesting new locations, while retaining innovations like the Genius Bar that have made Apple’s retail stores such a hit.”
Sony Picture Station Targets Digital Photo Consumers
Sony of Canada and TouchPoint Solutions are deploying self-serve kiosks in consumer electronics stores across Canada. The new Sony brand kiosks combine TouchPoint’s QuickPIX and Catapult software with Sony’s photo printing technology into an interactive self-serve device providing a variety of digital photo-related services.
The self-serve kiosks enable users to purchase instant digital prints and CD archives of their personal photographs through a touch-screen interface.
“Sony of Canada has been able to leverage TouchPoint’s expertise in self-service technology to strengthen and evolve our ‘Prints by Sony’ initiative to deliver new photo-related services in new places, the way that consumers want them—and in a way that empowers retailers to provide them profitably,” said Rick Perkins, Product Manager of Sony of Canada Ltd.
The new ‘Prints by Sony’ kiosk service expects to capitalize on the rise in consumer demand for retail digital photo finishing, and reflects the continuing trend by retailers employing customer self-service technologies.
EB Wireless Game Portals Enable Users To Download Games
Electronics Boutique has introduced Wireless Game Portals, in-store zones where customers can download games, marking the industry’s first wireless distribution platform implemented in a retail stetting.
Mobile phone users can access the Wireless Game Portals by going into a participating EB Games store and using a compatible device to view game titles available for purchase. Users also can receive game-related video as well as reviews and previews of PC and Console games.
The Wireless Game Portals are powered by WideRay’s Jack Service Point, which enables applications to be downloaded at high speed through built-in Bluetooth connections on consumers’ mobile devices.
Saul Kato, Founder and CEO of WideRay, said, “Retail stores are the dominant location for consumer interaction, and our platform solves the challenges of delivering digital goods directly to consumers in stores.”
Nintendo Launches New DS Game System
Nintendo recently launched its “Touching Is Good” campaign to spread the word about the touch- and dual-screened Nintendo DS. The new hand-held video game and communications system is backed by the largest launch program ever for a Nintendo product.
The “Touching Is Good” campaign touts the unique features of the dual-screened Nintendo DS, which include a touch-screen, a built-in chat function, wireless communication and voice recognition. Television ads, movie screen ads and print ads in gaming magazines all supported the launch, along with a full range of Internet and broadband efforts.
Point-of-purchase displays reinforce the “Touching Is Good” campaign and showcase the unit’s unique features.
“The campaign for Nintendo DS marks a different, bolder approach for Nintendo,” said George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s Sr. V.P., Marketing. “We think such a radically different and creative device like Nintendo DS deserves the backing of a equally innovative and provocative marketing campaign.”
Mortal Kombat Standee Backs New Game Release
Midway Games has launched Mortal Kombat: Deception for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox game systems. The game is backed by the most extensive marketing campaign in Midway’s history, including television, cinema, print and online advertising, innovative point-of-purchase materials including standees and specialized events.
“Midway, along with millions of MK fans, is excited about the release of Mortal Kombat: Deception,” said Steve Allison, Chief Marketing Officer, Midway. “The Deception team has worked diligently over the past two years to ensure that this MK title will be the best yet. Not only will it be the first ever 3D fighter to be playable online via both the PlayStation 2 and Xbox Live™, but the team has also succeeded in meeting a goal that some thought wasn’t going to be possible they made a fighting game that plays as responsive online as it does offline.
Popeye’s Voyage Displays Create In-Store Awareness
Lion’s Gate Family Home Entertainment, (FHE), New York City, is celebrating Popeye’s 75th anniversary with the first CGI animated adventure ever, “Popeye’s Voyage: The Quest For Pappy.”
In addition to a muscular print and broadcast advertising campaign, the video will be promoted on 18, 24, 30 and 48-count corrugated floor stand displays. Special clip-strip displays will also promote the video.
Cross promotions include featuring the video on cans of Popeye Spinach and Popeye Fresh Spinach.
The video release was also previewed on over 1 million Family DVDs distributed at the Papa Johns Pizza restaurant chain.
Telus Mobility Store Incorporates Fashion Element
The new TELUS Mobility corporate flagship store, which has opened in Toronto, Canada, reflects the Company’s dedication to customer service and the evolution of mobile technology as a lifestyle accessory.
Toronto-based retail design firm burdifilek responded to the fashion element in today’s wireless technology by designing the ‘handset runway,’ a feature fixture displaying all the handsets available on a single illuminated platform. The technical information is streamlined at ‘phone pods’ around the perimeter of the store. Online stations are front and center with telephones, flat screen monitors and internet access to activate wireless services.
The Company’s branding campaign was the inspiration for the colour palette that exists throughout the space.
palmOne Opens First Treo Smartphone Retail Store
palmOne recently opened its first Treo Store in San Jose, CA.
The Treo store will serve as a one-stop shop for education, awareness and sales of the Treo family of smartphones, along with the full line of Treo accessories and software. palmOne’s Treo 600 and 650 smartphones seamlessly combine a mobile phone, email, organizer, web browser and messaging.
“The Treo Store offers an attractive and comfortable environment where potential customers can interact with and buy Treo smartphones and a wide range of software and accessories,” said John Hartnett, V.P., eCommerce and Accessory Solutions. “As in the award-winning palmOne Retail Stores, the Treo Store offers a high quality brand experience and is staffed by expert consultants who educate customers about palmOne solutions.”
Showtime & F.Y.E. Promote “THE L WORD” DVD
Showtime and F.Y.E. will give fans of the series, “THE L WORD” an opportunity to live it up with the newly released DVD of the complete first season and a chance to win a trip for two to Los Angeles. Grand prize winners of the “LIVE THE L WORD LIFE” sweepstakes will stay at the W Hotel, which will be featured in the show’s second season, premiering on Showtime in February.
F.Y.E. stores will promote the DVD, the sweepstakes and the 2nd season launch of the series with promotional materials including counter and tower signage and spots on the F.Y.E. Listening and Viewing Stations.
“F.Y.E. strives continuously to bring innovative promotions to our customers,” said Fred Fox, E.V.P. Marketing, Trans World Entertainment.
Gift Basket Center Displayed At Blockbuster
Blockbuster recently invited shoppers to visit its new Create Your Own Gift Basket Center in Blockbuster stores.
Blockbuster provided all the elements for a personalized, holiday-themed gift basket: popcorn tubs, three choices of holiday-themed wraps, decorative filler and holiday-themed Gift Cards.
Shoppers could add movies, games, magazines, confections and other items from throughout Blockbuster stores, as well as items they purchase elsewhere, to this special packaging.
“Blockbuster was the first retailer to offer the convenience of gift cards, and we’re the leader in developing better, more creative ways for people to shop for the gift of entertainment,” said Lisa Zoellner, Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Category Manager for Blockbuster.
Best Buy Introduces Online Photo Pick Up
Best Buy has launched its imageLab website, an online photo processing center that makes it easy for people to get high quality prints of their digital pictures. Best Buy’s new offering helps customers complete the picture-taking experience by allowing them to upload photos online, order prints online and pick up their prints at the nearest Best Buy store with no delivery charge.
“People love taking pictures with their digital cameras knowing that they won’t necessarily have to develop each photo. Yet, we know that many people are asking themselves, ‘What’s the easiest way to get my pictures out of the camera?’” said Mike Mohan, V.P., digital imaging at Best Buy. “Best Buy imageLab offers a convenient option that addresses the customer need.”
Tweeter Unveils New Store Concept
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, a consumer electronics retailer, is debuting a new concept store in Las Vegas.
“We are moving from our current model of product retailing, and evolving into a service company that offers a new array of solutions and services,” said Jeffrey Stone, CEO. “Together with new industry partners like Microsoft and HP complementing our existing suppliers, Tweeter is creating an innovative way for consumers to shop.”
Using an “experience map,” customers will be able to navigate through display and demonstration areas. A team of “Entertainment Architects” will collaborate with customers to develop personalized entertainment solutions in an in-store design studio. Customers can walk through a series of rooms and switch seamlessly between movies, TV, music and photography. There is a special in-store area for mobile multimedia as well as rooms for home theater demonstrations.
The Tweeter prototype store was designed by Cincinnati, OH-based FRCH Design Worldwide.
Friends 2B Made Stores Are Launched
Friends 2B Made, the newest retail concept from Build-A-Bear Workshop, has opened stores in Pittsburgh, PA and Columbus, OH. The new Friends 2B Made stores are the first to open with completely unique Friends 2B Made products, décor, and experience.
Friends 2B Made gives girls the opportunity to make their own fun, fashionable friend through an exciting doll-making process, while creating an emotional bond with their new doll throughout the entire experience. As girls stuff their dolls, participate in the heart ceremony, pick out their new friend’s personality traits, fashionable clothes and accessories and create a friendship certificate, they will experience the same level of personalized entertainment they are accustomed to having at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores.
Ultimate Electronics Provides The Ultimate iPod Retail Experien
Ultimate Electronics has introduced interactive store displays where shoppers can test Apple iPods and multimedia iPod accessories.
All Ultimate Electronic stores have dedicated a section to accessories and equipment designed to help users Power, Play, Protect and Expand their iPods for maximum portability and functionality. In-store displays include a customized end-of-the-aisle shelf (in the shape of a giant i-Pod) featuring the iPod unit connected to a Bose speaker system. Ultimate Electronics is also showcasing a collection of the best speakers to pair with iPods as well as best-in-class accessories. The displays also enable customers to try out the multimedia audio before they make a purchase.
“We have worked hard to make Ultimate Electronics the destination of choice for both new and experienced iPod enthusiasts,” said Dave Workman, President & CEO. “Our 'Try Before You Buy’ approach continues to prove popular with our customers. By bringing all the best-in-class accessories together in our interactive displays, shoppers can easily find and test an iPod, speakers, and other multimedia accessories all in one location.”
Best Buy Rolls Out Customer-Segmented Stores In California
Best Buy Co. is launching its next generation of Best Buy stores in California, which deliver tailored store experiences, products, solutions and services to meet the distinct needs of targeted customers. These stores are aimed at five customer segments: small business customers, affluent professional, family man, busy suburban mom and young, active early-adopter. They also incorporate successful elements of Best Buy’s innovative practices from its customer centricity lab stores.
“We are striving to achieve a truly customer-centric operating model,” said Mike Keskey, President, Best Buy Stores. “These stores will enrich our customers’ shopping experiences through new products and services, new store features and knowledgeable sales associates who understand customers’ lifestyles and priorities.”
Each of the 68 pilot stores focuses on one or two customer segments. Customer segments were assigned to stores based on the demographics of their surrounding community as well as the store’s existing customer base.
Media Play Remodels & Expands Selection
Musicland Group has remodeled its stores to provide customers with an enhanced shopping experience and expanded product categories. “The re-opening of Media Play stores marks the first phase of repositioning our stores and the initial wave of product expansion,” said Eric Weisman Musicland CEO.
The stores have been enhanced through the addition of comfortable seating areas, interactive play areas and a more shopper-friendly layout including department-specific colored signage. New product offerings include XM Satellite Radio, Apple’s iPod, retro electronics, and a greater selection of portable DVD players. The stores will also house an expanded assortment of video games and systems; expanded musical instrument selection; toys by brands, and a “Trade-in Tuesdays” program.
Trans World Entertainment Launches F.Y.E. Download Zone
Trans World Entertainment has launched F.Y.E. Download Zone, a download music service accessible from within Microsoft’s Windows Media Player 10. The launch which is available at fye.com, will be followed by a pilot in four stores. The F.Y.E. Download Zone will allow a seamless digital music discovery and shopping experience.
Through Trans World’s LVS (Listening and Viewing Stations) systems, in-store customers will be able to purchase digital tracks and send them directly to their home PC. The F.Y.E. Download Zone offers customers access to over 1 million songs from the MusicNet catalog available for download to a customer’s home PC, transfer to a portable device, and burn to a CD for just .99 a track.
hip-e Hangout Stations In Malls Offer Teens The Chance To Experience hip-e Firsthand
Digital Lifestyles Group has formed a marketing alliance with Simon Brand Ventures to launch mall advertising and display stations featuring hip-e, the first lifestyle computer designed for teens, in Simon malls across the country.
“During our initial research we asked teens where they would like to learn more about hip-e and they responded, ‘the mall’,” said Annie Bacon, V.P. Marketing, Digital Lifestyles Group. “We are going where teens want to go and providing them the chance to grow familiar with all hip-e has to offer.”
At the hip-e hangouts, teens will be able to view and interact with the hip-e node, its hip-e hangout interactive desktop, and hip-e accessories such as the hip-e MP3 personal media carrier and hip-e mobile phone.
Hip-Hop Clothing Designer Showcases One-Of-A-Kind Nintendo Fashion
To celebrate the synergy between two popular lifestyle brands, hip-hop clothier Enyce showcased a one-of-a-kind T-shirt featuring Nintendo video game icon Donkey Kong, during the recent Fashion Week in Los Angeles.
“Enyce is an originator in the urban fashion sector, and Nintendo is an originator in the gaming world,” said Encye co-founder Tony Shellman. “It feels very natural for our brands to be collaborating.”
Blockbuster Rolls Out DVD And Game Trading Program Nationwide
With the national rollout of its DVD and game trading program, Blockbuster is offering members an opportunity to refresh their DVD and game collections in an economical and fun way. Consumers now have the option to trade or exchange their used DVDs and games for in-store credit in Blockbuster stores nationwide.
The national rollout of trading positions Blockbuster as the largest national retailer to offer both DVD and game trading under one roof. This is the latest in a series of strategic initiatives designed to transform Blockbuster from a place where customers go to rent a movie to a brand that rents, sells and trades movies and games, in-store and online.
“We plan to make Blockbuster the place to trade by guaranteeing consumers the best trade-in prices for their used DVDs and games,” said Nick Sheperd, Chief Marketing Officer. “Less than half of gamers have ever traded with a retail outlet, largely because they are unhappy with the trading prices offered. Blockbuster intends to remedy this by offering the best trade-in prices anywhere.”
Survey Finds Teens Are Primary Influence On Technology Purchases
A large number of American teenagers give their parents advice on what home electronics and technology products to buy, according to a survey released by Philips Electronics. “This consumer demographic not only has significant purchasing power on its own, they also influence how parents’ money will be spent,” said Scott Levitan, V.P., Marketing, Philips.
The Philips survey found that 40% of kids ages 12-14 give parents advice on what to purchase “frequently” or “all the time.” The percentage who give advice “all the time” doubles from ages 12-14 to ages 15-17.
Once the technology equipment gets home, teens also frequently show parents how to use their new wares. Nearly 50% of teens surveyed said they show their parents how to use home electronics “frequently” or “all the time.” Males and females are equally confident in providing advice. Advice levels peak in households with incomes of $40,000-$50,000; 55% of kids in homes within this income range show parents how to use home electronics.
Study Of Women’s Mindsets As They Age
The national study, “Aging Redefined II” debunks many of the myths about women and aging. The study, which focuses on women over the age of 50 was conducted by Frank About Women. “We found that older women lead dynamic lives, are more likely to seek out new experiences and develop new relationships with brands, long after many marketers have dismissed them,” said Carrie McCament, Managing Director, Frank About Women.
A surprising 25% of women in the survey say “old age” never begins. The study shows women grow more open-minded, not less, as they age. Older women are more likely to say they enjoy trying new things and are less likely to describe themselves as “set in their ways.” Technology-related products rank at the top of the first time product purchase list, with 47% purchasing electronics (DVDs, digital cameras and wide screen televisions), 19% acquiring cell phones and 16% buying computers for the first time. Products and services that allow women to stay active were also popular, including new cars, cruises and even extreme experiences.
When it comes to marketing to women as they age, a majority of women feel patronized. Women over the age of 50 want advertising that appreciates the wisdom that comes with age. Marketing materials should appeal to a woman’s rational and emotional reasons for purchasing a product.
SIRIUS Satellite Sportster Radio Debuts
SIRIUS is targeting sports fans with the Satellite Sportster radio with specialized features for the sports enthusiast.
SIRIUS, the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, brings the entire NFL to subscribers each weekend, and also broadcasts the NBA, NHL and sports from leading colleges. Specialized features include: prompts when your favorite sports teams are playing and a list of all the games and scores broadcast.
GapKids & Wild Planet Introduce ‘The Hoodio’
GapKids and Wild Planet have teamed up to introduce “The Hoodio,” a jacket with a built-in FM radio. The jacket features a built-in radio control keypad on the sleeve and a hood that conceals the speakers. “Wearable technology is the latest innovation in apparel, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this trend by partnering with Wild Planet to create the Hoodio,” said Mark Breitbard, Sr. V.P., GapKids.
Mattel Introduces Juice Box Media Player
Juice Box, a portable media player from Mattel, features category exclusive video content from some of today’s hottest music, TV and action sports personalities and the capability to play MP3 music files and view digital photos. Juice Box is the first personal media player designed for today’s tweens.
“Juice Box is a Mattel lifestyle brand that connects squarely with tweens’ interests,” said Phil Jackson, V.P., Marketing, Mattel Brands.
Eclipse Solar Gear Is Launched
Eclipse Solar Gear has introduced a line of backpacks, soft coolers and other cases designed to charge the batteries of common handheld electronics including cell phones, PDA’s and GPS units.
“The launch is an introduction to a wide range of solar power enabled products, geared for the mobile individual,” said Randolph Gray, President of Innovus Designs and Eclipse Solar Gear.
Olympus Launches m:robe Music Players/Cameras
Olympus has launched its new m:robe series of digital music players.
The flagship model is the MR-500i, which combines a 20-gigabyte digital music player with a 1.22-megapixel digital camera to create a compact and stylish multimedia device. Olympus has also introduced the m:robe MR-100 Digital Music Player, a smaller dedicated music player that delivers 5 gigabytes of storage for over 1,200 songs.
Bose Debuts SoundDock Digital Music System
Bose has introduced the SoundDock digital music system, designed to deliver a new standard of audio performance for Apple’s iPod and iPod mini.
No headphones, cables or adaptors are required, the new speaker system lets iPod owners access, control and listen to their stored music with the ease of dock and play. The SoundDock system features quick installation and intuitive operation.
AQUOS Gallery In SoHo Showcases SharpTVs
The AQUOS Project, a platform for cutting-edge artists, recently opened in New York City’s SoHo as part of an interactive campaign to highlight Sharp’s line of AQUOS Liquid Crystal Display televisions.
The AQUOS Project will host exhibits by several innovative and experimental artists whose work can be displayed in part on AQUOS LC-TVs. The artists will also incorporate elements from Sharp's television commercials and complementary campaign web site into their exhibitions.
“The AQUOS Project seamlessly fuses the work of these artists through the design-enhanced color, incredible detail and natural sound afforded by the world’s premier Liquid Crystal Display television,” said Bob Scaglione, Sr. V.P., Consumer Electronics Marketing Group, Sharp Electronics.
“Sharp established the liquid crystal display television category and offers the industry’s widest assortment of models, in screen sizes ranging from 13- to 45-inches,” Scaglione said.
Nanonation Teams With SBC For Football Tour
SBC and Nanonation recently conducted “SBC’s College Football Connection” promotional tour. The road show introduced fans on college campuses to SBC’s DSL and wireless services.
Nanonation, a Nebraska-based software company, developed the software platform and technology services for the tour.
DSL Stations, Plasma Monitor Stations and Freedom Link Stations helped demonstrate SBC’s products and services to fans on game day.
The DSL Stations, located in a converted semi-truck, featured an easy-to-use interface that was localized for each game day event. Each unit provided consumers with information on how to get SBC Yahoo! DSL, showed them college football highlight videos and gave them the ability to download Cingular ring tones.
Next to the DSL stations was a 42" plasma TV monitor that showcased SBC Yahoo! DSL high-speed Internet versus dial up. The Freedom Link Station consisted of laptop computers that showcased Freedom Link wireless service.
Scholastic Launches ‘Land Of Elyon’ Tour
Scholastic Inc. has acquired the North American book rights to Patrick Carman’s, “The Land Of Elyon,” a new series set in a fantasy world where animals can talk and enchanted stones can see the future.
The publisher is launching the series with a 22-city, four-month tour starting in Seattle and concluding in New York City.
Author Patrick Carman will visit with hundreds of schools and bookstores as he criss-crosses the U.S. in a “Land of Elyon” tour bus. Author signings will also feature a topographical model of the mythical Land of Elyon and a video of how it was made.
The tour will be promoted by an extensive marketing campaign targeting tweens.
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