Blockbuster Launches ‘Game Rush’ Concept
Blockbuster has created the “Game Rush” gaming section, designed as a one-stop shop for avid gamers, which it plans to roll out to about half of the Blockbuster stores.
“Our marketing objective is to connect with avid gamers and give them a one-stop shop to take care of all their gaming needs,” said Diane Bendle, Director, Games Marketing for Blockbuster. “They can rent, buy and trade games all within their neighborhood Blockbuster.” The section comprises 750 to 1,000 sq. ft, and is delineated by “Game Rush” eyebrow signage and an interactive unit draws the gamer in.
“The section gives off a different vibe from the rest of the Blockbuster store,” Bendle said. The interactive unit has the hottest games for the gamer to try as well as different types of controllers to experiment with. There are also fixtures with tiered shelves and end cap units. Signage with the tag ‘Feel The Rush,’ flows with the Blockbuster brand signage.
Moviebank Launches DVD/VideogameVending Machine
Moviebank USA has introduced it’s first DVD/videogame vending location in New York City.
The units provide convenience and added value to retail stores, service stations, and commuter stations. Moviebank USA automated video stores are branded video “automats” containing multiple vending machines in a multiplex format. Both concepts provide an easy way for entertainment lovers to rent and/or purchase movies and videogames. Moviebank USA markets a full range of video dispensing machines varying in capacity from 1,000 to 5,000 DVDs, roughly the same inventory as a traditional video rental store.
Stephane de Laforcade, co-founder of Moviebank USA, said “Our new flagship retail store in one of New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods, will demonstrate the convenience, speed, privacy and sheer fun that makes MoviebankUSA such an original idea.”
Sony & Coca-Cola Run Holiday Promotion
Sony Computer Entertainment and Coca-Cola Co. have launched the “Unwrap The Experience” instant-win sweepstakes, which is being promoted on more than 100 million packages of Coca-Cola brands.
The promotion features in-demand PlayStation products including: new PlayStation 2 computer entertainment systems, the new PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system, PlayStation 2 software titles, and Coca-Cola products.
Consumers simply look under-the-cap and inside multi-packs of specially marked packages of Coca-Cola products for a message informing them that they’ve won one of these products.
Sharon Shapiro, Director, Promotions, Sony Computer Entertainment, said, “By bringing PlayStation and Coke brands together, we are reaching millions of consumers and fulfilling their holiday wishes.”
The promotion is supported with national advertising and point-of-sale materials
Sony Opens First U.S. QUALIA Store In New York City
In an effort to create a unique shopping experience for its QUALIA line, Sony Electronics recently opened its first QUALIA store in New York City. The store features a concierge at the entrance and appointment-driven, one-on-one product demonstrations with retail consultants. The store is situated within the Sony Style store.
“Because QUALIA products represent the ultimate expression of technology, craftsmanship and design, we knew that we had to create a very special retail environment to encourage consumers to experience QUALIA first-hand,” said Mike Fasulo, President Sony Electronics.
E2Go Kiosk Delivers Music, Ring Tones & Photos
Digital Transaction Machines, has introduced E2Go, a new ATM-like machine that delivers music, ring tones, photo printing and other digital entertainment straight into customers’ hands or cell phones at retail stores.
Using a simple touch screen menu, customers can choose from the latest cell phone ring tones. E2Go downloads music on the spot and dispenses a CD within minutes. Customers can also upload and print their own digital photographs by plugging standard flash media or photo CD’s into the machine. DVDs, games, tickets and other products and services will soon be added.
Dick Wingate, President of Content Dev. & Programming for Digital Transaction Machines, said, “E2Go opens an exciting new chapter at the intersection of digital content and mass commerce. Unlimited virtual inventory can now be purchased at high traffic locations in a manner that is easier and more fun than online.”
Harvest House Offers Gift Floor Display
Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR, a leading publisher of Christian literature is offering retilers this Harvest House gift spinner to increase impulse gift book sales.
The rich wood display is 72” tall and holds a minimum of 120 books on 20 adjustable shelves.
With its easy to assemble design, the display beautifully showcases up to 30 gift book titles. The header plaques tell shoppers that these are books to inspire readers.
The displays will be featured in Christiam Book Stores, General Book Stores and Gift Shops.
Retailers who purchase the display from Harvest House Publishers can receive one free book for each six ordered to offset the cost of the display.
Samsung Experience Opens In NYC
The Samsung Experience, a 10,000-sq. ft. interactive venue featuring virtual reality experiences and technology, has opened at the Time Warner Center in New York City.
The site features hundreds of Samsung products in unique technology demonstrations such as a virtual world in a 360-degree interactive simulation, a map of the city that can be manipulated with hand gestures, and a digital fashion collection created by one of New York’s hottest designers.
The Samsung Experience is not a store and is always free of charge. Visitors are invited to learn how the latest devices can enrich their lives. “Samsung Experience is digital convergence in its purest form; where you can see, hear, touch and create the art of the possible,” said Dong Jin Oh, CEO of Samsung Electronics NA. “The venue will become a great educational resource, communicating the benefits of digital technology without the pressures of a sales environment.”
Samsung will also pioneer an innovative loaner program. Visitors to the Samsung Experience will be able to take a hard-disk based camcorder with them to shoot video around New York City. Once they return, they can edit the footage at kiosks inside the Experience, burn their movies onto DVDs and return home with a digital souvenir. Visitors will also be able to use Samsung Napster MP3 players to download songs off Napster to CDs, and also download ring tones to their cell phones.
RadioShack & Sprint To Place Kiosks In Nation’s Top Shopping Malls
RadioShack Corporation and Sprint have reached a multi-year agreement to develop, deploy and operate Sprint-branded kiosks in approximately 500 of the nation’s leading shopping malls.
“This expanded kiosk program will accelerate our Retail Services business which will be an integral part of our growth strategy for the coming years,” said Leonard Roberts, RadioShack’s Chairman and CEO. “Wireless is a cornerstone of our business thanks in part to our great relationship with Sprint over the past eight years. The Sprint Kiosk test proves we can reach additional customers with minimal cannibalization to our existing wireless business.”
According to the agreement, RadioShack will provide Sprint with a turn-key retail solution that leverages its own infrastructure. Through the kiosk program, RadioShack and Sprint intend to capture a greater share of the high-end, youth and pre-paid market through locating kiosks in malls and by including Virgin Mobile in the product line-up. The kiosks will be stocked with the full assortment of Sprint phones, including PDA and multi-media phones.
HP Offers Fairmont Hotel Guests ‘Picture Perfect’ Vacations
HP and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts recently conducted a program allowing vacationers to experience digital photography. Hotel guests at 10 Fairmont properties across the U.S. could use the newest HP Photosmart digital cameras and printers during their stay.
“Together with Fairmont, HP is providing a unique digital photography experience in a natural setting; vacations, where consumers can appreciate the ability to easily capture and instantly share memories of their trip,” said Kathy Stromberg, V.P., Consumer Marketing, HP. “This is the latest example of HP’s experiential marketing approach, including in-store kiosks, and mobile digital photography tours.”
Snapfish Opens Premier Concept Store
Snapfish, a leading online photo service, has opened a concept retail store in Alexandria, VA, combining the value, ease of use and selection of its online services with the convenience of a retail store.
Now local Snapfish customers can order prints online and pick-up their order at the retail store. Multiple Snapfish Station kiosks offer free online access to Snapfish. The store will also demonstrate to retailers how online services can increase sales and profits for existing photo retail businesses. Snapfish’s selection of over 70 unique photo products will also be on display in the concept retail store.
Neil Cohen, Chairman of Snapfish, said, “With this new store Snapfish has come up with the ideal way for retailers and online services to combine their strengths and offer customers a better experience than either one could on their own.”
Seattle’s Best Coffee Opens In Borders
Borders and Seattle’s Best Coffee, a subsidiary of Starbucks Corp., have formed an agreement in which Borders will operate Seattle’s Best Coffee cafes in more than 400 Borders Books & Music stores.
“Enjoying a great cup of coffee is an important part of the shopping experience at Borders and is one reason our customers spend more time with us,” said Vin Altruda, President, Borders Stores. “With the conversion to SBC cafes, Borders is improving on what is already a compelling distinction in our stores.”
The agreement highlights Starbuck’s commitment to growing the SBC brand while leveraging its experience and expertise in licensing.
World’s First Large Format, High-Fidelity Cinematic Salon & Spa Opens
FX Studios in Baltimore, Maryland, is redefining grooming and esthetics by making the entire experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. FX Studios features four home theatre waiting areas with 16-foot screens, an Internet lounge and complimentary beverages including beer and wine while you wait for your stylist or esthetician.
Inside the cinematic salon and spa, guests are amazed at the 19 individualized hair studios complete with Dolby surround sound and 15-inch flat screens showing Hollywood films. According to the Company, by focusing on the experience, FX Studios presents a dynamic new business model for a “stop-and-chop” nation.
Loews Cineplex & Lavalife Introduce ‘Click At A Flick’ Singles Program
Loews Cineplex Entertainment and Lavalife have formed a partnership to host “Click at a Flick,” special Wednesday night movie screenings in major metropolitan areas designed for singles. Single moviegoers have the opportunity to mingle in the theater before the lights go down as part of a pre-movie party sponsored by Svedka Vodka and Joe Boxer, featuring complimentary cocktails, sexy surveys and music to help singles connect.
“Loews is always happy to bring people together to share the love of movies,” said John McCauley, Sr. V.P., Marketing for Loews Cineplex. “We are pleased to partner with Lavalife, and our sponsors Svedka and Joe Boxer, and believe they will help launch a program that will be the impetus for many to enjoy subsequent dates at the movies.”
Revenue From At-Home Digital Photo Printing Will Near $10 Billion in 2008
A new report from Lyra Research, a Newtonville, MA-based research firm, finds that worldwide revenue from at-home printing of photos captured by digital camera will grow from $7.1 billion in 2003 to $9,9 billion in 2008, a compound annual growth rate of 9%. The report, Consumer Photo-Printing Market: Where Digital Photos Will Be Printed, examines consumer photo-printing behavior.
“The majority of digital camera photos will continue to be printed at home, which is good news for ink jet printer and supplies vendors: sales of ink cartridges and photo paper will increase,” said Robert Palmer, Director of Lyra’s Digital Photography Advisory Service. “As the household penetration of digital cameras increases, the choices consumers make about where they conduct photo printing will continue to evolve.”
New PARADE Technology Study Finds Consumers Confused
Technology has provided us with more choices than ever—plasma, LCD and HDTV television; digital video recorders and cameras; online gaming and more. The result? We’re confused, according to a new study from PARADE Magazine, conducted by The Yankee Group.
The study found that 16% of consumers think they own a digital video recorder (DVR); 4% do. 71% say they understand and can explain the concept of a DVR; 36% understand and can explain the concept of TiVo. TiVo is a DVR. Plasma televisions and computers are No. 1 on Americans’ technology wish lists, at 26% each; 17% want HDTV; digital cameras, 16% and DVD Players, 10%.
Online gaming is burgeoning, especially among women (70%), the biggest users of Web-based parlor games. Men take the edge in other entertainment-related applications, including e-mailing photos (75% vs. 67%), burning audio CDs (54% vs. 44%), watching DVDs on PCs (47% vs. 37%) and purchasing or downloading MP3 files (36% vs. 29%).
Compared to households without children, families (children 18 or younger) are more technologically advanced. They better understand concepts like DVR (79% vs. 66%), text messaging (78% vs. 60%), HDTV (61% vs. 50%), broadband (56% vs. 46%) and MP3 (47% vs. 35%).
New Market Forecasts For Video Games Reports DFC Intelligence
Worldwide sales of traditional PC game, video game and portable game hardware and software are expected to increase from $23.2 billion in 2003 to $31.6 billion in 2009, according to a new report from market research firm DFC Intelligence.
The new report also presents the first detailed forecasts for the new portable game systems from Sony and Nintendo. According to David Cole, President of DFC, the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP are expected to help drive an increase in sales for the portable game market from $3.9 billion worldwide in 2003 to $11.1 billion in 2007.
Booming Market For MP3 Players According To IDC
Broad consumer acceptance of MP3 players is being driven by a variety of factors, including falling price points, the availability of music from legitimate online music services, and the integration of compressed audio support in a wide variety of digital devices, including DVD players and gaming devices.
The worldwide compressed audio player (MP3) market is booming, and is expected to reach nearly $58 billion in revenues by 2008, representing a five-year compound annual growth rate of 20%, according to the Worldwide Compressed Audio Player Forecast 2004-2008, conducted by IDC, a global market intelligence and advisory firm.
“New opportunities abound for chip vendors, device manufacturers and paid music service providers to guide mainstream music consumers into this rapidly evolving market,” said Susan Kevorkian, Sr. Analyst, Consumer Markets.
Nearly 20 Million U.S. Homes Will Network Consumer Electronics By 2008
Even though home-networking adoption has increased more than 50% annually, less than 10% of networked households have networked consumer electronics for shared audio or video.
According to a recent Yankee Group report almost 40% of households interested in connectivity would find a home network very useful for playing PC-based music and movies on any device, or recording TV programming on the PC and viewing it on the television.
“To capitalize on this interest, device manufacturers will have to advance the freedom of licensed content through technology partnerships, focus on the integration of networking into home audio and video and refine existing target marketing strategies to mitigate the competitive threat of portable devices,” said Dominic Ainscough, Senior Analyst, The Yankee Group. “Without these developments, networked entertainment will continue to be an empty promise that cannot harness existing consumer demand for a seamless listening and viewing experience.”
Considering the expanding installed base of households with a home network and the impact of increasing demand for Internet content sources, 19.7 million U.S. homes will own a networked entertainment device by 2008.
Students Looking For New Electronics Say They Control Buying Decisions
Students looking for new consumer electronics say they’re the ones in control of the budget and brand buying decisions, according to a survey of middle school and high school students conducted by research firm InsightExpress. Devices most wanted by teens include MP3 players, cell phones, and digital (still and video) cameras. While they plan to pay for only 30% of electronics purchases themselves, students say they still wield more buying influence than their parents.
“Students are more educated not only in terms of what devices they want to own, but also which brands,” said Lee Smith, President and COO of InsightExpress. “Teenagers hold a tremendous amount of influence when it comes to the devices they select, and savvy manufacturers will recognize the opportunity this audience represents.”
Fisher-Price Launches InteracTV
Fisher-Price has introduced InteracTV, a learning system that enables children to interact with their favorite characters from popular preschool shows on their TVs using their home DVD players. Using the InteracTV controller and DVDs featuring existing episodes from Barney, Blue’s Clues, Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street and SpongeBob Square Pants, children can interact with the characters on these shows.
P.O.P. displays in the learning aisle will support the product launch.
Disney Introduces Dream Desk PC
Walt Disney has joined with leading technology firms to introduce the Disney Dream Desk PC. Children represent the fastest growing segment of personal computer users.
Designed by Disney and frog design and built by Medion AG, the Disney Dream Desk PC features a 14.1” Mickey-shaped flat panel monitor with embedded speakers, a DVD player, a CD writer and player, and kid-sized mouse.
XM Satellite Radio Launches Audiophase SkyBox
XM Satellite Radio has introduced the Audiophase SkyBox, the industry’s first integrated portable satellite radio boom box.
The SkyBox is the first product to include an XM Satellite Radio receiver, AM/FM tuner and CD/MP3 player in a single device.
Logitech Introduces BuddyCam Web Camera
Logitech has introduced the Logitech BuddyCam, a two-pack of webcams made for giving and receiving. Customers can keep one and give one to a friend or to a child heading off to college.
“Every day, more people are discovering how much fun it is to stay in touch through video instant messaging,” said Collette Bunton, Logitech V.P. Marketing. “The Logitech BuddyCam makes it easy and affordable for a pair of friends to stay connected, whether they’re nearby or miles apart.
GameRacer Indoor Racing Simulator Comes To U.S.
GameRacer, the Indoor Racing Simulator that is highly successful in Europe, is now available in the U.S.
With a racing seat mounted to a highly adjustable frame that enables users to connect a steering wheel and pedal set, GameRacer delivers a perfect driving position for the ultimate racing experience in the home. The Simulator comes in 3 versions: the top of the line GameRacer PRO, the GameRacer Club and the GameRacer Sport.
VOK DAMS expo.solutions designed this unique exhibit for THQ, a worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software at this year’s Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany. The challenge was to create an interactive display of THQ’s top games in a 2,150 sq.-ft. booth and also present the company at a separate THQ business center. VOK DAMS designed separate areas for different target groups. Open game stands with consoles to play games were built as well as a bunker like VIP area. For more information about VOK DAMS, call 212-824-5823.
Burger King Conducts Joint Promo. With “Shark Tales”
BURGER KING has launched a promotion offering kids a chance to collect 10 different Shark Tale(TM) toys.
The toys, inspired by DreamWorks' computer animated feature film, will be available in every Kids Meal over a five-week period.
“We are pleased to partner with DreamWorks to bring Shark Tale(TM) beyond the theatre and into our restaurants,” said Cindy Syracuse, Senior director, National Promotions, Youth & Family Marketing, Burger King Corp.
This BURGER KING® promotion will be featured in kid-directed advertising, in-restaurant merchandising, and birthday mailers to BK® Kids Club members.
Merchandising materials for the promotion include posters, decals, window graphics and special tray liners.
Southern Imperial, Inc. offers its EMLine® Card Kits, a modular stock display designed for heavy duty, retail volume. The units are produced from high quality, durable polycarbonate. The modular design allows for easy set up and low-cost shipping. The display is accessible and is proven to increase sales as it allows the customer to easily browse the selection and buy the product. Stock items ship within one week. For more information, contact Southern Imperial, Inc., 1400 Eddy Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103.
Arrow Display offers its pop-up Newspaper Stacker. The instant pop-up corrugated Autoshelf® is a stock display which provides a low cost way to increase single copy newspaper sales at retail. This 1-piece patented construction ships flat and includes built-in supports. It sets up in just one second. The average time range from initial contact to final shipment is 1– 2 days. For more information, contact Arrow Display, l00 Frontage Road, Newark, NJ 07114.
EarthLink 3-Sided Floor Display
This 9 pocket display is constructed from metal, tubing, wire and plastic. The round header signs and base are laser cut from metal. Four color header signs and vertical signs are printed on Styrene. The metal parts have a durable powder finish. This display achieved floor space with its unique distinctive look and its strong brand identification. The EarthLink 3-Sided Floor Display was created by Nashville Display Custom Displays, 306 Hartman Drive, Lebanon, TN 37087.
Wal-Mart CD Island Fixture
The objective for this display was to create a custom island fixture to promote the sale of new release CDs and special value CDs. This 48” x 48” island fixture is constructed of a powder coated tubing frame with wire shelves, sitting on a black plastic pallet. The signage is standard Wal-Mart consisting of white extruded plastic with slide-in graphics and pricing. This fixture also includes a special feature, a music sampler outpost with electronics, speakers and key pad all built into a durable metal case. The fixture can be easily repositioned to capitalize on promotional opportunities. Feedback on this display has been positive. The Wal-Mart CD Island Fixture was created by Thorco Industries, Inc., l300 E l2th Street, Lamar, MO 64759.
Finding Nemo T-shirt Display
These Finding Nemo Displays were created for Disney on Ice and capture the spirit of the movie and provide a product display that creates attention. The display invokes the fun and love for the characters in the movie. The product stands out on the display back drop. The use of shape, wood, metal and rope give the display an overall nautical feel needed to draw attention to the brand. The Finding Nemo T-Shirt Display was created by Display Boys, 17032 Murphy Avenue, Irvine, California 92614.
OPTI – The Americas offers its Trilite aluminum truss shown in use at WLNK Radio in Charlottesville, Virginia. OPTI’s lightweight modular aluminum truss system offers upscale marketing presence not available with a pop-up display or pole tent. A single set of standard modular parts offers multiple configurations that can be used over and over again as a 10’ x l0’ portable booth, a 10’ x 20’ promotional pavilion or a 20 x 20 Special Event Shelter. Trilite is strong, flexible and easy to set up and it can always be expanded upon. For more information and free design assistance, contact Optikinetics, Ltd. 116 Sylvia Rd. Ashland, VA 23005.
Nomadic Display offers Platinum II, engineered to deliver a custom display at a very competitive price. Platinum II features advanced system integration with the large-format graphics of Instand. In addition, engineering tests prove that Platinum II’s galvanized steel-backed panels makes it stronger than other brands, minimizing maintenance and overall ownership costs. For more information, contact Nomadic Display, 56l7 Industrial Drive, Suite E, .Springfield, VA 22l5l.
The Panelglide Modular system combines the best features of portable and custom exhibits into one system. Laminate panels, curved backwalls and lockable storage are just a few of the benefits. The system assembles with no tools and packs in UPS shippable cases. For more information, contact Panelglide Exhibits, 760 Kacena Road #3, Hiawatha, IA 52233.
Back to Top
To See previous issues of Creative Electronics & Entertainment Merchandising click here
To See Previous Issues of Online Weekly in Creative's Archives, click here.
To See other Creative Online Newsletters click here
