‘Pop-Up’ Store Helps Warner Bros. Celebrate Anniversary
Virgin Megastore Times Square has teamed with Warner Home Video to help celebrate Warner Bros. Entertainment's 85 years of moviemaking by creating a pop-up store within a store.
The cafe inside the Times Square Virgin Megastore has been transformed into a Warner Bros. 85th Anniversary Store, creating 400 feet of space dedicated to the studio’s best DVDs of all time.
The converted cafe houses a ‘mini-movie theatre’ that runs clips of Warner Bros. library of films from 1923 through present day releases. A red carpet leads Megastore customers from the store's escalator into the Anniversary Store.
“The idea was for Virgin Megastores to create something special that would garner attention and showcase the great films that Warner Bros. has produced over the past 85 years,” said Bart Saunt, Director of Strategic Marketing, Virgin Entertainment Group. “We've created the largest in-store marketing design that we've ever done for a partner; which includes a 40x20 foot in-store billboard with an Epson projection screen in the middle of it. We have utilized a huge part of our Times Square Megastore to help promote the anniversary of one of the top studios in the world.”
Along with the pop-up store, Virgin Megastores nationwide will support the studio's anniversary with WHV national window displays, end caps and in-store signage that ties in with WHV titles that are on sale for $10.
Motorola Promotes Nextel Direct Connect
Motorola is fueling sales by giving away a years worth of free gas in the “Motorola Push-to-Talk Sign Up, Speed Up, Gas Up Sweepstakes.”
Consumers who visit participating Sprint authorized retail locations can enter Motorola’s sweepstakes to be one of five lucky winners of $2,500 worth of gas. With the Push-to-Talk Sign Up, Speed Up, Gas Up Sweepstakes, Motorola is also offering sales reps the chance to win free gas for a year as part of a dealer incentive program.
“Free gas is a hot incentive right now,” said Philip Congello, Jr., V.P., Account Services at MNA Creative in Danbury, CT. “The combination of a timely consumer promotion with an attractive dealer incentive will drive Motorola push-to-talk sales.” “MNA Creative leveraged a great package of incentives and a terrific consumer promotion to drive traffic to the stores,” said Marlene Cowan, Marketing Director, Motorola.
New Nokia Display Demos Latest Nokia Devices
Nokia is using this sleek, high-end retail display to showcase and demo the latest Nokia devices.
Incorporating a video monitor to further engage the consumer, the modular unit was produced with a Plug-N-Play feature and requires just two standard AC outlets, allowing for easy set up.
To accommodate the variants found within retail environments, the display can be placed on a countertop or attached to a custom pedestal. This display was created for Nokia by Midnight Oil Creative and LAgraphico, a Burbank, CA-based point-of-purchase display firm.
DVDPlay Rental Kiosk To Offer Blu-ray Discs
DVDPlay, a DVD rental kiosk operator and developer, has added the Blu-ray disc format to its standard DVD selection. “DVDPlay is thrilled to be the first in the kiosk space to offer Blu-ray discs,” said Chuck Berger, CEO of DVDPlay.
DVDPlay will continue to release movies in standard DVD format with select Blu-ray titles. “We are pleased to support DVDPlay in offering Blu-ray titles,” said Marshall Forster, Sr. V.P. Sales at Sony. “Rental kiosks are one of the fastest growing segments in the business, making Blu-ray movies available to an even broader consumer base,” Forster said.
movieBOOTY Pioneers In-Theatre Sales
movieBOOTY, which focuses on in-theatre sales of licensed movie-related apparel, has launched a presence in four North American movie theatre chains. By providing the ability to immediately purchase merchandise from popular movies at the same theatre, and at the same time the feature is shown, movieBOOTY’s business model enhances the consumer movie-going experience while offering an alternate source of revenue for theatre owners and provides film marketers with another option to add to an integrated movie marketing campaign.
movieBOOTY merchandise, displayed and sold in theatre lobbies via several display options, celebrates new releases and film classics, providing immediate consumer access to movie souvenirs by turning a few square feet of unused theatre space into a retail profit center.
Verizon Displays Aircard
Verizon Wireless is using this free-standing 8 l/2" x ll" counter display in the laptop computer section of Circuit City stores to drive potential AirCard® customers to the Verizon in-store kiosk. Product graphics are changeable to accommodate future AirCard® models.
The displays were created for Verizon by Trimco Display, LLC, which used the Screen3D™ imaging process from KenPren 3D Imaging, Jefferson, MD, to produce the displays. Screen3D™ grabs the consumer’s attention and draws their focus to the products which seem to float in space between the circles and the Verizon checkmarks.
WD Introduces 500 GB My Passport Portable Drives
Catering to consumers on-the-go with portable storage offerings, Western Digital has introduced its new 500 GB capacity My Passport Portable USB Drives, which are designed to make it easy to store a half a terabyte of music, videos or photos and carry them in the palm of your hand. The new 500 GB capacity is offered on the My Passport Elite(TM) and My Passport Essential(TM) portable drive models.
My Passport Elite portable drives are equipped with software to automatically back up consumers' ever-growing collection of personal media and digital files. Weighing in at less than 7 ounces and designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, the new 500 GB My Passport portable drives are small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack for easy portability.
“In our mobile society, there is an increasing desire to have your data collection at your finger tips at all times,” said Jim Welsh, V.P. WD’s Consumer Electronics Group. Displays for the new Passport Portable drives are themed, “Half a terabyte in the palm of your hand.”
Microsoft Launches New Windows Campaign
Microsoft has launched a new campaign, which will highlight how Windows has become an indispensable part of the lives of a billion people around the globe -- not only on PCs but also now online and via mobile devices.
Microsoft is working with retail partners and PC manufacturers to enhance the experience consumers have with Windows at every touch-point. Major retailers, such as Circuit City and Best Buy, will begin rolling out Windows-branded sales environments and store-within-a-store display concepts with some featuring trained Microsoft “Gurus” to assist PC buyers, similar to the Nordstrom model of “personal shoppers,” where the focus is more on informing and supporting the customer than on the actual sale.
Microsoft has also setup on its Redmond campus, the Retail Experience Center, which is part of a larger effort to better understand and address how consumers are experiencing the Windows brand at retail as they select PCs.
CBS Scene Opens In MA
CBS and The Kraft Group have opened the CBS Scene Restaurant & Bar, a three-story, 15,000 sq. ft. entertainment and dining destination in Patriot Place, adjacent to the New England Patriots’ Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. The venue features upscale casual dining, and state-of-the-art technology -- including over 135 Plasma, LCD and graphic projector displays showcasing current and classic content from across the CBS Corporation.
“Watching TV and eating have been great partners for years, but never before like this,” said George Schweitzer, President, CBS Marketing Group. “From the moment they walk in, visitors are transported into a world of entertainment filled with high-tech displays.”
The CBS Scene includes a restaurant, a retail outlet selling CBS merchandise and an unprecedented arrangement of technology, content and graphic art. At the pinnacle of the CBS Scene is a 36-by-17-foot digital outdoor sign.
Forrester Releases Technology Survey Of North American Consumers
Forrester Research released the results of its 2008 North American Technographics® Benchmark survey, about consumers’ technology adoption and attitudes. “Gen Y is the audience that most companies are struggling to understand right now because it's key to their future revenue growth,” said Charles Golvin, principal analyst at Forrester Research.
Although Gen Y is a small generation of 18- to 28-year-olds, comprising only 38 million US adults, it sets the pace for technology adoption. Nine in 10 Gen Yers own a PC, and 82% own a mobile phone. Gen Y spends more time online - for leisure or work - than watching TV; 72% of Gen Y mobile phone owners send text messages; 42% of online Gen Yers watch Internet video at least monthly.
In contrast, Gen X, which is comprised of 29- to 42-year-olds - 63 million US adults - uses technology when it intersects with a personal need or fulfills a desire. For example, 32% of Gen X households own an HDTV, and 29% have a DVR.
NPD Group Reports Rising Potential For Blu-ray Disc Devices
According to NPD’s “2008 Blu-ray Disc Report,” 45% of HDTV owners in the U.S. now claim to be familiar with Blu-ray Disc (BD), up from 35% in 2007. While only 6% of consumers surveyed said they plan to purchase a BD device, NPD found purchase intent to be higher among the growing population of HDTV owners, boding well for the future of the format.
The Report also reveals that 9% of HDTV owners plan to buy a BD-capable player in the next six months. “With HDTVs now in approximately 40 million US households, that percentage translates to a pool of almost 4 million potential BD player buyers,” said Russ Crupnick, entertainment industry analyst for NPD.
Consumers who purchased a BD set-top player indicated a clear preference for BD content. In fact current BD set-top player owners expect that 80% of their upcoming purchases will be in BD rather than standard DVD.
www.creoh.com
Leapfrog Launches Web-Connected Video Game Systems
LeapFrog Enterprises has launched a new web-connected video game system tied to the proprietary LeapFrog Learning Path. The Leapster2 Learning Game System expands the gameplay online with fun activities and rewards that encourage continued play while allowing parents to see what their child is learning.
Christian Cocks, V.P. Gaming at LeapFrog, said, “Kids want to play video games, and as parents we want them to get the most from that experience:”
Vers iPod 2X Sound System Now Available in Bamboo
Vers is introducing a sustainably-designed Bamboo sound system line for the iPod. “Bamboo grows incredibly fast and looks beautiful,” said David Laituri, co- founder of Vers. “It is the most sustainable, renewable wood material on the planet.”
The Vers 2X is designed with a sustainable mind-set, with wood selected from managed plantation sources, 100% post-consumer recycled packaging materials and energy-efficient components.
Master Lock Helps Protect iPods
Master Lock recognizes the personal and financial investment iPod users have made in their media players, and has now made protecting these devices more convenient with the introduction of the iCage. The iCage includes a durable, lightweight protective skin, set-your-own 3-digit combination lock for keyless convenience, flexible cable for lock-down security, and three invisible shrink wraps for screen and body scratch protection. The device remains fully functional in the locking skin with access to all ports for the user.
EA Promotes Launch Of Madden NFL 09 At 7-Eleven® Stores
Electronic Arts recently conducted a promotion of Madden NFL 09 at 7-Eleven stores. The promotion featured a wide variety of in-store and out-of-store elements, including collectible Slurpee® and Big Gulp® cups, Madden Meals featuring Frito Lay potato chips, a free online Madden Fantasy Roster Builder based on Madden NFL 09 player ratings, and Madden NFL 09 branded signage throughout the store.
EA partnered with several other big names as part of the promotion at 7-Eleven. Together with Warner Brothers Home Video, EA made a playable pre-release demo of Madden NFL 09 available on a retail DVD. Pepsi joined in support of the new Pepsi Lemon NFL Kick-off colas.
Assisting 7-Eleven in developing the promotions was FreshWorks, 7-Eleven’s marketing agency.
Pioneer Launches New KURO Brand
Pioneer Electronics has unveiled a campaign to launch its second generation KURO televisions and complete line of audio-video products.
“We know that what people are looking for is not a list of technical specifications but instead, the ultimate home entertainment experience in which we as viewers sit breathless, entranced and truly moved by what we are seeing, hearing and feeling,” said Russ Johnston, Exec. V.P., Marketing, Pioneer Electronics. Pioneer’s new multi-media campaign evolved from the themeline, “Seeing and Hearing Like Never Before.”
The campaign includes four images that illustrate men and women literally being transformed by what they see on screen - a rose, a butterfly, a trumpet and a race car.
The campaign is targeted to “discerning entertainment junkies,” who prioritize great entertainment in their upscale lifestyles.
NBA On ESPN RV Tour
The “NBA on ESPN RV Tour,” a mobile marketing promotion for ABC and ESPN’s NBA coverage, continued its cross-country journey into the postseason.
Executed by rEvolution, a Chicago-based sports marketing agency, the NBA on ESPN RV Tour was an integrated marketing effort to promote ESPN and ABC’s expanded NBA television coverage. The RV has crisscrossed its way across the country, making more than 20 different stops, from LA to Boston.
“The NBA on ESPN RV tour has allowed us to truly connect with fans both online and on site at the games,” said Jeffrey Gonyo, Senior Director, Marketing, ESPN. “Our television audience for this season was the largest we’ve seen since we re-acquired the NBA prior to the '02-03 season.”
NBA fans had the opportunity to tour the RV, parked in a prominent location of the hosting arena, as well as participate in activities such as a free throw and “knock-out” contest, photo stations, and interactive trivia kiosks.
GORE-TEX Conducts ‘Know What’s Inside’ Promotional Tour
The GORE-TEX and WINDSTOPPER “Know What’s Inside” Tour has teamed up with Soles4Souls, an international charity dedicated to donating footwear to those in need.
The “Know What's Inside” Tour is set out to collect thousands of pairs of shoes; enough to fill the 6'x8'x10' GORE Extreme Weather Chamber. Shoes will be collected at numerous local events throughout the year.
The Tour invites visitors to step inside and personally test the GORE-TEX® Guaranteed To Keep You Dry® promise by dialing up their own weather in the Extreme Weather Chamber. Participants can create a wide range of weather conditions including rainfall up to 22 inches per hour.
TV Guide/Kellogg's Cheez-It/Nascar Cross Merchandiser Floor Display
This display was produced for placement in Kroger Stores. The display features eye-catching structural and graphic design treatments. The display mimics the look of a race car to attract impulse consumer response. The unit merchandised TV Guide magazines along with boxes of Kellogg's Cheez-it Crackers, to suggest TV viewing with an iconic snack food. The TV Guide/Kellogg's Cheez-It Nascar Cross Merchandiser was created by Weber Display & Packaging, 3500 Richmond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134.
Bargain Books Speed Table
This Display Speed Table is a very popular stock display for the Supermarket Industry. The SD 119 Medium speed Table, measures 36 wide x 24" deep x 30" High. The same unit is also available in a compact 25" x 22" footprint. The display was custom printed with the sales message "Bargain Books" It is printed solid yellow using a stock printing mat, and overprinted with the red "Bargain Books" sales message. Any sales message may be custom printed in the same manner. The display, produced by Alpak Display Group, is made from 100% recyclable corrugated. The inks and varnish are all water-based, and are also 100% recyclable.The “Bargain Books” Speed Table display was created by Alpak Display Group, 575 N. Midland Avenue, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663.
Sanyo Xacti E1 Camera Display
Sanyo wanted the display for its new Xacti E1 waterproof camera to feature eye-catching life-style graphics along with a live, working product. A custom-built camera mounting bracket and security system was designed to utilize tamper proof hardware attached to a crimped wire cable. The display is steel with a powder-coated finish to ensure longevity and security at retail. The custom steel security post is fitted to the product making its removal impossible without a special tool. The product pivots on the display to allow consumer interaction. The Sanyo Xacti E1 Camera Display was created by Cornerstone Display Group, 13834 Del Sur Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.
Above All Advertising offers the Aire Vue™ Inflatable display system, a lightweight, durable, double-sided air-inflatable sign that replaces the traditional metal frame sign. It is designed for display in front of stores or shopping centers, at concerts, on cars and even on the water. The, Aire Vue™ Inflatable is available in two sizes and can be conveniently set up with an electric or battery-operated air blower or foot pump. The advertising message is seamlessly displayed on a long-lasting fabric sleeve that covers the inflatable frame. For more information, contact Above All Advertising, 9080 Activity Rd. Ste A, San Diego, CA 92126.
United Displaycraft offers its UD Greeting Card System which provides greeting card displays manufactured in 7 different orientations and configurations ranging from counter displays to floorstands and powerwings. There is no minimum order and the average time range from initial contact to final shipment is less than 24 hours. For more information, contact United Displaycraft, 333 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018.
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