Blockbuster Unveils New Outdoor Kiosk
Blockbuster is introducing a new outdoor DVD-rental kiosk, extending its deployment of Blockbuster Express™-branded DVD-rental kiosks to more convenience store and smaller-footprint, 24-hour retail locations.
The SelfServ Entertainment 2381 kiosk from NCR Corp. features a 19" touchscreen display that is specially designed for viewing in sunlight. A 26" LCD screen at the top of the unit can be used as digital signage, and all units are fitted with an ATM-grade anti-skimming magnetic stripe reader (MSR) to help prevent fraud.
Alex Camara, V.P. and General Manager, NCR Entertainment, said, “Consumers will benefit from easier access to their favorite new release and classic DVDs in accessible, 24-hour locations.”
Sony Displays New Electronic Reader
Sony is using this interactive display to help introduce its new electronic Reader. The display features interactive video to educate consumers about the new product, and it allows shoppers to try using the Reader.
The display features high definition video output, lift-off and motion-sensitive content triggering, and audio switching to deliver sound playback directly from the products being demonstrated in sync with the video presentation. The display is flexible, and can be set up in different configurations to meet different size requirements. This display was created for Sony by Winntech, (www.winntech.com), a Kansas City, MO--based display firm.
Monster Displays PowerCenter At Best Buy
Monster is featuring this Monster Power In-Line Display at Best Buy stores. The header is designed to mimic the front panel of a Monster PowerCenter while incorporating a 10.2" monitor showing customer benefits. The video content can be easily updated in the field. The display ships a plug and play unit.
A custom clear acrylic top on the upper Monster PowerCenter lets consumers see the interworking of the electronics. The left side of the display is designed for an ergonomic shelf that allows a complete flipbook reviewing all 4 products. Each shelf has adjustable hole patterns to accept multiple Monster PowerCenter SKU’s. This display was created for Monster by Kosakura, a Santa Ana-based display firm.
Barnes &Noble Displays nook eBook Reader
Barnes & Noble has launched nook, the Barnes & Noble eBook reader, which marries innovative technology with access to the company’s digital store of over one million eBooks, newspapers and magazines. For fast connectivity, nook is the first eBook reader to provide, at no additional costs to customers, both 3G wireless access on AT&T's mobile broadband network and access to Wi-Fi for Barnes & Noble in-store browsing and enjoyment. And to help friends share their joy of reading, nook is the first eBook reader to offer digital lending for a wide selection of eBooks. Barnes & Noble has created stunning storefront displays for nook.
Walt Disney Displays Diamond Collection
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has announced the new Diamond Collection to be released on Blu-ray Hi-Def. Beginning with “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the Diamond Collection comprises an additional 13 of Disney’s most treasured titles, including: Beauty and the Beast; The Lion King; Cinderella; The Little Mermaid; The Jungle Book; and 101 Dalmatians. Each film will be restored to the highest level of picture and sound, feature immersive bonus content, and include unprecedented levels of interactivity and personalization made possible by Blu-ray technology.
Bob Chapek, President, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, said, “Because today’s family rooms are more technologically-advanced and consumer expectations are higher than ever, we are excited to announce the launch of the Diamond Collection. The collection offers consumers the opportunity to enjoy these timeless classics like never before.”
TRANSFORMERS DVD & Blu-ray Discs On Display
Paramount Home Entertainment is conducting one of its biggest marketing campaigns ever in support of the DVD and Blu-ray release of The TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen. The two-disc Blu-ray and DVD feature over three hours of immersive special features. The Blu-ray and two-disc DVD packages feature augmented reality technology that will allow owners to interact with a holographic image of OPTIMUS PRIME utilizing their webcams and a special website. An array of partners have joined forces with the studio for tie-in promotions, including Chevrolet, Papa John’s, Land O'Frost, and Perdue.
Walmart Adds ‘KISS Korner’ For Release Of SONIC BOOM
KISS fans can now visit Walmart stores’ “Kiss Korners” in the Electronics departments for KISS T-shirts, limited edition KISS M&M candies, and even KISS Mr. Potato Head spuds of all four band members. The exclusive KISS CD/DVD package, SONIC BOOM, and KISS kollectibles will be available in all Walmart stores nationwide.
“To complement this highly-anticipated music release, we are excited to bring a unique store experience with KISS merchandise at an unbeatable value for fans of all ages,” said Greg Hall, vice president of Media Services, Walmart U.S.
SONIC BOOM is KISS' first new album in 11 years. The eleven-track CD is part of a three-disc set that also features a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD and a live DVD shot during the band's recent, KISS ALIVE 35 tour.
Optek Music System Displays Fretlight Guitar
Optek Music Systems is offering point-of-purchase displays to dealers’ stores designed to educate potential customers about the Fretlight guitar. The Fretlight’s patented LED learning system embedded in the neck provides a comprehensive visual experience that makes learning to play the guitar quick and easy.
Rusty Shaffer, President of Optek Music Systems, said, “The new POP display provides a visual interpretation of the Fretlight learning system. We anticipate that the new POP display will get customers talking and asking questions about Fretlight.”
The Fretlight guitar’s embedded LED lights show the player exactly where to place their fingers to play chords, scales, songs, solos and more.The Fretlight works with PC and Mac software.
Tanger Outlets Deploy GiftWise Kiosks
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers has signed an agreement to deploy Self-Service Networks GiftWise kiosks across five of their popular shopping centers. For Tanger, the GiftWise kiosks represent additional gift card selling locations conveniently positioned in areas of the property not served by a staffed customer service desk.
Laura Atwell, V.P., Marketing for Tanger Outlets, said, “We are excited to add the GiftWise solution to our gift card sales strategy. GiftWise gives us an effective way to expand the visibility of our gift card program, while offering improved convenience for our shoppers.”
"Self-Service Networks is pleased that Tanger Outlets has chosen to deploy the GiftWise kiosk solution,” said Rick Wessels, Exec. V.P., Self-Service Networks. “These all-weather units offer outdoor properties a unique opportunity to improve card sales by adding new selling locations or moving sales out of the management office.”
UltraLast Rechargeable Batteries Introduced
New UltraLast Green™ rechargeable batteries include Everyday Rechargeables™, batteries designed for use in household items, and High-Power Rechargeables™, batteries for high-power consumption devices. Mark Dockser, Sr. V.P., UltraLast Batteries, said, “Consumers now have a greener alternative to throw-away batteries.” Displays for the new line reinforce its environmental benefits.
Chaotic Beverage Launches Based On Trading Card Game
4Kids Entertainment and U & Me Marketing have launched a new beverage based on Chaotic, the #1 trading card game in Canada, and the animated TV series.
Each can will have a specially designed tab that when removed, will reveal a code which can be uploaded on www.ChaoticGame.com. The beverage will be offered as individual purchase items or as a four-pack, which will include a booster pack of Chaotic trading cards.
Baby Genius Launches New In-store Displays
Pacific Entertainment, which has built Baby Genius into a world-renowned brand of musical edu-tainment for infants and toddlers, is poised to expand on its leadership position in the pre-school marketplace with a new merchandising and marketing campaign.
At the foundation of the campaign is a new line of 24 individual Baby Genius early learning and development toys from toy manufacturer, Battat Inc., which have launched at Walmart stores nationwide.
Rosetta Stone Products Displays At Office Depot
Rosetta Stone is displaying its language learning solutions at Office Depot locations nationwide. As part of the agreement, Office Depot will have in-store retail exclusivity in the Office Supply Superstore channel.
The Rosetta Stone method is interactive and immersive, teaching communication skills the same way a person’s first language is learned - connecting the language with its meaning, in real life scenarios.
“We are seeing more people looking to take up another language to boost their resume and hiring potential, and Rosetta Stone is a perfect tool for doing just that,” said John Lostroscio, V.P. Merchandising for Office Depot.
“We’re excited to expand and diversify our retail presence with Office Depot,” said Eric Eichmann, COO, Rosetta Stone. “This strategic relationship will allow us to reach the small to mid-size business segment, as well as job hunting consumers.”
New Retail Stores Connect Consumers With the Best of Microsoft
Microsoft has opened its first retail store in Scottsdale, Arizona. Designed to give shoppers a chance to experience the best of Microsoft and its partners, the store offers customers a select line of laptops, netbooks, all-in-one PCs, Xbox consoles, Windows Mobile phones and one of the largest selections of third-party software titles in any store. “Our customers have told us they want choice, better value and great service when shopping for technology, and that is what we will deliver through our Microsoft stores,” said David Porter, Vice President of Microsoft Retail.
The design of the stores is uniquely Microsoft, with four “zones” that focus on different types of technology experiences. Laptops are on large cedar tables, with seating so shoppers can sit and tinker. The walls are lined with giant LCD screens that envelop the space with landscapes and product images. Below the images, stylish all-in-one PCs are set up with Zunes, Xbox consoles, headphones and widescreen displays, demonstrating how all the items work together to create a multimedia experience. Toward the back of the store are laptop bags and an array of software titles. There is a gaming zone featuring a 94-inch widescreen, with seating and an array of controllers to play with. The store design is centered on three core principles: elevating customer choice, providing more value and delivering great service.
Duracell Launches Smart Power Initiative
Duracell has launched its new Duracell Smart Power initiative, which expands the brand's product portfolio beyond the traditional battery to address the ever-growing and ever-changing power needs of the modern consumer. More than 10 new products mark the start of Duracell Smart Power ranging from myGrid(TM) to on-the-go compact power chargers, new rechargeable battery chargers and patented LED technology for flashlights.
Zondervan Releases Interactive,Virtual Bible
Zondervan’s Glo is a new interactive, virtual bible with HD video and documentaries, high-resolution images, zoom-able maps and 360-degree virtual tours. Glo is the Bible “re-imagined for a digital world.”
Additional content includes more than 500 virtual tours, 7,500 encyclopedia articles, 2,400 high-resolution photos, 700 pieces of artwork, 3.5 hours of HD video, 150 maps and more, allowing users to immerse themselves in the Bible.
Apple Introduces Multi-Touch Magic Mouse
Apple has introduced the new wireless Magic Mouse, the first mouse to use Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch technology. Pioneered on iPhone, iPod touch and Mac notebook trackpads, Multi-Touch allows customers to navigate using intuitive finger gestures. Instead of mechanical buttons, scroll wheels or scroll balls, the entire top of the Magic Mouse is a seamless Multi-Touch surface.
Yoostar Launches Home Entertainment System
The Yoostar™ home entertainment system will be available for purchase at Bloomingdales stores nationwide, and at all Best Buy outlets. The Yoostar entertainment system allows you to film yourself right into famous movie scenes, where you can perform with, or replace, the original actors. Users can then upload their performances to www.yoostar.com and share them on their favorite social networking sites.
The Yoostar system includes a studio-grade web cam with built-in dual microphones, portable green screen, and Yoostar software that is PC and Mac compatible.
Se-Kure Controls Inc. offers its new Vanatage II Display Security System with power options to supply power to merchandise displays from the side of the stand or underneath. It is designed to protect mobile phones. digital cameras and camcorders as well as MP3 players and GPS units. Vantage II provides flexible configurations to protect from one to one hundred SKUs. For more information, contact Se-Kure Controls at, call l-800-250-9265 or (Web site) www.se-kure.com
Based on the theme, “It’s time for you AND Kodak,” visitors to Kodak’s booth at Print 09 were able to participate in a tailored experience based on their unique needs. The Pipeline of Innovation served as the centerpiece of Kodak's booth. This 24-foot-long digital display featured a continuous stream of visual images representing solutions from Kodak. Surrounding the Pipeline of Innovation, a series of interactive modules with circular flatscreen displays delivered in-depth information in four market segments: commercial printing, packaging, publishing and data-driven communications. Printed samples representing the four market segments were shown in a new way. Each sample included an RFID tag that, when placed on a display table, activated a presentation showing how the piece was produced using KODAK Technologies. Another highlight of the booth was K-Zone, a live talk show set where discussions with industry experts took place throughout the show.
Sennheiser Conducts National Sound Tour
Premium quality headphone manufacturer Sennheiser recently conducted its “Sennheiser Sound Tour,” a customer engagement initiative that combined interactive social media elements, competing teams of “brand ambassadors” and on-site, consumer-focused appearances. The Sennheiser Sound Tour campaign was designed to familiarize a broader base of North American consumers with the Sennheiser brand. The campaign sought to introduce “true sound” to a young and very busy demographic, appealing to individuals who identify with confidence, self-expression, fashion and most of all, high-quality sound. The frequent consumer interactions enabled customers to “discover, try and buy” Sennheiser headphones.
Good Housekeeping Tour Reaches 11 U.S. Cities
In celebration of the 100th birthday of the Good Housekeeping Seal, the magazine’s famous emblem of quality, Good Housekeeping magazine has created an interactive, traveling exhibit that recreates the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, where product evaluations are conducted. Visitors will see the various tests products must go through to earn the Seal. GHRI on Tour presented by IKEA will make stops in 11 markets, transported via an environmentally-responsible low-emission vehicle. Visitors can also enter to win a room makeover from IKEA.
Culligan is sponsoring the Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab, where the performance of all appliances and utensils used in preparing food are reviewed. GHRI on Tour also features an additional six interactive labs with diorama-style windows that provide a look inside, along with a video of each lab's director explaining the products he/she evaluates. The exhibit also includes areas devoted to the magazine's environmental initiatives; and touch screen TVs with trivia games.
BobCarMedia Offers Mobile Showrooms
BobCarMedia (www.bobcarmedia.com), mobile showrooms are being used by SanDisk, T-Mobile and Comcast to establish highly engaging brand-to-consumer exchanges. BobCar Mobile Showrooms are staffed with expert brand-ambassadors who can educate consumer passers-by about the newest products and technology offered by each company. People are free to test-drive the products in a friendly, non-threatening environment.
BobCarMedia was founded on the principle that a small, eco-friendly, motorized vehicle - that is highly flexible and mobile can transport and present a brand marketer's message in a unique, stimulating manner.
National Arts and Crafts Display Program
National Arts and Crafts Co., needed a series of custom POP displays that matched the quality and originality of its products. This family of custom designed, handcrafted displays combines modern materials including acrylic, solid wood, wood veneer and metal laminate. These self-serve, refillable displays are built to stand up to the wear-and-tear of in-store use and are constructed to last for years. The National Arts and Crafts Display was created by The October Co., 5l Ferry St., Easthampton, MA 0l027. (Web site) www.stik-2.com
Kumon Book Display
Kumon required a display to hold its learning booklets that featured strong brand identification. This display offers a large sign with Kumon's signature blue color and logo. The elegant display denotes a trusted respected source, while displaying the products clearly. The Kumon Book Display was created by Metaline Displays With A Twist™, 101 North Feltus St., South Amboy, NJ 08879. (Web site) www.metalineproducts.com
Pioneer Pro DJ Retail Experience Display
The Pioneer Pro DJ Retail Experience was designed to be inviting and informative for any level of user. The consumer has a chance to see what combination of products are available with a touch of a red selector button. To achieve the simple tactile experience, an advanced, yet easy to use, switching system was developed. Custom metal trusses, DJ cases, lighting, sharp video, detailed print graphics were all used to give the display a ‘Wow Factor.’ This display was created for Pioneer by Kosakura & Associates, 2215 S. Standard Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707. (Web site) www.kosakura.com
Surefire Display Tower
Surefire LLC wanted a modular display tower that would merchandise its products, "The World's Finest Illumination Tools for High Risk Professionals." The display is constructed of aluminum components, acrylic laminated wood and stainless steel hardware. The conceptual designs were created by Pull Design Build of Colorado Engineering and the manufacturing of the display was done by Concept Displays, 434 E. Alondra Blvd., Gardena, CA 90248. (Web site) www.conceptdisplays.com
Modular DK Shop System
Walls+Forms, Inc. has introduced the Modular DK Shop System, a modular display system, that is easy to install. Based on lightweight, high load carrying aluminum frames, the system features easy-to-change color plates (panels) and a full range of accessories. Once installed, the system gives store staff the freedom to change a wall in minutes, or an entire store in a few hours. Power outlets and security devices are hidden behind the plates, leaving no cables or wires exposed. For more information, contact Walls + Forms, 204 Airline, Coppell, TX 75019. (Web site) www.wallsforms.com
Harbor Industries, Inc. has developed a new interactive system for conveying product messaging. The in-TRAC™ system (patent pending) is a sliding interactive LCD monitor that changes information as it is moved in front of different products. The monitor slides on a powered 12 V DC rail allowing the consumer to receive desired product messaging. If additional information is needed, the consumer can access it using the optional touch screen. The screen can be mounted portrait or landscape. Content can be delivered using either a compact flash card or web based option whichever is best for the retailer. The system is designed to be incorporated in a point of purchase display, on gondola shelving or on slat wall. For more information, contact Harbor Industries, 14130 172nd Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417 (Web site) www.harbor-ind.com
Synsor Corp. has developed an innovative end cap that features an interactive LCD for Eastman Kodak Co. at Office Max stores. The LCD has a continuous silent attract loop and on-demand consumer information feed. This interactive end cap design varies depending on store footprints; however, all displays capture the consumer's attention with a bright flat-panel LCD screen. Consumers select one of three, bright-red buttons to start a voice-over informational segment about Kodak's digital product of interest; a Kodak EasyShare Digital Camera, Pocket Video Camera or Digital Frames. The featured products are located directly under interactive displays, making it easy for consumers to purchase products. Software is downloaded to smart cards, which are housed inside the display so there is no software configuration necessary. For more information, contact Synsor Corp., 1920 Merrill Creek Pkwy., Everett, WA 98203 (Web site) www.synsor.com
Kosakura created this Linksys Wireless Home Audio display. The interactive display demonstrates the Linksys Wireless Home Audio, Router, and Media Player. Product information videos are engaged by the customer. All Linksys product is securely mounted for theft resistance. The display is constructed of powder coated metal, frosted plexiglas and direct printed MDF. For more information, contact Kosakura, 2215 S. Standard Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92707 Web site) www.kosakura.com
ExpoSystems offers the AdVantage® exhibit system, a 360 degree hinge system that sets up instantly and offers versatility and stability. The system can be used to build table tops to large exhibits, as well as dramatic rear-lit towers, counters and showcases. Many accessories are offered with the system, including header panels, solid aluminum end caps, slat wall, folding light boxes, and lighting. For more information, contact ExpoSystems, 3640 B McNicoll Ave., Scarborough, Ontario Canada M1X 1G5; (Tel) (416)-291-2932; (Web site) www.exposystems.com
Classic Exhibits Inc. offers its Visionary Designs Hybrid Exhibits, a cutting-edge exhibit design and hybrid construction which offers an ideal design solution for any trade show or event. Visionary design combines vibrant tension fabric graphics, durable aluminum extrusions and elegant laminates for island or inline trade show exhibits. Visionary Designs VK-l032 has everything, contemporary style, smart functionality, modular design and lightweight aluminum and tension fabric components. For more information, contact Classic Exhibits Inc., 5675 SE International Way, Milwaukie, OR 97222; (Tel) 503-652-2100; (Web site) www.classicexhibits.com
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