Nokia To Launch Experience Centers Concept
Nokia recently opened its fifth Experience Center at the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas. The new location is an ideal representation of the Experience Center strategy to open outlets at destination malls, where the shopping experience is as important as the shopping itself. By the fall of 2005, Nokia plans to have over 25 Experience Centers open in more than a dozen North American markets.
Unlike a traditional wireless store that carries a limited selection of phones, the Nokia Experience Center features the full line of Nokia products. Each product is professionally displayed, and fully operational to allow consumers to understand the newest wireless features, such as integrated cameras, Bluetooth technology, e-mail support and wireless gaming. Most importantly, since there are no retail sales on site, the customer has a no-pressure experience while in the Experience Center. Instead, store personnel can direct consumers to nearby retailers where specific products can be purchased.
The Nokia Experience Centers, measuring about 200 sq. ft. on average, are designed to reflect the design ethic of the Nokia brand. Generous use of frosted glass, curved surfaces and hardwood floors and fixtures create a welcoming retail environment that draws customers inside, and encourages them to casually browse while learning about the full array of Nokia handsets and enhancements.
“A traditional wireless outlet can be overwhelming for many consumers,” said Winston-Wright, Branded Retail Planning Manager for Nokia. “Between choosing rate plans, signing contracts and navigating rebate programs, finding the wireless device that fits the customers’ needs is often overlooked. The mission of the Nokia Experience Center is to educate the consumer before he or she begins the buying process. A consumer who has a hands-on experience with a variety of devices and a non-pressure dialogue with a knowledgeable wireless representative before making a purchase is likely to have a far more positive experience, and be more satisfied over the long term with both Nokia and the wireless service provider.”
Pepsi Runs “Drink, Win, Play” iPod Promotion
The Pepsi-iPod Drink, Win, Play promotion offered consumers the chance to look under the cap of specially-marked Pepsi products for the chance to win 1 of 10,000 iPod minis or Pepsi product.
Promotional materials included a counter display, cooler topper, cooler decals, a wobbler/dangler, entry pads and stickers.
The promotional elements were printed on many different substrates, kitted, packed and distributed by Proprint Services, Inc., based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Hershey’s Display Promotes Cajeta Elegancita Wafer Bar
The La Dulceria Thalia 288-Count Shipper was developed to promote Hersheys new Cajeta Elegancita wafer bar to the U.S. Hispanic market. Celebrity endorsement by Mexican entertainer Thalia was an additional feature that needed to be promoted by the display. Two established core brands were also offered in the same display-Almond Joy and Hershey Milk Chocolate with Almonds.
The display consists of two back-to-back powerwings on an a-frame base. By using back-to-back powerwings, the quantity of product can be doubled without increasing the footprint.
The first drawer offers just the Cajeta Elegancita bars. The drawer beneath that offers the more familiar Almond Joy and Hershey with Almonds brands. The Hershey logo is boldly printed in the familiar chocolate/maroon color on the upper and lower panels of the wing itself.
The La Dulceria Thalia Shipper was produced for Hershey by Menasha Display Group, Philadelphia, PA.
Lexar Partners With MGM For ‘Be Cool’ Sweepstakes
Lexar Media, a leader in digital media and accessories, has conducted a national sweepstakes promotion tied to MGM Pictures’ “Be Cool,” the sequel to “Get Shorty,” starring John Travolta and Uma Thurman. As part of the promotion, the Be Cool movie trailer was loaded on select Lexar JumpDrive USB flash drive products.
“Be Cool With Lexar” is a two-tiered promotion that spotlighted Lexar’s JumpDrive USB flash drives, memory card products and digital music players while allowing both consumers and retailers to participate in a sweepstakes.
The Grand Prize winner received a free trip with a guest to attend the “Be Cool” movie premiere. The First Prize winner received a private screening party with 25 friends.
Lexar highlighted the promotion on packaging and special point-of-purchase materials including counter and floor-standing tower displays.
Pony & Snoop Dogg Present Doggy Biscuitz Footwear
Pony International is partnering with rapper and entertainment icon Snoop Dogg, for the development of the Snoop Dogg Doggy Biscuitz footwear collection.
The Doggy Biscuitz line is a creative fusion of Snoop’s west coast street culture style with classic Pony design.
The footwear line is reflective of Snoop Dogg’s lifestyle with shoes to match all aspects of his talent and interests including everyday wear, athletic/basketball inspired, casual shoe and bandana print slippers.
Pony International is promoting the Doggy Biscuitz footwear collection with special point-of-purchase standees, window stickers, and placques.
Small World Toys Displays Vehicle Sound Blocks
This vehicle sound blocks display, manufactured for the Small World Toys Company in Culver City, California, was recently distributed to toy stores nationwide.
This simple, yet effective and eye-catching shelf display was made using a new yellow, PVCX material. The “sound blocks” were then attached to the display using quality, white elastic cords provided by Merchandising Inventives. The complete, ready to use display was manufactured, assembled and boxed with batteries installed, by P.O.P. Plastics, Inc., located in Carlsbad, CA.
NetZero Displays Internet Services In Musicland Stores
United Online is offering its NetZero Platinum and NetZero HiSpeed Internet services in Musicland’s Sam Goody, Suncoast and Media Play stores. NetZero will be prominently featured in each location through display units, CD stands and signage.
“Forging a partnership with Musicland continues to extend NetZero’s footprint within the consumer retail channel,” said Brian Woods, Chief Marketing Officer of United Online.
“Offering NetZero’s Internet services at our stores is part of our continuing strategy to expand our product mix and provide added value to our customers,” said Brian Miller, V.P., Marketing for Musicland. “From gaming to purchasing products, the Internet has become a main source of entertainment, making it a natural extension of our stores’ product offerings.”
Nescafe Taster’s Choice Joins With “The Apprentice”
Nescafe Taster’s Choice recently joined forces with NBC's “The Apprentice” for an array of promotional activities including a product sampling campaign and sweepstakes.
During a commercial following a recent episode, the brand announced a nationwide offer for a free, two-week supply of Nescafe Taster’s Choice, the first time it has conducted a product sampling campaign of this magnitude. Consumers were also invited to go to TastersChoice.com to enter for a chance to win a trip for two to The Apprentice season finale. Other promotional activities in conjunction with “The Apprentice” partnership included a national newspaper coupon, in-store grocery displays and an online partnership with Yahoo!
“NBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ contestants developed some very creative ideas to showcase the great taste and the variety of different ways our coffee can be enjoyed,” said Marty Sharkey, Marketing Manager, Nescafe Taster's Choice. “Now, we are inviting fans of the show and coffee drinkers to try a free, two-week supply of Nescafe Taster’s Choice by visiting www.TastersChoice.com.”
Burger King Markets Western Angus Steak Burger
During a recent episode of “The Apprentice,” contestants were required to name, build, market and sell a new menu item at Burger King restaurants. What the Trump trainees didn’t know is that Burger King Corporation would actually begin serving the winning burger-the Western Angus Steak Burger-nationwide the next day.
Each Burger King received a shipment including ingredients, instructions and “Apprentice”-themed promotional materials, giving them a matter of hours to add the new item to their menus.
The new Western Angus Steak Burger was only available at Burger King restaurants for a limited time.
Suunto Displays Internet-Enabled Watches
Suunto needed a display that could communicate features of its Internet capable wristwatch, produced in a joint venture with Microsoft, to be sold in CompUSA stores.
A trapezoidal aluminum “box” was designed to attach to the face of the CompUSA-supplied “sled.” The box was designed to accommodate either one or two watches. The watches stand off from the front of the box with foam gaskets that also prevent the watches from slipping. A charging mechanism slips into a slot at the side of the box, so that it’s readily available when the watches need charging.
The Suunto Internet-Enabled Watch Display was created by Concept Designs Inc., a Palo Alto, CA-based display firm.
Timex Features Camo Flat-Pack Display
Timex wanted to obtain display placement and visibility for its Camo Sport Watch in the sport/hunting department of major department stores.
This multifunctional display can be set up as a powerwing only, one or two powerwings on a display base or on the counter in modular six count product trays.
All of the components of the Camo Flat-Pack display are printed in offset litho in licensed Realtree camo graphics, an exact pattern and match to the watch themselves. Brand awareness is reinforced by the Timex logo appearing prominently on all of the main components of the display.
This unit represents a unique approach to the retail presentation of watches.
The Camo Flat-Pack display was produced for Timex by Menasha Display Group, Philadelphia, PA.
P.O.P. Supports Wendy’s Monster Jam Promotion
4Kids Entertainment and Wendy’s restaurants recently teamed up to conduct a national Kids’ Meal program promoting Monster Jam, Clear Channel Entertainment’s popular motor sports franchise.
The promotion offered Monster Jam-inspired trucks in Wendy’s Kids’ Meals. In addition to the truck premiums, Wendy’s also provided Monster Jam themed Kids’ Meal bags featuring a special $3 discount coupon from Clear Channel that could be used toward the purchase of an admission to any arena event during the 2004/2005 season.
Wendy’s supported the promotion with in-store displays, tray liners/activity sheets, and drive-thru signage.
“Wendy’s is happy to bring families together for a special Monster Jam event,” said Fay Kamer, Brand Marketing Manager for Wendy’s. “The excitement surrounding Monster Jam together with the value and quality of a Wendy’s Kids’ Meal make for an ideal match.”
Burger King Displays Spongebob Watch Offer
Burger King used this motion display at its 8.000 restaurants nationwide to display its special Spongebob watch offer.
The promotion was developed to increase store traffic and boost sales to Spongebob fans of all ages.
This 20” long x 44” wide x 72” high display features litho printing mounted to corrugated. It features a silkscreened PETG window and an attention-getting motion mechanism.
This motion display was created for Burger King by Rapid Displays, a p.o.p. display firm based in Chicago, IL and Union City, CA.
Castrol SYNTEC Partners With Hip Hop Icon Funkmaster Flex
BP Lubricants is teaming up with hip hop car culture icon Funkmaster Flex to put the Castrol SYNTEC motor oil brand in front of his devoted fan base. Marketing plans include Castrol SYNTEC product and logo placements on “Ride With Funmaster Flex” and the “Funkmaster Flex Super Series,” auto-performance shows that air on Spike TV. A custom Castrol SYNTEC car will be featured on Flex’s TV show, and shown throughout his “Celebrity Car Show Tour,” a traveling car/music show.
“Flex’s passion for finely tuned and customized vehicles is inspiring and we’re thrilled to forge this partnership, putting our highest performing motor oil brand-Castrol SYNTEC-alongside his highly acclaimed shows, events and fans,” said Mike DeBiasi, Castrol SYNTEC Brand Manager.
First HDTV Warehouse Opens
HDTV Warehouse, a new specialty retail concept stressing selection, price and service, has opened in Orange, CT. The pilot location will feature 50 different models of high definition LCD, Plasma and Rear Projection HDTV sets on display, with price points ranging from $369 for a 13" LCD to $14,999 for a 65" plasma set. “Humanizing the HDTV buying experience is part and parcel of our mission,” said HDTV Warehouse CEO, John Mlynski, who previously was President of Gateway Country.
HDTV Warehouse seeks to differentiate itself from big-box consumer electronics stores by offering a more personalized level of service, a greater selection and lower pricing. Said Mlynski, “For those customers who prefer to browse on their own, the store’s layout, informational literature and display units, and other graphic elements are specifically designed to take them on a complete journey that promotes understanding and clarifies the range of products offered.”
Tweeter Opens Las Vegas Prototype
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group has opened its new Tweeter Entertainment Architects prototype store in Summerlin, NV. “The Las Vegas store offers discerning home and mobile entertainment buyers a new way to shop and provides a new array of solutions and services from industry partners like HP and Microsoft that share our vision for the future,” said Jeffrey Stone, Tweeter’s CEO.
The store features HP's Digital Entertainment Center, and will provide a living demonstration of this technology in a digital home setting. The HP Media Center PCs will connect the rooms of Tweeter’s home-like showroom consisting of a living room, kitchen, bedroom, sports bar, office and even an outdoor setting.
Homebuilder D.R. Horton & DIRECTV To Market New DIRECTV-Ready Homes
D.R. Horton, a leading homebuilder, and DIRECTV, have announced a marketing agreement that will enable DIRECTV to showcase its services in D.R. Horton model homes, showrooms and design centers across the country. D.R. Horton model homes and design centers will feature home theatre systems with DIRECTV service. Homebuyers will have the option to purchase a DIRECTV-ready home from D.R. Horton.
“Our relationship with D.R. Horton provides DIRECTV the opportunity to market directly to consumers who are buying a new home and making the initial decision about their entertainment services,” said Daren Benzi, V.P., Sales Development, DIRECTV. “We believe a ‘DIRECTV-ready’ home will resonate with our customers and play a role in their home-buying decision,” said Ric Rojas, V.P., D.R. Horton.
LeapFrog Launches Fly Pentop Computer
LeapFrog Enterprises has launched the FLY pentop computer, designed to bring computer interactivity to pen and paper. For instance, a FLY pentop computer user can draw a calculator, touch the handwritten digits and functions to perform an operation, then hear the answer announced.
Jim Marggraff, developer of the FLY pentop computer, said “The FLY pentop computer will assist people of all ages in the mastery of core academic subjects and provide a new genre of entertainment.”
Yahoo!-Brand Electronics Are Introduced
Diamond Electronics has licensed the Yahoo! name for the launch of five new Yahoo!-branded consumer electronics products. The electronics products include two home theater systems and three standard DVD players.
“Yahoo! is one of the most recognized and well-respected brands in the world, and Diamond Electronics is pleased to be able to license the equity of the Yahoo! brand for our consumer electronics products,” said Russell Herring, V.P., Diamond Electronics.
SanDisk Introduces Line Of Flash-Based MP3 Players
SanDisk has introduced the SanDisk Sansa e100 series of small, highly portable digital music players that use embedded flash memory to store many hours of digital music.
Eric Bone, Director of Retail Product Marketing at SanDisk said, “We designed the SanDisk Sansa line with many advanced features that include an easy-to-navigate interface, enhanced sound quality, and the ability to expand storage capacity.”
Sirius Introduces Palm Sized Satellite Radio
Sirius Satellite Radio has introduced its smallest “Plug & Play” satellite radio, Star Mate, at retail.
Star Mate, which is about the size of a deck of cards, can be used in vehicles, boats and homes, and provides access to Sirius’ 65 channels of commercial-free music as well as over 55 channels of news, sports, and information.
NETGEAR Inc., a provider of technologically advanced networking products, recently exhibited its latest solutions at the Consumer Electronics Show. Divided into eight “rooms,” the NETGEAR booth displayed the company’s products in a variety of different settings, including the Double-108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router in the home office; the Wireless Digital Music Player in the teen’s room; its Wireless Digital Media Player in the family room and its line of ProSafe wireless products in the remote office.
Infinium Labs recently demonstrated its Phantom Game Service, built on Microsoft’s Windows XP Embedded technology, in the Microsoft booth during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. “Sharing physical space with Microsoft at this industry leading event reinforces that the two companies share a common vision that playing video games is coming to the masses as a frontline choice for home entertainment,” said Kevin Bachus, President, Infinium Labs.
Buffalo Technology Deploys ‘Smart Signs’ In Fry’s Electronics
Buffalo Technology, a provider of wireless network equipment, has deployed MediaTile’s Cellular Digital Signage solution in Fry’s Electronics stores. Buffalo Technology will deploy MediaTile “smart signs” in all their end-cap locations in Fry’s Electronics stores across the nation.
The “smart signs” from MediaTile Co., Scotts, Valley, CA, integrate three fundamental components: a flat-panel LCD or plasma display; on-board intelligence and data storage to schedule and play content; and integrated cellular-data-networking services.
“We chose the MediaTile solution because it provides us with a tremendous competitive advantage,” said Morikazu Sano, V.P., Marketing, Buffalo Technology. “We now have a virtual ‘digital salesman’ right at the shelf, telling consumers about our products. And, if we need to change or update our message, we can do so at will.”
Digital Menu Boards Drive Sales
Pepsi has partnered with Kodak and Scala to provide theatre owners with digital menu boards. Featuring 40”x16”x9” wide screen LCD displays, these hi-tech menu boards are automatically refreshed over the Internet or via satellite. The system also has the ability to adapt the menu automatically at different times of the day, and feature different menu items or pricing based on demographics of the customers that day, that week, or that hour.
Local branding of the new digital menu boards is an option as well as local control over the pricing.
For more information, contact Scala, Inc., 350 Eagleview Blvd., Exton, PA 19341; (Tel) 610-363-3350; (Web Site) www.scala.com.
Cabbage Patch Kids Promoted At Mall Of America
The latest crop of one-of-a-kind Cabbage Patch Kids from Play Along Toys recently debuted at the 2004 Cabbage Patch Kids Family Reunion at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, MN.
A giant cabbage patch in the center of the Mall of America’s Rotunda greeted thousands who turned out for the event, co-hosted by Cabbage Patch Kids’ creator Xavier Roberts and American Idol star Paula Abdul. Many purchased new Cabbage Patch Kids for Roberts to sign.
Cabbage Patch Kids are now at retailers nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Target and KB Toys.
Proprint Services Inc., Toronto, Canada, will be showing this Pepsi-iPod Drink Win Play promotion which was created and manufactured on many different substrates. The counter piece and cooler topper were litho printed on l00# coated stock which was then mounted to chipboard and then die cut. The 3 versions of cooler decals were litho printed on repositional cling vinyl and then trimmed or die cut. The wobbler/dangler was litho printed on hop syn, die cut with tape applied. The stickers were flexo printed and rewound onto rolls. All elements were kitted and packed in shipping containers and distributed across the country. To learn more about this promotion, contact Marc Salsky at Global Shop, Booth 6228; or call 888-776-7768 X246.
Rapid Displays, Chicago, IL, will be showing this New Day Connections spinner which introduces an upscale line of greeting cards. It was designed to attract a younger audience using soft colors which can be seen from a distance. The unit creates a unique visual experience - vertical vs. horizontal, which requires less floor space allowing for easy viewing of the entire line of 84 cards. To learn more about this display, contact Brian McCormick at Global Shop, Booth 6243; or call 773-9027-5000.
Pinquist Tool & Die Co., Inc., Brooklyn, NY, will be showing this custom Banner Stand created for the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, Va, to announce current exhibitions and planetarium show times. The three sided stand holds three 32" wide x 72" high vinyl banners. The stand provides stability and ease of maintenance in high traffic areas. To learn more about his display contact Candace Oshinsky at Global Shop, Booth l064; or call 800-752-0414.
Vulcan Spring & Mfg. Co., Telford, PA, will be showing The Pullbox Alarm, ideal for product positioning and as a theft deterrent for high-end product samples including cell phones, PDAs, cameras and video cameras. The Pullbox Alarm is a new option available for the Pullbox. It is a battery-operated alarm which snaps onto the traditional Pullbox. When the cable of the Pullbox is cut, it will retract back into the box triggering the alarm. The Pullbox Alarm provides an instantaneous alert to an ongoing theft. To learn more about this new product, contact Bob Gustafson at Global Shop, Booth 5636; or call 2l5-72l-l72l.
Southern Imperial, Inc., Rockford, IL, will be showing this CD/DVD Front-facing Display Rack which may be placed on any 48" standard Gondola. It comes with unique, single component pushers that are easy to set-up and use and have a living hinge designed for long lasting functionality. The racks are available in black and almond with custom powder coated colors available. The learn more about this display, contact Bruce Reinhard at Global Shop Booth l224, or call 8l5-877-704l.
Sterling Promotional Corp., Purchase New York, will be showing this giant cold air inflatable telephone which is l0 ft wide and was made for Cox Communications to be used at the point of sale to bring attention to their communications packages. The telephone comes with a motion activated sound device that rings whenever someone passes in front of it. The sound device is customized to provide four different sound/messages and can easily be reprogrammed to fit various promotions. For more information about this display, contact Steve Linder at Global Shop, Booth 5528; or call 914-694-6500.
Spongbob Lobby Merchandiser. SpongBob appeals to a wide demographic ranging from young children To adults. The display was designed to attract watch collectors and increase store traffic and sales. The lobby merchandiser tied into the movie. Created by Rapid Displays, 4300 West 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60632.
LeapFrog Offfice Depot Sales Center. The display was designed to provide a freestanding Sales Center at Office Depot for LeapFrog. The display features a LeapFrog Green powdercoated steel center post. The base is made of steel tubing and wire. A rotating top is made of silver powdercoated wire and 4 vertical graphics are printed on .020 styrene. Created by United Displaycraft, 333 East Touhy, Des Plaines, Illinois 600l8.
Paper Mario Deluxe. This display was created to bring attention to this new vide game. The display needed to stand out from other similar displays and had to be quick to assemble at the store level. A special screen-printed canvas material was used to give a realistic look to the very old map. The logo was developed with a foam material and hand glued in several layers to add to the effect. Several of the parts were pre-assembled to add to the simplicity of set up. Created by Kell Specialty Products, 42l Palmer St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
Kodak Multi Product Counter Unit. This display is created from injection molded styrene for cost efficiency and acts as a strong brand statement for Kodak. The use of the strong Kodak yellow is the key visual in the program which quickly alerts consumers to the availability of Kodak products. The unit was designed to stimulate impulse sales for Kodak film and one-time use cameras. Created by Mechtronics, 1 New King Street, White Plains, NY 10604-1203.
Franklin Electronic Publishers. This floor display holds a line of hand-held electronic educational devices. It displays a dictionary and thesaurus w/spell correction in English and Spanish. The display promotes a software mail-in giveaway and debuted during the 2004 holiday shopping season. The display gained additional placement in the store and drew attention to the category in general. Created by Menasha Display Group, 601 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19134.
H & R Block Pallet Display
The objective for this unit was to create a pre-packed pallet display that would carry heavy product safely to market and display the product in an easy access display. The display gives clients the basics in educating them on what tax product would work best for their needs. The pallets arrived at retail almost completely set up with implementation time under 10 minutes. The H & R Block Mass Merchant Pallet Display was created by Rapid Displays, 4300 W. 47th St., Chicago, IL 60632.
Navigational System Information
This counter display provides product information and also offers literature. The unit is a Navigational System Information display. It features a combination of shapes and is constructed from metal and Wire. This permanent counter Navigational .System Information unit was created by Nashville Display, 306 Hartmann Dr., Lebanon, TN 37087.
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