HP Places Photo Kiosks In Retail Chains Nationwide
HP has entered the $35 billion retail photo printing market with two offerings-the HP Photosmart Studio and the HP Photosmart Express, to be rolled out to top-tier retail chains nationwide.
The HP Photosmart Studio is the first and only in-store solution to allow people to create albums, calendars, CDs, greeting cards and posters with their digital photos in less than an hour. Simple and quick to use, the process does not require people to select, crop or place photos into templates on each individual page. Instead, hundreds of photos are laid out in minutes using proprietary image management algorithms developed by HP Labs.
The HP Photosmart Express station is the most advanced stand alone, self-service photo kiosk dedicated to producing 4 x 6-inch prints in as fast as five seconds. According to permanence testing, these prints will resist fading for well over 50 years -- two to 10 times as long as typical dye-sublimation-based retail systems.
“We’re leveraging our photo-printing leadership in the home to drive down the cost for retailers and to bring consumers more choice than they’ve ever had in stores,” said Vyomesh Joshi, Executive Vice President, Imaging and Printing Group, HP.
HP is working with retail partners to rollout thousands of HP photo solutions in a wide variety of locations such as mass merchandisers, club stores, supermarkets, drug stores, photo specialty stores, electronics stores, office product stores and less traditional photo service locations.
Illuminated Showcase Globes Feature Hearing Aids
Listen Up, a chain of stores devoted to hearing aid technology, is featuring illuminated globes, showcasing the latest hearing aids.
The globes are illuminated from below with fluorescent light to provide a soft glow. Extruded aluminum floor-to-ceiling poles support the 16" diameter acrylic showcase globes. A screw device on a sliding collar locks the top half of the globe in place and can be released to provide easy access.
The showcase globes were designed by UW Design Group, of Toronto, and produced by DNS Display Industries of Concord, Ontario, Canada.
Cingular Places Kiosks In Gigante USA Supermarkets
As part of its ongoing effort to reach the Latino marketplace, Cingular Wireless has formed a partnership with Gigante USA Supermarkets to feature Cingular Wireless kiosks in Gigante stores across Southern California.
Gigante USA is a Hispanic Supermarket chain owned by the Grupo Gigante Mexico.
“Becoming an integral part of the Latino community means being visible and available in places like Gigante, where many of our customers already shop,” said Mauro Martinez, Director of Diversity for Cingular Wireless.
“Gigante is on a growth curve in Southern California and has aggressive plans for the future,” said Jack Deceliere, CEO for Gigante USA. “By featuring Cingular kiosks in our stores, Gigante is providing our shoppers with easy and convenient access to Cingular products and services.”
New Disney Battery Packs Displayed On Counters
Powerful Greetings, Troy, MI, is launching a new Disney-themed battery and self-adhesive gift tag accessory. P.O.P. displays featuring the Disney characters are supporting the launch.
Powerful Greetings’ batteries feature an easy-peel back allowing the product to adhere itself securely to any present. The top of the Powerful greetings card serves as a “to/from” gift tag, giving each package an attractive, personalized feel.
“We’re excited to work with Powerful Greetings on this new line that complements the perfect Disney gift,” said Rona Goldman, Sr. Manager, Hardlines, Disney Consumer Products. Pam Turkin, President, Powerful Greetings, said, “The new Disney-themed line will encourage consumers to consider the batteries as part of any gift and will help us expand our customer base.”
Electro-Voice Display Microphones
Electro-Voice has offered music retailers this counter display to demonstrate its line of handheld microphones.
Graphics on the display explain the features and benefits of each different microphone, while visually illustrating different applications.
Electro-Voice is a professional audio brand of Telex Communications, Inc., a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of sophisticated audio, wireless, multimedia, broadcast and communications equipment for consumer, commercial, professional and industrial customers.
DigiTech Displays Guitar Signal Processor
DigiTech has created a unique point-of-purchase Demo Merchandising System to showcase its guitar signal processing products.
The new displays feature a self contained interactive modular tower and shelf that securely houses the DigiTech’s pedals and processors. The double-sided four-tier displays allow music customers to audition each processor. With less than a 10 sq. ft. footprint for the double-tower display and 4 sq. ft. footprint for the single-tower display, the DigiTech Demo Merchandising System can be easily updated as products are introduced.
“Our new merchandising centers are designed to help both our retail partners and consumers by increasing awareness of our complete range of DigiTech guitar processors,” said David Rohrer, Guitar Market Manager.
Starbucks To Participate In Marketing Of Liongate’s Film, ‘Akeelah And The Bee’
Starbucks Entertainment has formed a partnership with Liongate and 2929 Entertainment to participate in all aspects of the marketing of their new film, “Akeelah and the Bee.”
Through an innovative marketing campaign, Starbucks will engage its store customers. This includes offering a large number of Starbucks baristas the opportunity to screen the film prior to its release. Starbucks will also launch an in-store promotion to allow millions of Starbucks customers to experience the fun and inspirational feeling of the movie, including opportunities for sneak previews for its customers and a Wi-Fi network promotion.
“Our customers can look forward to us introducing them to the movie in a fun, experiential way-not the way movies have traditionally been marketed by other quick service restaurants. Just as we have demonstrated with music, we believe that Starbucks can ultimately change the rules of the game for film marketing,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks Chairman.
Discovery Channel Airport Stores Open
Transportation retail specialist Hudson Group has signed an agreement with Discovery Commerce, the retail and licensing arm of Discovery Communications, to open Discovery Channel Airport Stores in airports across North America. Joseph DiDomizio, COO, Hudson Group, said of the partnership, “Discovery’s programming themes have inspired a wide range of high-quality lifestyle merchandise. Their innovative products for kids, leading edge technology and gadgets, health and wellness products, and compelling content for home entertainment resonate with frequent travelers.”
Discovery Channel Airport Stores will present a look and feel very similar to Discovery’s mall-based stores, and will feature a merchandise assortment drawn from Discovery’s existing product lines.
The Generation Gap May Be Shrinking
Boomers seek to surround themselves with things similar to younger generations and marketers need to take notice, according to Euro RSCG Worldwide’s latest Prosumer Pulse. “While the Boomers’ wish lists are similar to the younger set, their access to these things is very different,” said Mark Blankenship, COO at Euro RSCG Chicago. “Boomers with loads of disposable income and a quest for youthful endeavors gobble up items at a growing rate.”
Boomers surveyed placed an above average value on the following: Starting a New Career -Of those Boomers surveyed, 62% saw a total career change as a viable option; Sports/Fitness-More than 75% of Boomers see sports and fitness as key to staying young; Cell Phones/Internet-Two-thirds of Boomers use cell phones and Internet to facilitate their active lives; and Pets-Two-thirds of Boomers surveyed say their pets keep them young.
Battelle Predicts Consumer Value Zones
Battelle has identified three Future Consumer Value Zones zones that will have resonance for American consumers through the year 2015: Sustainable wellness; Infotainment; and Personalized energy.
Sustainable wellness is more than health care. It involves sickness prevention as well as disease cures. In the future, we may see a new generation of home medical diagnostic products, genetically engineered organs for transplants, skin replacements, vaccinations for a broad spectrum of diseases and nutritional regimens tailored for individual requirements.
Infotainment is the value zone created by the convergence of information technologies with telecommunications and digital entertainment. In time, we will be able to access the Internet and databases from around the world through our PCs and computer programs, as well as entertainment programs, through real time consumer demand. The market size for infotainment today may already be as high as $900 billion in the U.S. Over the next 20 years, this market could double or even triple.
The third consumer zone is Personalized Energy. Consumers need to have reliable, and mobile power for the electronics of wellness and infotainment. The current market in the U.S. is roughly $600 billion and rising rapidly.
RTKL Predicts Hottest Retail Concepts
The domestic retail industry will spend 2006 looking abroad for fresh ideas and approaches to capturing the hearts and wallets of shoppers. U.S. retail design firm RTKL offers the following predictions:
Importing Retail Concepts-Today’s hottest retail design approaches comes from abroad, where retail developers are more willing to push for edgier designs, riskier developments and new ideas.
Death of the Food Court-As a ‘foodie culture’ emerges here in the U.S., 2006 won’t be about how quickly we can get a burger; it will be about food's richer role in our lives. Expect U.S. developers to build more ‘slow-food’ environments.
Electronics Environments for Women-The latest electronic gadgets, from iPods to HDTV’s, are just as alluring to women as they are to men; but many women are turned off by the in-your-face approach of most electronics stores. It’s time for electronics retailers to wise up about the female consumer and create environments that are welcoming, comfortable and non-threatening.
Extreme Makeover-Expect retailers to offer more “life changing amenities.” These might include anything from cooking classes, yoga, personal shopping/consultations to off-site salons and spas.
Hanging Out With A Brand-Retailers are realizing that people hanging out in their stores-even if they aren’t buying-isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Expect to see more companies designing retail environments that create an aura that breeds fierce loyalty because the pressure to buy is assuaged by membership in the club.
GenWorld Teen Study Sees The End To Global Romance With USA Brands
While Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Disney can still boast worldwide brand awareness, findings in the 13-nation GenWorld Teen Study recently conducted by Energy BBDO, Chicago, suggests that to a new generation of global teens, being well-known isn’t enough to make a brand popular. In fact, several American mega-brands appear to be slipping, with McDonalds and Disney leading the descent. McDonalds, while still #2 in recognition, has fallen off the charts in preference (at #32). Disneys awareness is #9, but in preference is ranked #23. Coca-Cola still ranks #1 in awareness but its preference ratings have slipped to #8.
Which brands are tops today? Sony, Nokia, and Adidas rank highest in teen consumer preference. Said Chip Walker, Exec. V.P. at Energy BBDO, “There seems to be a great ambivalence towards America among global teens. Some American brands are thriving including Microsoft, MTV, M&M’s and Kellogg’s. At the same time, a host of fading stars from around the world are also better known than liked.”
Recreational Shoppers Want A Shop That Pops!, Says Unity Marketing
If you want to get people to spend more money in your store, the secret is making shopping fun with a shop that pops!, according to Pam Danziger, President of Unity Marketing.
The Pop! Equation is what turns an ordinary store into a fun place to shop. The distinctive features they have, called the Pop! Equation, include: High levels of customer involvement and interaction: Shoppers don’t just browse the aisle. Shops that pop encourage customers to touch, feel, taste, try on and participate in the store in more involving ways. Evokes shopper curiosity: Shops that pop excite consumer curiosity to explore and experience, from the shop windows and entrance through the different displays. Have a contagious, electric quality: A shop that pops is so kinetic that even shoppers not all that into the category feel there is something in the store for them, like Apple Stores. Convergence between atmosphere, store design, merchandise: A shop that pops presents a comprehensive vision. Best Buys’ Magnolia Audio Video stores do the same thing in a 21st century way. Values-Driven concept: A shop that pops is more than just a store selling stuff. It is conceptually driven and reflects visionary values. Accessible, non-exclusive and free from pretensions: Shops that pop have all the preceding qualities, plus another essential feature, they are immediately accessible to everyone, free from pretensions of exclusivity or snobbishness. Target stores are a favorite among recreational shoppers as they offer luxury to the masses. The new lifestyle shopping centers, like Columbus, Ohio’s Easton Town Center, get rave reviews from shoppers because they are so much more accessible than the old-fashioned enclosed mall.
Sales Surging For Portable Digital Player Accessories
U.S. retail sales for portable digital player accessories surged in the first nine months of 2005 with $412 million in sales, a 370% increase from the same time period in 2004, according to The NPD Group.
Accessories, which include speakers, power adapters, FM transmitters, car kits, cases, power cords, docking stations and adapters all saw considerable sales increases. Speaker systems were the number one sellers, accounting for 26.5% of all dollar sales. Portable digital player cases and bags were the second biggest product category with 18% dollar volume. FM transmitters accounted for 16% of dollar volume. Car kits captured 7% and FM modulators/car chargers accounted for 7%.
Portable digital player sales topped $1.6 billion for the first three-quarters of the year, a 163% increase over the same time period last year.
“The portable digital player accessory market is exploding and it’s not going to stop,” said Stephen Baker, V.P. for The NPD Group.
Digital Home Device Sales Break $100 Billion
Global revenues for digital home devices have surged past the $100 billion mark for the first time, according to “Quantifying The Digital Home Opportunity: A Global Forecast For Connected Home Devices,” a new study from global researchers, Strategy Analytics.
Star products such as digital flat panel TVs, MP3 players and portable games consoles helped drive retail revenues to $118 billion last year, a growth rate of 25%. 2006 will be another record year, according to the study, with revenues forecast to exceed $150 billion. Hot growth sectors in 2006 will include entertainment PCs, next generation games consoles such as Xbox 360 and PS3, and new HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc players.
David Mercer, V.P., said, “The next few years will see unprecedented challenges and opportunity for technology players throughout the digital home industry. With new entrants like Intel and Apple betting billions on future market leadership, established leaders like Sony and Samsung must deploy next-generation technologies that support innovative customer experiences.”
SWISSMEMORY s.beat MP3 Player Introduced
The new SWISSMEMORY s.beat digital audio player from Swissbit and Victorinox, the makers of the Swiss Army Knife, is an all-in-one digital audio player and USB storage device incorporated into a full-metal Swiss Army Knife. The SWISSMEMORY s.beat series of flash-based digital audio players is available in 1GB and 2GB models.
“With the stylish SWISSMEMORY s.beat, we can offer consumers a best-in-class digital audio player that carries the renowned Swiss Army brand,” said Dominique Froidevaux, Product Manager, Multi Media at Swissbit.
Nintendo Launches True Swing Golf
Nintendo has launched True Swing Golf, which brings a new level of realism to a video golf game. True Swing Golf lets players use the touch screen of Nintendo DS to actually swing a stylus to launch their shots down the fairway. The touch screen accurately registers everything from powerful drives to delicate greenside approaches.
Bang & Olufsen Enters Automotive Sector
Bang & Olufsen, a global provider of high end home theaters and custom multi-room music systems, has entered the automotive sector with an Advanced Sound System custom made for the Audi A8 and S8 models.
The Advanced Sound System offers a unique musical experience achieved by the use of a powerful digital signal processor, discrete amplification for each loudspeaker and Acoustic Lenses.
HS Spring offers the SLIDELINE Pusher System, which maintains organized retail shelves. Products are neatly aligned in appealing display trays, and spring tension holds each row in place. When a customer chooses an item, the next item automatically is pushed to the front. The systems fit an unlimited variety of shelving and fixture configurations. For more information, contact HS Spring, 3805 Business Park Drive, Louisville, KY 40213; (Tel.) 502-962-6464; (Web Site) www.hsspring.com.
Driving the worldwide acceptance of high-speed networking over power lines, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance showcased HomePlug AV and 1.0-compliant products from HomePlug-member companies at the recent Consumer Electronics Show. The HomePlug digital living room exhibit included a security camera, audio, networked PC and gaming demonstrations by member companies such as Arkados, Gigagast, Intellon, Ncomputing and Sony. HomePlug Alliance member exhibits featured the new HomePlug AV technology, a standards-based connectivity solution that enables simultaneous high definition and standard definition video distribution VoIP, IPTV and data networking.
Inflatable Motorola Headphones Stand Out At Promotional Events
Motorola launched a hospitality suite in conjunction with the NFL season, in the form of an inflatable 16-foot Motorola headphone product replica of the very same headphones utilized by players and coaches on the sidelines.
The inflatable Motorola headset made the brand stand out and attracted the attention of the hospitality suite attendants.+sed company specializing in the production of entertaining and interactive inflatable advertising.
For more information, contact Inflatable 2000, 207 N. Aspan, Azusa, CA 91702; (Tel.) 626-969-7780; (Web) inflatable2000.com.
Nashville Display, Lebanon, TN, will be showing this Schylling Toy Spinner, a 4-sided display constructed from slatwall, metal and wire. The use of slatwall allows for flexibility. The metal shelves and prongs are adjustable. Metal parts have a durable powder finish. The display features a die-cut, 2-sided, 4-color header. To learn more about this display, contact Richard Hornsby at Global Shop, Booth 10628; or call 615-743-2950.
Diam International, Yonkers, New York, will be showing turnkey displays with power and electronics providing interactivity. Staples needed to update its camera display and ensure that all cameras were powered and secured. Diam provided precise power with power connectors that delivered the exact amount of power. As technology quickly changes, power connectors are simple and inexpensive solutions that avoid the cost and time wasted with reconfiguring electronics. The result is all cameras are powered all the time. Advanced security with multiple activation points protects inventory. Diam can fully develop and produce a display or retrofit to existing displays. To learn more about this product, contact Joe Berzok at Global Shop, Booth 2493; or call 914-771-4200.
Thorco, Lamar, MO, will be showing this stylish l2-sided 24" wide metal fixture that can be strategically positioned in high traffic areas for maximum product exposure. The wire grid back panels add versatility by accepting a variety of merchandising accessories. Large curved side panels and oversized headers can be customized to create the look of a custom display. The protective steel deck and heavy-duty casters create a solid base for a long life in the field. To learn more about this display, contact Joel Schwane at Global Shop, Booth 2815; or call 888-484-6726.
Vulcan Spring, Telford, PA, will be introducing a new and versatile end fitting for its best-selling Pullbox security tether/retractor, The Thin Disk, designed for field installation. It can be easily attached to a cable after the cable has been passed through a small hole in the display allowing the Pullbox retractor to remain out of view. The Thin Disk end fitting is flat on both the front and rear sides and the new design allows a cable to be snapped into the fitting without any extra parts. The end fitting provides multiple mounting choices and comes with complete installation instructions. To learn more about The Thin Disk, contact Bob Gustafson at Global Shop, Booth10834; or call 215-721-1721.
Humminbird Display. This display creates a professional "brand center" in which to highlight humminbird fishfinders and GPS navigation equipment. It shows the product in an environment with a premium look and feel while reinforcing the high technology attributes of the product line. A modular design was selected to enable the dealer to tailor the display to products and to expand the offerings in the future. Created by Great Northern Corporation, Consumer Packaging and Display, PO Box 044740, 1800 South Street, Racine, WI 53404.
Eastman Kodak Sway EC-Graphix. The objective of this display was to create an endcap piece that worked in a variety of Safeway Stores, formats and markets to allow Kodak to capture a larger share of the digital printing market. The unit had to make digital printing of photos simple and readily available for consumers. The display had to be space efficient. Created by Mechtronics Corporation, 1 New King Street, White Plains, NY 10604.
Kellogg's Cereal With Wobblers. Kellogg's created this display which showcased 10 of the 50 Limited Edition Disney Wobblers in an off-shelf-promotion that tied into the brand equity associated with Kellogg's and Disney. The display incorporated Mickey Mouse's ears with the look of Kellogg's Wobbler. Over 5,600 units have been placed increasing sales and profits. Created by Multi Dimensional Resources, 190 Jony Drive, Carlstadt, NJ 07072.
Fire Emblem GCN DLX5. This counter display was designed to help promote a new game for the Nintendo Game Cube. A scene from the game was created on the display. A multicolored printed foil was used to make the scene more realistic. The foil form allowed more depth for the characters. The display had several layers to help build the scene and capture many of the game’s highlights. Created by Kell Specialty Products, PO Box 28, 42l Palmer Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
Nintendo DS Toys R Us Display. This display merchandised the out of category Nintendo DS (dual-screen) and had to highlight the product's twin color screens, sharper graphics, etc. The display had to claim front end real estate at Toys R US while providing flexibility for future promotions and products as well as merchandise traditional Nintendo product along side the DS units. Created by New Dimensions Research Corp., 260 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY 11747.
"Really Wooly" Christmas. This display was designed to increase traffic and sales within the Christian Retail market by offering collectible plush figures at a promotional price point. The three "Really Wooly: shepherd characters have each a story to tell about that special night in Bethlehem. The display with a small footprint and visual impact was highly successful. Created by Great Northern Corporation Consumer packaging and Display, P.O. Box 044740, 1800 South Street, Racine, WI 53404.
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