Girl Tech Displays New Gadgets For Girls
Girl Tech, San Rafael, CA, a division of Radica Games Limited, recently launched a new Girl Tech line of electronic toys, which is prominently displayed at FAO Schwarz. An overhead aisle sign, and colorful display header call attention to the the new line of gadgets which empower girls to use technology by making it fun, accessible and appealing.
Girl Tech’s new 1999 line includes the Password Journal, which unlocks with a voice password; the Door Pass, a programmable, voice recognition, motion detector that snoop-proofs a girl’s room; Friend Frame, a programmable talking picture frame that can describe her friends and loved ones; and Beam It, a projector that beams messages across a room.
"A Bug’s Life" Standee Promotes DVD/VHS Release
Walt Disney Home Video, Burbank, CA, is releasing its first animated movie in the DVD format. "A Bug’s Life," will be released on DVD as well as in the VHS format. The DVD/VHS release of the film represents a Disney first for an animated movie.
"A Bug’s Life" in DVD/VHS will be supported in-store by this colorful standee display, as well as an array of merchandisers for different retail environments.
Massive Promotion To Support "Rugrats" Video
Paramount Home Video and Nickelodeon Movies are bringing The Rugrats Movie to videocassette and DVD supported by a massive marketing campaign including partnerships with Lincoln-Mercury, Campbell’s and Mott’s.
Included inside each specially marked videocassette is a scratch-off, instant-win game piece that gives consumers a chance to win a Mercury Villager mini-van. The sweepstakes will be promoted via print advertising and Rugrats in-store displays.
Campbell’s Soup will feature a label burst promoting The Rugrats Movie on 24 million specially marked Campbell’s Soup cans. In addition, each label will feature one of six different collectible, under-the-label, 3-D scenes from The Rugrats Movie. Further support will be generated via Campbell’s kid-directed TV spots and p.o.s materials.
Mott’s is offering an on-pack, self-liquidating offer for a The Rugrats Movie inflatable chair available by mail with the purchase of one Mott’s product and the video, or three Mott’s products.
Paramount has created a variety of head-turning point-of-purchase materials to help all retail categories maximize The Rugrats Movie in-store presence. In-store prepack displays are available in 24, 48, and 96-piece configurations.
Book Wizard Featured In Electronic Display
LeapFrog, Emeryville, CA, offers kids an interactive experience learning to read with BookWizard. With the touch of a wand, LeapFrog’s NearTouch sensing technology brings stories to life.
LeapFrog is using this interactive talking display to grab customers’ attention. Two full color storybooks demonstrate the interactive technology. An animated moving frog adds fun and excitement by jumping to three different lily pads.
Nintendo Features Versatile Sign System
Nintendo is using this versatile sign system featuring hot game titles. Two vacuum formed signs were designed and manufactured, one for Hot "N" Hits and one for Sports All Star. Each sign is similar in shape, but is individualized with distinctive graphics. The flat back of each sign includes Nintendo’s logo in full color lithography.
The face of each sign contains five pocket wells to hold empty game cartons and future updates provided by Nintendo. The individual wells provide a colorful advantage by capitalizing on the packages’ graphics, giving retailers complete flexibility to update the titles shown.
To achieve maximum placement, each sign is shipped with a bracket system that allows the sign to hang on a wall, from ceiling chains, or attach to the top of a gondola.
The sign system was created for Nintendo by Thomson-Leeds Co., Inc., a New York City-based p.o.p. display firm.
Promo Supports "Babe" Home Video Release
Universal Studios Home Video is releasing "Babe: Pig In The City," on home video backed by a multi-million dollar promotional blitz.
Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast Products is partnering with Universal offering two coupon savings opportunities: one coupon off the purchase of Aunt Jemima Frozen Waffles, Pancakes or French Toast; and a $2 coupon off the purchase of Babe: Pig In The City with two purchases of Aunt Jemima Frozen Waffles, Pancakes or French Toast. The Jel Sert Company is offering a $3 mail-in rebate with the purchase of one Babe: Pig In The City videocassette and three packages of its well-known powdered drink brands, Wyler’s or Flavor Aids, or three packages of its Flavor Ice brand popsicles. On-pack video stickers alert consumers that they can receive a free "Babe and Friends Early Reader" CD-ROM from Sound Source Interactive via mail, as well as additional CD-ROMs for half-price by sending in an insert from the "Babe" video.
P.o.p. materials include two-sided standees, posters, buttons and a varied selection of 12, 18, 24, and 48 unit merchandisers including 18 and 24 unit sidekicks. Custom pallet displays are available.
OfficeMax To Pilot IBM ‘Store-Within-A-Store’ Concept
OfficeMax, Inc. has formed an agreement with IBM to pilot a unique concept whereby OfficeMax will exclusively offer IBM personal computers, laptop computers, monitors, servers and related services in an IBM "store-within-a-store," to be staffed by IBM personnel in some stores, and specially IBM-trained OfficeMax personnel in others.
Mike Braun, General Manager, IBM Consumer Division, said, "The needs of the home office and small business segments are important to IBM, and the breadth and depth of our product and service offerings to these customers is unparalleled. Research shows that customers in these segments don’t get the decision making information they want or need from traditional retail formats."
U.S. Video Games Reach Record Sales
U.S. video game retail sales hit an all-time high mark of $6.3 billion in 1998, according to The NPD Group, Port Washington, NY. Sales grew 22% over a very strong 1997.
Driving much of the sales growth was console software, up 53% in unit sales and 38% in dollar sales. Next Generation software in particular experienced a significant increase in sales, growing 75% in units and 51% in dollars.
The Portables segment also showed double-digit growth, up 50% in dollar sales over 1997. The resurgence was partially attributable to the strong sales of the Pokemon games and the introduction of Game Boy Color. The Accessories category was another strong performer. This $860 million dollar business was up 32% over 1997, with 89% of the business related to Next Generation machines.
Out of the top 20 titles, Sony’s PlayStation had 12 and Nintendo 64 had 8. "For 1999, the video game industry should see sales grow between 10% to 15%, potentially hitting the $7 billion mark," said Ed Roth, President, NPD’s Leisure Activities Tracking Service. "New software, very reasonably priced software, hardware prices perhaps reaching the $99 level, the Sega Dreamcast launch in the fall, and a massive console install base are all reasons for predicting industry success in 1999."
Playmates Toys Launches friend.link Device
With new friend.link from Playmates Toys, kids will be e-messaging each other using the latest in electronics’ technology. Friend.link, available at $19.99, is a palm-sized device used to send messages to other friend.link users.
"In the development of friend.link, Playmates is pioneering this new category of electronics," said Tom McClure, Marketing Director for Playmates Electronix.
Sega Appts. P. Moore As Sr. V.P. Marketing
Sega of America has appointed Peter Moore, formerly Sr. V.P., Marketing of Reebok International, as Senior V.P. Marketing. Mr. Moore will oversee Sega’s brand strategy and marketing programs, including positioning, advertising, corporate identity and channel marketing.
He will be instrumental in managing the $100 million marketing budget for the introduction of Sega’s new Dreamcast game system slated for the fall of 1999.
Sony/Sprint Feature Counter Display
This counter unit was created to support the launch of Sony brand cellular telephones and provide added exposure for its cellular partner and service carrier, Sprint.
The unit was manufactured using material sections chosen to convey an upscale look. The light gray frosted acrylic riser features a prominent Sony logo printed, white on a black gloss vacuum formed bar. Four graphic panels are positioned and held in place by clear extruded channels. Each graphic panel is easily removed to facilitate future updates and allow Sony to customize its graphics by locality or region. These panels clearly convey the partnership between Sony and Sprint.
A metallic vacuum formed shelf above the base accepts up to three cellular phones, each in a separate vacuum form holder. The holder may be removed and replaced to allow future telephone products to be showcased. Each sample phone is secured to the unit by a retractor cord that allows the consumer to handle and examine it, yet discourages theft. Brochure holders are situated under the display shelf.
The display was created by Thomson-Leeds Co. Inc., NYC.
Displays Support Nickelodeon’s ‘CatDog’
Paramount Home Video is launching Nickelodeon’s newest animated sensation, "CatDog," about two completely opposite cat and dog brothers, on home video. "CatDog" debuts on video with two five episode compilations: "CatDog: Together Forever" and "CatDog vs. The Greasers."
Paramount is supporting the release of "CatDog" with a 36-piece sidekick display containing 18 units of each title. Also available is a theatrical-sized poster, Nickelodeon in-store reel and CatDog coloring sheets.
Sky Features Sky TV Display Kiosk
Sky Latin America, L.L.C. is using this Sky Latin TV kiosk to reflect the premium quality of the Sky TV brand and content. The kiosk communicates the range of content offered in each country via a changeable graphic system. The quality constructed, durable kiosk establishes a strong visual presence in new markets.
The display is constructed from steel tubing, roll-formed perf steel, custom color-matched MDF, 4 color process screened styrene and vinyl.
The Sky TV kiosk was produced by Chicago Display Marketing, Melrose Park, IL.
RTC Industries Inc., Rolling Meadows, IL, will be showing the Kmart Video Games System, which was designed to create a distinctive Kmart-owned video game department. Kmart wanted to re-establish its "ownership" of the department and gain the flexibility to adapt to changing consumer tastes. The system leveraged Kmart’s existing fixturing systems to minimize expense. Visually Kmart’s video game department identity is maintained regardless of which brands are emphasized. A high level of modularity allows Kmart to quickly change the department in response to market dynamics. All department signage can be changed because of simple lift and drop header graphics. The interactive unit is engineered to accept any of the major video game hardware. The new merchandising program is a definitive success with more than 1,200 displays having been placed. To learn more about the system, contact Bruce Vierck at the POPAI Show, Booth 7834; or call 847-640-5180.
Thorco Industries, Lamar, Missouri, will be showing this Wal-Mart DVD Merchandising Showcase. The display features six tiered wire shelf assembler-sheet metal end panels with front pricing strips. A sheet metal and tubing frame support the TV monitor and electronic components. Each unit contains an 8" color die-cut reflective graphic kit. All metal components are finished in silver vein powder coat. The unit makes a bold statement that DVD has arrived at Wal-Mart and educates consumers about the new Digital Video Disk technology. To learn more about this display, contact Gene Dearing at the POPAI Show, Booth 7614; or call 888-4THORCO.
GOLDEN BOOKS CHRISTMAS EVENT 1998. The goal was to have 4-way visibility, reduce parts, reduce set-up time and be modular. A clip systems with lock-in trays was used to maintain ease at set-up. The display has no back walls allowing for a more open look. Seasonal graphics embellished with the lug-on provided seasonal appeal required to promote impulse buying. Created by Smurfit-Stone Display Group, 5200 South Airport Drive, Sandston, VA 23150. POPAI AWARD ENTRY.
COLOR GAME BOY - COUNTER UNIT. This display introduced the new Color Game Boy to the marketplace. It creates brand awareness and highlights the color capabilities of the new Game Boy, as well as its animated graphics and variety of available games. The display features a bright silver finish and illumination to draw consumers. Created by Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc., 1975 Wisconsin Ave., Grafton, WI 53024. POPAI AWARD ENTRY.
BEASTIE BOYS FLOOR DISPLAY. Capitol Records released the new Beastie Boys CD with key art for the cover of the Three Beastie Boys in a sardine can. A display had to draw attention to this hot new release and the display emulated the key art of the CD cover. The corrugated floor display is in E-flute Flexo printed in metallic inks. Created by Henschel-Steinau, Inc., 300 Grand Avenue, Englewood, New Jersey 07631. POPAI AWARD ENTRY.
AT&T UNMANNED KIOSK. This display creates an unmanned presence in locations other than normal cellular dealers to take advantage of their tremendous traffic flow. The kiosk allows for interchangeable graphics for specific regional information, with space allowed for brochures and product samples. Created by Conocraft, 1 Industrial Drive, MacAfee, NJ 07428. POPAI AWARD ENTRY.
MTH Interactive Kiosk Offers Realistic Visuals and Sounds
This interactive kiosk was designed for MTH Trains for use in upscale malls and department stores throughout the country The objective was to attract shoppers to the display by creating a realistic 6’ train facade with working lights and computer generated train sounds. The kiosk, which can be seen form hundreds of feet, draws shoppers from all sight points. Once there, they are able to fins out more about MTH Model Trains by using an interactive touch-screen. By using a credit card swipe located below the touchscreen, they are able to purchase trains and accessories, receive a receipt and have the purchase shipped to any locations within twenty-four hours. The MTH Interactive Kiosk was created by Design Development Resources, Inc., 1650 New Highway, Farmindgale, NY 11735.
Godzilla Soundtrack Display
This display was placed in movie and music retailers to capitalize on the enormous popularity of the film and soundtrack release. Marketing and advertising strategies focused on the enormity of the film’s release (it opened on a record number of screens) and the soundtrack’s compilation of musical talent, as well as the focus on the "Godzilla" theme itself. All of the artwork from the film was incorporated into a dynamic, lifelike 3-D display of this incredible monster, ultimately successfully reaching out to the soundtrack’s primary demographic (15-30). The Godzilla Soundtrack Display was created by The Ventura Group Inc., 171 Remington Blvd., Ronkonkoma, NY 11779.
Casio Tax Time Floorstand Display
This Casio Floorstand Display is featured in the Casio Tax Time promotion which spotlights calculators as well as label printers for tax forms and general use. The theme created by promoting these items gives Casio a flexible market tool to highlight new items during the tax season. The graphic panels on this display also illustrate the products’ many household and educational uses. The Casio Tax Time Floorstand Display was created by Mack Chicago, Corp., 2555 S. Rockwell, Chicago, IL 60608.
New Stock CD/CD-Rom Display
Alpak Manufacturing Corporation recently introduced its SCD-138 CD Display to its expanding line of stock P.O.P. displays, all of which may be custom-printed in-house. This display offers a "browser" capability allowing the consumer to browse through multiple titles, just like a true music store bin. In addition, it has a bottom pleat which can be printed along with the header for "extra exposure". This display comes packed KDF in its own mailer including instruction sheets for in-store set-up. This new Stock CD/CD-Rom Display is available form Alpak Manufacturing Corporation, 181 Boyd Street, P.O. Box 339, Montgomery, NY 12549.
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