Panasonic’s Counter Display Highlights Portable DVDs
Panasonic used this counter display, made of translucent and metallic materials, to highlight the sleek design of its portable DVD players and reinforce the image of cutting edge technology.
The display requires little counter or shelf space, creating a very compact presentation. Consumers are encouraged to interact with the product.
The display presents a theft proof environment without sacrificing visual appeal.
Panasonic’s Portable DVD Counter Display was produced by Gage In-Store Marketing, a Minneapolis, MN-based display and promotion firm.
Counter Display Demos Siemens Cordless Phone
Siemens Canada is using this counter display to showcase its Siemens Gigaset Telephone System. The objective of the display was to convey a quality look highlighting one of the most expensive telephone systems available. The display enables the customer to feel and test the unit without actually removing it from the display. It is designed to be an operational system in the store environment.
The display is made of perforated metal, sheet metal side gables, vacuum formed holders and is powder coated in silver vein. The Siemens Gigaset Telephone System Display was produced by CDA Industries Inc., Pickering, Ontario, Canada.
Permanent Display Introduces Tracfone At Radio Shack
This spinning floor display was used by Tracfone Wireless to introduce its nationwide prepaid cellular program to the Radio Shack customer.
With limited real estate to merchandise at retail, TracFone Wireless required a unit that was shipped assembled, easy for the customer to shop, held multiple products and product information, and had changeable graphic panels. The display also features a literature holder.
This Tracfone Wireless display was produced by Dinaco Inc., a Houston, TX-based p.o.p. display firm.
RCA Displays New E-Books
Thomson Consumer Electronics is using this acrylic and metal display to promote the RCA E-Book.
The acrylic platform allows the product to be displayed open on a counter so the consumer has complete access. A literature holder with brochures, and a flip chart, informs the consumer of the benefits of the product. A prominent RCA logo screened on the literature holder communicates strong brand awareness.
The metal display components provide an anchor for a security cable while the acrylic provides the display platform for the product and educational flip chart. Because the product is tethered by a security cable, the consumer is able to pick up and completely examine the product.
The RCA E-Book display was created by Great Northern Display Group, Racine, WI.
WHV Promotes ‘Cartoon Crack-ups’ Collection
Warner Home Video (WHV) has released Cartoon Crack-ups, a collection of over 20 videos including The Jetsons Meet The Flintstones, 1001 Rabbit Tales and Dexter’s Greatest Adventures. Eye-catching merchandisers with custom header cards for this animation will be available in 18-, 24-, 36- and 48-unit configurations.
Promotional partners feature a variety of offers that bring the consumer savings potential to over $1,400, and will lend comprehensive support to all Warner Spotlight VHS titles via The WB Spotlight Studio Pass, a coupon book inserted in every Spotlight Wave video. Offers include: America Online (AOL) 700 free hours for the first month; Blimpie—free regular 6” sub; Club Med—special discounted rates; Flowers USA—six free roses or 15% discount on any other order; Fuji Film—$2 coupon; Healthy Choice Microwave Popcorn—free pack of microwave popcorn; IHOP—free kid’s meal; Kid Rhino—free CD sampler; Max Factor—$2 coupon; and Samsung— up to $20 off a DVD player.
Merchandisers Feature Casper Products
Hearst Entertainment Licensing and the Harvey Entertainment Co. have teamed up to present Casper in a vast array of merchandising and licensing activities.
Casper will be featured in a $1,000,000 Sony Playstation Software Sweepstakes that will be included in 40,000,000 packages of snack size bags of Hershey’s Top 10 candies. Hershey’s in-store point-of-sale will feature Casper on 50,000 header cards for candy bins.
Wagner Products is introducing Casper Friendly Cherry Flavored Multi-Vitamins, which will be supported with special Casper p.o.p.
Raymond Geddes is introducing a line of Casper school supplies, paper products and stationery items in 2001, also supported by Casper displays.
Xerox Pixography Systems To Be Placed At Retail
Xerox Corp.’s new Pixography Solution is a personal imaging center that puts customized color documents at the fingertips of walk-up consumers in quick-print and retail environments. Consumers can create business materials, greeting cards, calendars and invitations by merging their own words and pictures with a wide selection of fully designed templates and backgrounds to print colorful, personalized documents in minutes.
The Pixography Solution is currently being tested in major quick print and retail accounts. Using a walk-up system with an easy-to-use touch screen, the Pixography Solution is simple for both the service provider and consumer.
A Pixography demonstration has been a part of a Xerox exhibit at Epcot at Walt Disney World. Using the touchscreen kiosk, visitors create personalized souvenirs by placing their own digital image into one of many backgrounds and then creating their own message.
Blockbuster & RadioShack Form Alliance
Blockbuster and RadioShack have announced an alliance that will introduce a RadioShack store-within-a-store concept inside Blockbuster locations. The intent is to create a full-service home entertainment destination within Blockbuster, while increasing RadioShack’s reach to more consumers.
“This alliance brings Blockbuster, the leading home-entertainment brand, together with the leading brand in consumer electronics to benefit our customers by giving them neighborhood, one-stop shopping for the best selection of entertainment and electronic products and services,” said John Antioco, CEO of Blockbuster. “Having a retail presence in as many of the 5,000 Blockbuster stores opens up a new distribution channel for RadioShack, creating an enormous opportunity for accelerated growth,” said Leonard Roberts, CEO of RadioShack. “Our alliance with Blockbuster provides us access to more than 3 million Blockbuster customers each day, including more women and young adults, while using a capital efficient way to expand our square footage and distribution network.”
The size of the RadioShack merchandising area will vary depending on the size of Blockbuster’s stores, but will range from 600-sq. ft. sections to kiosks. RadioShack’s highly trained sales associates will manage the stores within Blockbuster.
Mars Music Upgrades Brand Image
Mars Music recently retained BrandEquity International, Newton, MA, to help upgrade its brand image. BrandEquity International designed the unique new Mars Music Brandmark and coordinated it into the entire Mars Music operation—from the external appearance of its superstores, to its interior identity and design.
As you enter the store, the new Mars identity is utilized as important decor elements from the big “M” mark on the floor to the departmental signing—to graphically differentiating departments from “band and orchestra” to “learning center” to “Guitars.” At the entrance of Mars Music, musical notes surround the customer, and eye level entry points feature the Mars diamond in orbit. The departmental identity is clearly communicated with the Mars identity, creating an integral identification system.
Trans World Entertainment Unveils ‘fye’
Trans World Entertainment Corp., a specialty retailer of music and video products, has announced plans to re-brand the Company’s 730 mall-based stores and its web site under a single, unified brand, fye (for your entertainment). For the first time, customers nationwide will enjoy a consistent shopping experience in every store and in every channel. The enhanced brand experience will include industry-leading product sampling and selection tools.
“As we spoke to our customers, one of our existing brand names continually rose to the top—fye,” said Robert Higgins, Trans World CEO. “It communicates who we are today and our vision for the future, which involves a more individualized customer approach in a multi-channel total entertainment environment that draws on the latest technologies.”
Verizon Opens Kiosks At Car Washes
Verizon Wireless, San Diego, CA’s largest wireless carrier, has opened retail kiosks at car wash locations in Carmel Valley and Encinitas, enabling customers to check out the latest cellular phones, wireless voice, data and messaging services, and hands-free calling accessories while they wait.
“Our customer base is rapidly expanding in San Diego and it makes sense for Verizon Wireless to provide the latest wireless products and services at convenient, accessible locations, where customers typically have 15 minutes to browse,” said Mike Finley, Regional President, Verizon Wireless, the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S.
Hispanics Adapting Computer Technology
“The Digital World of the U.S. Hispanics,” conducted by Cheskin Research, reveals a significant increase in household computer penetration, and a slight decrease in online purchasing and purchase intent.
Five key understandings emerged from the research: 1. Technology adoption is increasing rapidly. Computer penetration among Hispanic households increased from 42.3% in Q1 2000 to nearly 47% in Q4. The rate of growth of Hispanic household technology penetration over the last 2 years is 80% compared with 21% for the overall market. 2. Lack of information is still one of the key reasons for not having a computer in the home. Perceived expense is seen as the greatest barrier to computer ownership. 3.Opportunity exists for computer brands to own the market. Over 70% of current non-owners have no brand in mind for future purchases. 4.Hispanic users continue to prefer mainstream portals. Yahoo! has increased its lead as the primary portal for U.S. Hispanics who are using Yahoo! in English. There is still an opportunity for Spanish-language portals as increasingly more Spanish-dominant consumers are entering the online world. 5.Internet trust among Hispanics has decreased significantly over the past 8 months. This growing lack of trust may be fueled by media coverage of payment and fulfillment problems.
“This study shows that the U.S. Hispanic market has an overwhelmingly strong desire to be a part of the digital age,” said Felipe Korzenny, Principal of Cheskin Research.
Photo Kiosks Will Be Big Hit In 2001
Photo kiosks will play a key role in the transformation of consumer photography in 2001, according to Dataquest Inc., a unit of Gartner Group. By the end of 2000, digital photographers comprised more than 10 million U.S. households, and as a result, there are currently great opportunities for photo kiosk vendors. The worldwide installed base of photo kiosks is projected to double by the end of 2001, reaching 60,000 devices.
In the past, photo kiosks had been used mostly to copy photos. The new photo kiosks allow consumers to input digital images or scan photos to print or upload to a Web page. “The most important contribution photo kiosks will make to digital photographers will be to deliver an attractive combination for digital photo printing: high quality prints at a low cost and within a familiar, convenient environment,” said Andrew Johnson, V.P. Gartner Dataquest. “We believe digital photographers will flock to digital photo kiosks as an attractive alternative to home printing.”
Coca-Cola To Market Disney-Branded Beverages
Walt Disney and Coca-Cola will market nutritious children’s beverages globally under the Disney brand. The first product launched will be juices and juice drinks from The Minute Maid Co., an operating group of Coca-Cola. The first beverage to enter the market, “Mickey’s X-treme Coolers,” is a vitamin-fortified juice drink available in single-serve pouches and multi-serve plastic bottles.
Game Boy Advance Debuts
Nintendo is debuting a new era of portable video gaming with the launch of Game Boy Advance. “There has never been a portable game system like Game Boy Advance,” said Peter Main, Exec. V.P., Marketing, Nintendo.
Game Boy Advance breaks existing boundaries for handheld video game play, boosting both screen size and battery life by 50%, and picture resolution by 66%. Game Boy Advance runs 17 times faster and displays more than ten times as many on-screen colors as Game Boy color.
Kodak Introduces mc3
The Kodak mc3 is the first portable unit that combines digital video with virtually unlimited recording, an MP3 player and a digital still camera together for less than $300.
“The mc3 offers an entertaining and simple way to create movies and share them with friends,” said Willy Shih, President, Kodak’s Digital and Applied Imaging Group.
iRadio Telematics System Announced By Motorola
Motorola has announced the state-of-the-art iRadio Telematics System, offering entertainment, navigation and communication, all converging in one smart, wireless “stereo” package. Designed to wirelessly deliver a variety of services to the car, iRadio features voice-recognition capabilities as well as the usual knobs and buttons. The iRadio can give a voice response and simultaneously show the driver easy-to-glance-at icons. The iRadio system can synchronize with personal electronic devices, including cellular phones, PDAs, and pagers.
SONICblue’s Rio Car Takes MP3 On The Road
Rio, a division of SONICblue, has shipped Rio Car, a removable in-dash digital audio player with on-board storage for up to 1000 hours of listening enjoyment.
“Until now, the car audio experience was cluttered by plastic jewel cases,” said Jim Cady, President of Rio. “By storing all the music they own in one portable device, Rio Car frees music fans.”
Logitech Launches Cordless MouseMan
Logitech has introduced Cordless MouseMan Optical, a mouse that offers both optical precision and cordless freedom. With no ball to clean and no cables to tangle, Cordless MouseMan Optical combines the two hottest features in today’s mouse market. “It’s no surprise that Logitech, a widely recognized pioneer in mouse technology, has once again set a new standard by delivering on this much-anticipated combination,” said Wolfgang Hausen, Sr. V.P., Logitech.
Sam Goody Runs ‘Bandemonium’ Event
Sam Goody recently entertained an estimated 100,000 Spring Breakers when Bandemonium took over the beach in Panama City, Florida. This premier event showcased interactive games, product samples and prizes along with an abundance of music.
More than 400,000 product samples from Sam Goody, Pepsi, Rayovac and other Bandemonium sponsors were distributed to eager attendees.
Chiquita Conducts Summer Sweepstakes
Chiquita Fresh North America has joined forces with Ford for “Miss Chiquita’s Summer Fun on the Run” in-store sweepstakes. The grand prize winner will win a 2002 Ford Windstar.
The Summer Fun program is designed to drive consumer traffic to retail produce departments to generate increased sales of Chiquita bananas and fresh fruits.
“This year’s summer promotion will bring together the good nutrition of Chiquita fresh fruit with today’s healthy, active lifestyles,” said Teresa Wellington, Marketing Manager, Chiquita Fresh North America. “In the past, Chiquita summer promotions have received tremendous response, and we’ve shown that participating retailers can experience up to an 18% volume advantage over non-participants. This year’s ‘Miss Chiquita’s Summer Fun’ promotion will provide a win-win situation for consumers and retailers.”
P.O.S. materials will include “Miss Chiquita’s Summer Fun on the Run” table tents with entry forms, and two-sided frame signs.
Filmfly Places Kiosks In Movie Theatres
Filmfly Entertainment is setting up TouchPoint kiosks at movie theatres, enabling movie goers to purchase retail merchandise including sound tracks, DVDs, clothing, accessories and posters, while accessing entertainment news.
The kiosks are currently in operation at Famous Players’ Paramount Theatre in Toronto Canada. Jeff Rush, V.P., Famous Players, said “These kiosks allow us to provide our customers with even better value for their entertainment dollar. When consumers can step out of a theatre and have the ability to immediately order the sound track from the latest blockbuster, that’s something they can’t do anywhere else.”
DreamWorks & Kroger Run Joint Promotion
DreamWorks and The Kroger Co. have launched a joint promotion that allows Kroger supermarket shoppers to earn free movie tickets to the animated comedy, “Shrek” based on their grocery purchases. Customers who purchase $300 in groceries using their shopper’s card during the promotion will earn two free tickets to “Shrek.”
The program is supported with point-of-sale displays. Stores will also offer the opportunity for customers to have their photos taken with “Shrek” standees in-store.
LeapFrog Interactive Kiosk
LeapFrog produced for Toys R Us nationwide, a merchandising environment that establishes the LeapFrog brand as a leader in producing educational interactive toys that inspire a lifelong love of learning. Products are displayed in a consumer-friendly manner that maximizes product flow. One hundred seventy concept stores are showing the LeapFrog line with an interactive touchscreen kiosk that has been designed to fit into an array of store configurations; inline, at an endcap or freestanding. Company and product brand signage will be used in 500 traditional TRU stores and other key account retail environments, with plans to expand the program to more TRU stores. The LeapFrog Interactive Kiosk won a Gold OMA in the Sports, Toys and Accessories Category as well as Display of the Year - Permanent. It was created by Design Phase, Inc., 2840 Maria Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062.
Display Program For Windows Millenium Edition
This program originally called for a four-sided display only. Clever design and engineering allowed for the creation of three modular sku’s: four-sided, two sided and single-sided, from mostly common tooling. The header molds, product tray molds and frame molds were identical for all three sku’s, giving the retailers the option of three different display sizes. This caused the quantity to nearly triple, meaning more product was placed in more locations. The use of MT2 edge glow plastic material in the injection-molded components resulted in a unique look that was appealing to retailers. This display, which won the Gold OMA in the Entertainment & Computers Category, was created by Design Phase, Inc., 2840 Maria Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062.
Microsoft Shelf Display For Office Max Stores. This display used durable semi-permanent materials, thus exceeding its expected shelf life while maintaining a cost range competitive to corrugated. The uniquely shaped, pre-screened and routed vacuum-formed styrene display is customized to hold Microsoft product. The consumer is drawn to the display because of the clever use of graphics and color as well as the Microsoft logos and icons. Created by Design Phase Inc., 2840 Maria Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062. BRONZE AWARD.
Oregon Lottery Keno Motion Clock. This display was designed to increase impulse buying of lottery tickets for the Oregon Keno game. This unique clock capitalized on the fact that time-conscious consumers look at clocks while waiting in check out line or sitting at a lunch counter. The clock uses polarized motion to remind consumers that it's “Time For Keno.” Created by Heritage Sign & Display, 344 Industrial Drive, Nesquehoning, PA 18240. BRONZE AWARD.
For Home Entertainment Space Saver. This display ships fully assembled, complete with graphics and corrugate trays for ease of merchandising. The unit builds brand recognition through logos and promotional messages. Through modularity in design, the display allows for both VHS and DVD movie product. Product quickly and easily changes out via prepacked corrugated trays, providing cross-merchandising opportunities for the retailer. Created by Design Phase Inc., 2840 Maria Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062. SILVER AWARD.
“SHREK” Inflatable Adds 3-D Element To Display
Dreamworks SKG is promoting its upcoming “SHREK” animated movie in theater lobbies worldwide. An inflatable 30-inch and 72-inch Letter “S” adds a 3-D element to the foamcore and corrugated display. The inflatable is constructed of heavy 0.3 mm Yellow PVC, a special 2 color printing was applied to create a look of granite. The 30" letter was produced with 8,050 units and the 72" unit with 15,500 pieces. For more information, contact The Inflatable Marketplace Small Wonder Inflatables, 1810 Gillespie Way, Suite 202, El Cajon, CA 92020.
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