Polaroid Unveils T690 Instant Digital Prints Kiosk
Polaroid Corp. has introduced the next generation in instant digital printing technology, the Polaroid Instant Digital Prints Kiosk.
The kiosk addresses retailers and consumers demand for fast, simple, high-quality photos. It produces 4x6 digital prints at a rate of one print per two seconds. This speed, coupled with the kiosk’s all- in-one, self-service ATM-like interface, enables a customer to select, print and pay for 24 4x6 photos in less than two minutes.
The revolutionary thermal printing platform, called “Opal,” features a unique, “frozen ink” technology that is the main driver behind the kiosk’s speed.
AT&T Wireless Launches National Kiosk Program
Mercury Online Solutions, Inc., Bainbridge Island, WA, announced that it has successfully launched AT&T Wireless' nationwide Digital Messaging System (DMS), a sophisticated network of in-store displays, with a total of 2,500 digital display screens and interactive kiosks installed and networked in more than 800 AT&T Wireless retail stores throughout the country. “Mercury Online Solutions is helping us set the standard for the next generation of p.o.s. displays and kiosks,” said Michael la Villa, director of store development for AT&T Wireless.
Mercury Online Solutions, Inc. provides the hardware, software, rollout management, monitoring, content management and maintenance for AT&T Wireless’ network of displays. The network combines both “push” and interactive messaging, controlled and delivered through a Web-based network to plasma screens and kiosk-like displays. The content and messages displayed to customers in stores can be updated within seconds.
T-INK Zones Open At Toys “R” Us
T-INK, a new, patented conductive ink technology that replaces buttons, switches, wires and circuits with flat, printed “thinking” ink of any color has burst into the toy industry as a dedicated retail zone at the Toys “R” Us international flagship store in New York’s Times Square. The T-INK Zone at Toys “R” Us Times Square showcases a range of products featuring this new technology, including T-INK interactive inflatable radios, interactive puzzles, playmats, and Magic Vest IR trucks and cars.
T-INK merchandise is available from several leading toy manufacturers, including talking posters by Fisher-Price, and promotional T-INK premiums and tray liners created for McDonald's International. International T-INK licensees include Bandai, Funtastic, and Sandvik Publishing.
Warner Home Video Displays “Kangaroo Jack”
Warner Home Video (WHV) is releasing the $66 million box office hit Kangaroo Jack on DVD and VHS. Mike Saksa, WHV Sr. V.P., U.S. Marketing said, “With DVD special features that will provide kids with hours of laughter, Kangaroo Jack is a must-have family video.”
Promotional support includes a sweepstakes with a grand prize of a family trip to Australia. In addition, consumers who buy Kangaroo Jack will receive a free DVD from a select list when they purchase an additional DVD from the same list
Warner Home Video’s extensive media campaign will target parents, young teens and children with broadcast and print ads.
Kangaroo Jack p.o.p. merchandisers will be available in a wide assortment of DVD, VHS and mixed format configurations.
MGM Studios Displays DVD Collection
This display was designed to convey a high end image for MGM Studios’ DVDs and to hold a maximum amount of titles within a small footprint.
This display is constructed of tubular aluminum with wood grain styrene panels. It can hold up to 350 DVDs.
The unit features a unique pocket pusher system. The pusher pocket continuously pushes product towards the front, giving the display a full/clean appearance.
This display was created for MGM Studios by Acrylic Design Associates, a p.o.p. display firm based in Minneapolis, MN.
Nintendo Promotes “Eternal Darkness” Game
This display dramatically calls attention to the new game “Eternal Darkness,” for the Nintendo Gamecube.
The display was designed to be viewed from all sides and to attract a young consumer. In addition to calling attention to the product and its retail release, the display provides extensive information about the game.
The display was designed for Nintendo by The Corporate Image, based in Seattle, WA.
It was produced by Kell Specialty Products, a point-of-purchase display firm based in Chippewa Falls, WI.
Rayovac & Nickelodeon Run Joint Promotion
Rayovac is partnering with Nickelodeon Online on the “Power Getaway” Instant Win Sweepstakes. Kids have the opportunity to win one of three family vacations to Universal Orlando Resort, the home of Nickelodeon Studios, as well as more than 1,000 other prizes, including Nick.com gift certificates and Rayovac sports bags.
The promotion is featured on specially marked packages of Rayovac Maximum Plus Alkaline Batteries. Special merchandising displays will deliver the Power Getaway Sweepstakes product.
“The partnership with Nickelodeon is an ideal vehicle for reaching primary purchasers,” said Stephanie Udell, Rayovac Brand Manager. “
“We are very excited to partner with Rayovac to create an innovative promotion that enables kids and their families to win through Nick.com,” said Laura Nowatka, Vice President, Promotion Marketing at Nickelodeon.
Duracell Provides Toys R Us With Endcap Unit
Duracell recently provided Toys R Us stores with this 3’ endcap display.
The display is designed to accommodate Duracell’s unique PackOne modules, a gravity feed system that allows easy restocking of multiple, high volume units in minutes. When one module is empty, the retailer pulls the box out of the way and another module falls into place. This means no out of stock appearance or open gaps in the display.
The entire unit with its custom look and feel retrofits onto existing TRU fixtures in less than 15 minutes of set-up time.
The endcap makes great use of the high-impulse space at the retailer’s front end, generating high profits in the space of a traditional gondola.
The Duracell Copper Top battery is portrayed in the injection molded, 3D distortion printed header that tops the fixture.
This display was created for Duracell by New Dimensions, Inc., a Melville, NY-based p.o.p. display firm.
Michelin And Palm Conduct Joint Promotion
Michelin North America, Inc., and Palm, Inc., have announced a special offer for tire buyers. Consumers purchasing any four new Michelin brand light truck/SUV or passenger car tires will receive a mail-in certificate for a free Palm Zire handheld computer with a retail value of $99. The offer will be promoted through more than 15,000 Michelin retailers in the U.S.
“Michelin strives to provide customers with the best technology. available. We’re accomplishing this by working with Palm,” said Sheryl Henderson, Director of Michelin Brand.
“Companies like Michelin that are bringing the Palm Zire handheld to customers are infusing new growth in the handheld computer category,” said Michael Buhr, Sr. Director, Business Marketing , Palm Solutions Group.
Michelin and Palm will support the promotion with p.o.p. displays featuring the Palm Zire handheld and the Michelin Man.
Roxio Promotes New Software Suite In-Store
Roxio, Inc., has launched an integrated marketing campaign to introduce its Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 software suite.
Roxio and ESPN The Magazine have partnered to conduct the “Save The Day” sweepstakes. The promotion offers consumers the chance to win a grand prize trip to any sports event in a major U.S. city of choice. First and Second prizes include a wireless notebook PC based on Intel Centrino mobile technology and Fujifilm FinePix 3800 digital cameras .
In-store promotions will reach consumers at leading retailers, such as CompUSA, BestBuy, Circuit City, Office Depot, and Staples. Consumers who purchase Roxio’s Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 at participating retail stores will receive a free custom Roxio-branded CD/DVD wallet.
“The launch of Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 will be supported by various marketing promotions designed to build retail foot traffic and sales,” said Scott Steinberg, V.P., Strategic Marketing at Roxio.
AOL To Be Promoted in Best Buy Outlets
America Online has announced a new program with Best Buy, a leading consumer electronics retailer, to provide in-store promotion of the AOL and AOL for Broadband services in Best Buy stores. Best Buy’s wide selection of consumer products are now available in several key areas across the AOL service.
The AOL displays will enable Best Buy to offer consumers everything they need for home connectivity, including access to AOL and the Internet at whatever speed they prefer. Special displays will provide information about AOL’s selection of online services, and store employees will be trained to help consumers sign up for AOL.
Joe Redling, America Online’s Chief Marketing Officer, said, “We look forward to working with Best Buy to help consumers get on the Internet and make the transition to broadband. AOL is kicking our broadband marketing into high gear, and Best Buy is a fantastic partner to have in this effort.”
CompUSA Launches Digital Living Program
CompUSA and Playa Vista, a new 1,100 acre community in Playa Vista, CA, have launched an innovative partnership. CompUSA has created California’s first Digital Living Program to deliver accessible and easy-to-use technology for Playa Vista residents. The Digital Living Program features a high tech design center in the heart of the community staffed with a full-time CompUSA employee known as a Connectivity Concierge.
The technology design center will serve as a resource for residents looking for information on hardware, software, Internet access and connectivity, networking, home theater solutions, audio solutions, lighting control, bio-metric door locks and anything technology-related.
The technology design center will enable residents to leave their computers and technology products with the Connectivity Concierge, who will advise, install, and support residents on technology purchases. The Connectivity Concierge will also hold frequent seminars.
Brian Woods, V.P., Technical Services, CompUSA, said, “We are building a program that will serve as a model for programs CompUSA is rolling-out across the country.”
Borders & Intel Promote Wireless Internet Access At Borders Stores
Intel Corp. and Borders Group have launched a joint marketing campaign to promote the availability of high-speed wireless Internet access to customers at more than 400 Borders Book & Music locations nationwide. The program coincides with the launch of the Intel Centrino mobile technology for notebook PCs that feature built-in wireless capability.
The co-marketing agreement between Borders and Intel will include a signage program that identifies where Intel-verified wireless Internet zones (aka hotspots) are located.
“We are extremely excited about Centrino mobile technology’s ability to provide a better wireless broadband experience and integrate Wi-Fi into the lives of our customers,” said Tami Heim, president, Borders stores. “More than 400 Borders hotspot locations will be live by this summer, enhancing our stores and reinforcing Borders as the best provider of books, music, movie and entertainment products.”
“Intel is working with leading edge companies such as Borders to drive awareness of hotspots and wireless technologies that will change how and where people compute,” said Ann Lewnes V.P., Intel Sales & Marketing.
MTV & Motorola Announce Marketing Alliance
Motorola and MTV: Music Television, have announced a marketing alliance to extend MTV’s programming and innovation to the wireless world via Motorola devices. The two companies will develop and integrate locally created marketing activities in regions around the globe. Together, MTV International and Motorola will provide an environment that accelerates the way people use and view their mobile phone - creating a mobile entertainment experience for consumers to text, talk, rock, mix and more.
Innovative MTV content including ring tones, games, and images, will be pre-loaded onto Motorola handsets. Live MTV/Motorola events and retail promotions are also planned.
Heineken and Black Cinema Cafe Launch Joint Promotion Program
Heineken USA and Black Cinema Café (BCC), an organization committed to showcasing independent Black films, have teamed up to present a special series of movie screenings. As part of the relationship, Heineken and BBC will showcase more than thirty films in five different markets across the country in 2003. These events will expose urban audiences to a unique movie-going experience - as well as give individuals an alternative to a typical night at the theater.
The screenings will be held in non-traditional venues ranging from museums to restaurants to ensure a comfortable environment and to promote a social atmosphere.
A special discussion session and after-party will also take place after each viewing featuring the principal cast, writer, director, and/or producer - hosted by Heineken and BCC.
Toy Industry Report Is Released
The economic challenges of 2002 were a contributing factor to the 1.0% decline in traditional toy sales, with retail sales at $20.2 billion, down from $20.5 billion according to the Toy Industry Association.
Infant/Preschool was the largest category with more than $2.8 billion in sales. Up by 2.1%, it includes an emerging trend of educational products. Another market segment that gained significantly was Arts & Crafts. Mechanical design toys accounted for seven of the top ten items in this category which experienced a 16% growth and was led by products such as Mattel’s Magna Doodle and Pixter.
The largest increase in a category was seen in Models & Accessories. A category that has been flat in previous years, it has experienced resurgence with Hasbro’s introduction of its Zoids model kit line, which accounted for the top five selling products in the category.
Dolls & Accessories were down overall, but remained the second largest category with over $2.4 billion in sales.
Yu-Gi-Oh!, which remains the best selling licensed brand, propelled the Games & Puzzles category to a 19.1% increase. The collectible card game from KONAMI is marketed for tween boys and has rejuvenated a category that traditionally targets adults.
Video Game Market Report Issued
Some 92% of today’s youth own and play video games, according to Zanthus, a Portland, OR-based consulting company. A recent Zanthus survey found that heavy gamers tend to be males between 14 to 17-years-old. On average, they spend 23 hours per week playing games. Light gamers tend to be older females, between the ages of 18 to 26. They spend about eight hours per week on this activity.
Online gaming holds substantial appeal among youth gamers, but so far, few have pursued the option. Only 5 percent of the youth gamers surveyed currently subscribe to an online game that requires a monthly fee; however, 21 percent reported an interest in subscribing in the future. Sixty-one percent expressed interest in video-on-demand via a console and cable TV connection, and another 23 percent expressed an interest in a pay-to-play game service over the Internet.
Survey Finds That Well-Wired Home Is Most Important Amenity For Younger Americans
According to a national consumer survey conducted for the SBC family of companies, 42% of younger Americans, aged 18-24, said a well-wired home with plenty of telephone jacks and electrical outlets was the most important amenity when choosing a home; one in 10 younger Americans selected high-speed Internet access availability as their top feature, when offered a choice that also included walk-in closets, a fireplace, and a gourmet kitchen.
By contrast, 27% of older Americans, aged 55-64, selected either a well-wired home or walk-in closets as their most desirable trait. A gourmet kitchen and a fireplace ranked above broadband availability for this generation.
LEGO Launches CLIKITS
LEGO has entered the arts and crafts category with the introduction of CLIKITS, a fashion design system that encourages girls ages 6 and up to piece together jewelry, room decor, and fashion accessories.
Andrew Black, President, LEGO Americas, said, "We’re confident this unique product, combined with the marketing programs we have planned, will generate excitement among fashion-forward girls.”
Duracell Introduces Prismatic Battery
Duracell has debuted Duracell LP1, the first alkaline prismatic battery designed specifically for portable digital audio devices. With a flat profile, only 6.1 millimeters thick, Duracell LP1 meets the size requirements of today’s thinner audio devices.
“Duracell LP1 provides the long-lasting performance associated with the Duracell brand in a new, thin form factor,” said Mark Bertolami, V.P., Business Development, Duracell.
Nokia Combines Music & Mobile Phone
Nokia has introduced the Nokia 3300, which combines a digital music player, FM stereo radio and mobile phone. The 3-in-1-music device is also optimized for messaging with a QWERTY keyboard and text, multimedia and instant messaging capabilities.
“The Nokia 3300’s focus on music, messaging and wireless communication will appeal to music enthusiasts and youth,” said Nada Usina, G.M., Entertainment & Media for Nokia Americas.
Reactrix Media Display System Is Launched
Reactrix Systems has introduced the Reactrix Media Display System, which projects images that react to a person’s motion. The system projects up to a 15'X20' image onto floors and walls. When a person or object enters the display area, the system responds instantly with dramatic visual effects or entertaining gameplay.
The system breaks through media clutter to impact consumers at the point of sale.
For more information, contact Reactrix Systems, (Tel) 650-232-1500; (Web) www.reactrix.com.
Sony Spring Break Pavilion Attracts Students
Sony Computer Entertainment recently featured the PlayStation2 Spring Break Pavilion at Panama City, FL, to reach 400,000 vacationing college students. The pavilion had a 50' by 40' lounge area where beach goers could listen to music and check out the latest PlayStation 2 games. Themed gaming rooms included the action-adventure hit SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALS battle room and the 989 Sports room, where gamers could check out the latest sports titles such as NCAA Final Four and MLB 2004. Daily game tournaments were held for the chance to win PlayStation 2 prizes.
The promotion was developed by Mr. Youth, LLC, a New York City-based youth marketing agency.
Microsoft 2 Ft. Custom Unit
This display features an attractive presentation of the "LIVE" messaging with the product, which enables the consumer to understand what is needed to start the interactive product. The display was easy to install and provided a highlighted area that easily identified the product. Retailer feedback indicates that the merchandiser was a key part of the successful launch. It easily attracted buyers and answered their questions. This was one of the elements that anchored an $11 million launch of this X-Box LIVE line extension. The display, which won the Gold OMA in the Computer Software Category, was created by Harbor Industries, Inc., 141130 172nd Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Energizer Rechargeable Floor Display
This display was created to promote a particular line of product. It can easily be moved to store-front or a related location where batteries are required and is shoppable from two sides. The attractive design and graphics easily captures the consumers' attention. The display is screen printed 4 color + clear UV on B-Flute & E-Flute Corrugated, with wheels attached at the 4 corners. The display is shipped assembled and pre-packed with product. This display which won a Gold OMA in the Toys and Accessories Category, was created by Artisan Complete, 100 Bentley Street, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 3L2.
Philips Flat TV Display. This freestanding display introduces Flat TV. The display accommodates all product mixes and demonstrates hanging/standing options. The design complements high-end, high-tech televisions. Graphics communicate the features and benefits and the unit uses minimal floorspace and is easy to assemble. Created by AMD Industries, 4620 West 19th Street, Cicero, IL 60804. BRONZE AWARD.
Rogers/AT&T V101 Floor Display. This display creates in-store awareness of a newly launched product. It was timed to appear at stores when the media promotion broke. Both electronic stores and independent cell phone stores located these displays at their store fronts to entice customers to enter and ask questions on this new product. Created by Artisan Complete, 100 Bentley Street, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3R 3L2. BRONZE AWARD.
Scholastic Book Fair. This display provides a dramatic, durable and portable display for Scholastic Bookfairs, mini Bookstores organized on school premises. The display acts as booth a transport unit and a kiosk display. It sets up in minutes at the various schools by simple pulling a latch and pulling open levered doors, lifting a header and folding back the side panels Created by New Dimensions Research Corp., 260 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY 11747. SILVER AWARD.
Ice Age Standee. This corrugated Standee features bright colors, which helped capture the prime real estate in over 90% of its market. The Standee was designed to give dimension and color in a limited floor space. The Logo was designed in 3 dimension using clear vinyl. Created by Smurfit-Stone Display Group, 2900 Sprouse Drive, Richmond, CA 91504. BRONZE AWARD.
Big Idea Penguins 4. An eye-catching realistic lighthouse is featured in this display. There is a random flashing LED board to recreate the lighthouse. The unit also feature intricate die cutting and multi-layered character lug-ons to create a dynamic display that brings the video's story to life. Created by Rapid Display, 4300 W. 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60632-4439. SILVER AWARD.
Vtech Display Program. The display features interactive merchandising. Push a button and hear a thirty-second product promotion. Try the actual product on the display and then make a purchase decision. Smarty's Workshop was specially programmed to give the consumer a thirty-second demonstration of features and benefits. All seven displays are shipped set-up. Created by Design Phase, Inc., 2840 Maria Avenue, Northbrook, IL 60062. SILVER AWARD.
Siemans Mobile Phone Launch
This program featured 20-ft. high Giant Cold Air Inflatable Mobile phones in 4 different models, as well as 62-in. length Sealed Miniature S-56 Mobile Phone Rafts with dimensional color screen. The inflatables were used at a trade show and provided an outstanding tradeshow presence. They helped promote successful customer/buyer/press meetings and high volume booth traffic. Over 10,000 attendees walked away from the booth with an inflated Siemans S56 pool raft. The rafts were only given away inflated. For more information, contact The Inflatable Marketplace, 1810 Gillespie Way, Suite 202, El Cajon, CA 92020.
Jonah Premier Inflatables
Larry the Cucumber and Bob The Tomato made a huge splash at the Veggie Tales' Jonah Premier. The giant inflatables appeared at the Nashville World Premier of the movie. They stood several heads and shoulders above the crowd and helped celebrate the debut of Big Ideas Productions' first full feature film. Inflatables add a creative approach for non-traditional ways to attract people at an economical cost. For more information, contact Dynamic Displays, 5450 West Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48209.
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