Sprint Introduces New Store Design
Sprint has unveiled a new store design aimed at changing the way consumers shop for communications services in retail stores.
The newly redesigned Sprint Stores, launching throughout 2005, mix cutting-edge design and customer-friendly programs to make shopping for communications services a unique and Zen-like experience.
“When you purchase a wireless phone, you’re really making a long-term investment in a communications partner, so Sprint created a retail concept that embodies the customer-centric attitude and consultative shopping experience that customers expect,” said John Mickey, Vice President, Sprint Store Management. “We’ve created a concept that breaks the mold of the traditional telecom retail store.”
Existing Sprint Stores are implementing convenience-driven improvements such as In-Store Repair; eTicket software that allows store staff to more quickly assess and manage handset issues; and a designated Host to assist customers as they enter the store. The entire Sprint Store has been redesigned to integrate a modern, upscale purchasing experience with more open space for easy, self-guided navigation.
The new store also incorporates significant atmosphere enhancements, from the music
playing overhead in the store-which is a compilation of music that customers can also download as ringers on their phone-to graphics that can easily be changed with the season.
Sprint worked with Los Angeles-based designer Richard Altuna and Kansas City firm Rees Masilionis Turley to create the new store design.
Sony Slimline PictureStation Kiosk Debuts
Sony Electronics has introduced the slimline PictureStation digital photofinishing kiosk, which is designed to take up about half the floor space of conventional kiosks.
The slimline model fits into an array of retail environments. It is just 17" wide, yet shares the same software features and ease of operation as the full-sized deluxe PictureStation.
The slimline PictureStation is capable of producing prints in just 8 seconds and 5x7 prints in only 15 seconds.
The generous screen size and menu-driven commands provide the ability to create layouts and collages, add text and even to modify images from color into black and white or sepia tone.
YesDVD Generator Kiosk Is Offered To Retailers
YesVideo, Santa Clara, CA, has introduced its YesDVD Generator digital kiosk for high-speed, in-store transfers of photos and video clips from digital cameras to DVD.
The YesDVD Generator digital kiosk will provide the fastest speed and most options for in-store transfers of photos and video clips from digital cameras to a Hollywood-style DVD.
Sai-Wai Fu, CEO of Yes Video, said, “With the YesDVD Generator digital kiosk, photo retailers now have an easy, affordable and timely way to upgrade their customers to a photo DVD, which is a superior solution to a picture CD.”
Onscreen instructions and simple touch-screen interface make the interactive kiosk system consumer-friendly.
MusicATMs To Be Placed In Retail Locations
Mediaport Entertainment has joined forces with QuietTiger and Top Hits Entertainment to install MusicATMs in retail locations throughout the U.S.
The MusicATM kiosk provides the equivalent content of a 60,000 sq. ft. music store within 6 sq. ft. of retail floor space. The process allows a music buyer to purchase full-length music CDs, create their own labeled compilations CDs or download entire albums or specific tracks to a portable music player in as little as 30 seconds.
Customers will be able to purchase their CDs with QuietTiger’s MediaMax content management and enhancement technology, which provides additional bonus content including advertising and marketing opportunities. The partnership will benefit from Top Hits’ existing widespread retail network and Mediaport’s MusicATM hardware.
Neopets Runs CD Case Promotion
Online youth entertainment company Neopets, recently partnered with specialty ‘tween retailer Limited Too to offer a selection of exclusive Neopets themed CD/DVD cases.
The plush-covered, padded CD cases, which hold 8 compact discs each, feature images of popular Neopets characters-a Uni, Gelert and Aisha. The CD cases were available at only $2.90 with any purchase at any Limited Too store.
The Neopets CD Cases were merchandised in a counter display placed at the cash register in Limited Too stores.
“We are excited to strengthen our relationship with Neopets through this fun joint promotion,” said Paula Damaso, Limited Too EVP, Merchandising. Said Lee Borth, Neopets COO, “We are pleased to further extend our reach to the Limited Too customer through this promotion and to provide valuable national exposure of the Limited Too brand to our Neopet members.”
OCC Full Throttle Glorifier Displays New Cologne
Monty D Cosmetics is using this glorifier to merchandise the new Orange County Choppers (OCC) cologne.
The display integrates the industrial materials and design that are part of the Discovery Channel’s Orange County Choppers TV show. It captures the OCC feel with its aluminum diamond plate, translucent green acrylic sheet, aluminum fasteners and steel fasteners.
The OCC cologne is positioned at the front of the unit, while the use of the motorcycle and the OCC logo supports the OCC branding and communicates the “Your Road. Your Rules” theme.
The OCC Full Throttle Glorifier was created by New Dimensions Research Corp., Melville, NY.
Walt Disney Displays BAMBI On 2-Disc Special Edition
Walt Disney’s timeless classic BAMBI, recently released for the first time on DVD, is being promoted for a limited time only on colorful point-of-purchase displays.
“BAMBI's success is a testament to the enormous success of the Disney Platinum Series of DVDs,” said Lori MacPherson, V.P., Brand Marketing and Product Management for Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
The new 2-disc DVD features remixed sound with the all-new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, providing dramatic clarity and crisper sound. The BAMBI Special Edition Disney DVD features bonus materials including never before seen deleted scenes, a Forrest Adventure Game and “Inside Walt’s Story Meetings,” a trip back in time where viewers experience the production of “BAMBI” with Walt Disney himself and his creative team.
FHE Displays “Barbie As The Princess & The Pauper”
Lion’s Gate Family Home Entertainment recently conducted a coordinated marketing program for the direct-to-video debut of the CGI animated film, “Barbie As The Princess & The Pauper.”
Targeting moms and kids, FHE’s program is highlighted by retail-specific initiatives and cross promotions with companies including Random House Storybooks & Coloring Books, Scholastic Novelization and Brachs Fruit Snacks along with a wide array of 18, 24, 30 and 48-count p.o.p. displays.
FHE has offered a $10 mail-in rebate with the purchase of Barbie As The Princess & The Pauper DVD/video along with any other two Barbie DVD/videos. The VHS & DVD’s included a bonus CD featuring 7 songs from the movie.
Andiamo Luggage Display Stands Attract & Educate
Andiamo Luggage is using this banner stand as a “beacon” to attract customers to the product. The display also helps to convey the upscale brand image.
The display stand provides features and benefits of the product and serves to educate the consumer at the point-of-sale. The banner and display stand have been very well received by retailers in upscale luggage shops.
This Andiamo Luggage banner and display stand were created by RP Creative Display, a point-of-purchase display firm located in Irvine, CA.
Safari Adventure Outpost Sales Center Introduced
Safari Ltd. recently introduced the Safari Adventure Outpost display, a one or two sided unit offering retailers more versatility and sell-thru in just 5 sq. ft. of floor space.
The Outpost display is constructed of durable see-through plastic shelving, which allows for an unobstructed product view. The sturdy steel frame offers multiple shelf and peg hook combinations that will accommodate a variety of loose replicas, peggable items and boxed products. It also contains step-riser inserts, movable divider sections and adjustable peg hook sections as well as full-color “Adventure Outpost” signage. The mobile display includes easy rolling casters, which lock in place.
Additional component sections and inserts give the retailer the opportunity to customize the sales center.
Planet Dog Offers ‘Get Out & Go’ Display
Planet Dog, Portland, ME, has developed the “Get Out & Go” merchandiser allowing retailers to take advantage of the ever-increasing “pets welcome” trend.
Customers hitting the road with their animal companions will be drawn to this display that features the right mix of durable poly-canvas beds, bowls and bags for every outing from a backpacking trip to a spa weekend.
The display also features best-selling collars and leashes in Planet Dog’s new packaging that takes up half the space of regular packaging and enables customers to easily slip any collar out of the packaging for a quick try-on.
The display includes a coordinating header and a base that looks like grass.
Scholastic Featuring Potter Countdown Clock Standee
Scholastic is supporting the U.S. release of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” at midnight on July 16th, with a multi-million dollar marketing campaign.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will have a U.S. record-breaking first printing of 10.8 million copies. The national advertising components of Scholastic’s marketing campaign will appear as video spots on airplanes and electronic billboards, as national radio spots, online and in print media. Beginning with the midnight release, Harry Potter will command the Times Square Billboard in New York City with special 5 minute promotional spots at midnight followed by 15-second spots every hour the first week of the launch.
Scholastic has shipped 40,000 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince five foot tall countdown clock standees to retailers across the country.
Sony Offers Retailers “psyc” Display
Sony is providing retailers with this “psyc” floor display, designed to hold both new-wave CD walkmans and contemporary clock radios.
The colorful display features playful, contemporary graphics to appeal to young consumers. The graphics highlight the “citrus green,” “candy pink” and “frost blue” colors for the different products in the line.
The display holds a large value of product in a minimum amount of flloor space.
The display achieved virtually complete sell-through.
This display was created for Sony by Alpak Manufacturing Corp., a Montgomery, NY-based point-of-purchase. display firm.
Elegant Magazine Rack Displays Palm Springs Life
This magazine display rack, created for Palm Springs Life, was designed to comfortably accommodate a large amount of magazines while also having an elegant, contemporary appearance.
Because it capitalizes on height, it has a small footprint saving valuable floor space while also being very sturdy and durable. It was made out of ¼" clear acrylic with a white foam PVC base and is 53" tall, 9" wide and 12" deep.
The magazine’s logo is prominently featured on each panel of the display for brand identification.
The magazine rack was designed and produced for Palm Springs Life magazine by M.I. Plastics, LLC, a division of Merchandising Inventives, a point-of-purchase display company headquartered in Waukegan, IL.
DaySpring Spinner Sells Little Inspirations Card Line
DaySpring Cards is offering retailers this colorful and attractive 84-card spinner display featuring Little Inspirations, a light, encouragement card line that provides a way to send a fun card with an inspirational message to a friend or family member, for only 99 cents.
“The spinner offers flexible placement within any card and gift store,” said Tim Ward, Advtg. & PR Manager. “The cards were originally on a temporary corrugate display but once we saw the success of the line the need came up to develop a more permanent display.”
“We also wanted to provide as many facings as possible. The spinner met our needs and has done very well,” said Ward.
New Flagship Virgin Megastore Opens In Hollywood
Virgin Entertainment Group will open a new flagship Virgin Megastore this fall in the heart of the world’s entertainment capital, Hollywood, CA. The Virgin Megastore, Hollywood, will be the first full-scale, pop-culture entertainment store ever to open on Hollywood Boulevard and be a key anchor tenant at Hollywood & Highland’s prestigious location. Already known for its selection of music, film, books, and games, the new flagship Megastore will also offer the best of today’s electronics, apparel, and pop culture related merchandise.
The Virgin Megastore, Hollywood will represent the continued evolution of the Virgin Megastore retail concept. The store environment will be experiential, and will feature innovative product presentation techniques and multiple ways to sample new media.
MSN Teams With Sprite For Online Music Marketing
MSN and Sprite have joined forces to launch The Scenario, an exclusive, branded, online entertainment experience designed for teens. The Scenario is a unique place on the Web where teens can experience the hottest hip-hop DJs, connect with each other through MSN Messenger and connect with the Sprite brand.
“We collaborated with MSN to develop The Scenario because it offered innovative ways to integrate Sprite into the MSN Music service,” said Geoff Cottrill, Group Director of Entertainment Marketing at Coca-Cola NA. “Working closely with MSN and its Branded Entertainment and Experiences Team, we have created an experience that embraces the passion that teens have for music and to bring Sprite to the millions who visit MSN every day.”
“The Scenario is an entirely new way of connecting with teens where they live on MSN, in MSN Messenger and on MSN Music,” said Gayle Troberman, Director of the Branded Entertainment and Experiences Team. “We expect to help make Sprite a part of the teen consumer’s digital experience every day.”
The campaign will employ cross-network promotions and advertising to draw audiences to the site.
Nintendo World Store To Open In NYC
The new Nintendo World Store in New York City’s Rockefeller Center will be a two-story mega-complex showcasing the best of Nintendo. Nintendo World will also be the new home of Pokemon Center, which will feature exclusive Pokemon merchandise and host special Pokemon events.
The Nintendo World Store will be a place where interactive entertainment fans can check out the best new and unreleased games for Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Advance SP at high-end sampling bars and interactive stations.
CompUSA/Good Guys Stores To Open
CompUSA has announced plans to include combination CompUSA/Good Guys stores in California by converting 14 Good Guys retail locations and 3 current CompUSA locations. These new stores are designed to meet the increasingly diverse buying needs of customers by offering them a mix of both CompUSA and Good Guys merchandise.
“Product and technology convergence is continually increasing and customers are looking for answers,” said Larry Mondry, CompUSA CEO. “Our new combination unleashes the power of technology for our customers through a broader range of products, and unmatched expertise from our CompUSA and Good Guys' highly trained and technology-savvy staff.”
Borders Books & Music Stores To Feature Seattle's Best Coffee Cafes
Over the next few years, more than 400 existing Borders cafes across the nation will be converted to Seattle’s Best Coffee cafes and will also be featured in new Borders stores as they open across the country.
“Enjoying a smooth cup of coffee while shopping at Borders is a big part of our destination shopping experience and we’re pleased to give customers in Oregon the first opportunity to enjoy it,” said Greg Josefowicz, Borders Group CEO.
Said Jim Donald, CEO, Seattle’s Best Coffee, “The opening of these cafes with Borders stores represents a great first step in the growth of the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand at retail.”
In-Store Experience Influencing Consumer Electronics Shoppers
When consumers shop for big ticket electronics at retail, even those shoppers that have a preference for a particular brand upon entering the store are changing their minds due to in-store environmental factors, according to a study released by MarketStar Research.
The survey found that of those that entered a store planning to purchase a specific consumer electronics brand, 35% ultimately decided to buy a different brand. When asked why they chose another brand, 40% said that one or more in-store influences were the reason. The leading in-store factor, according to the study, was the advice of retail salespersons, with 32% of respondents stating that it was a key reason for their decisions to change brands.
“We’ve always known that the quality and focus of the in-store experience is a key component of the sale, and we see the potentially enormous impact it can have on market shares, where a point or two can mean the difference of hundreds of millions in revenue for a manufacturer,” said Ryan Brock, MarketStar Research V.P. “In a consumer electronics environment where we are seeing an increasing level of parity in prices and features, the advice of a knowledgeable salesperson or the effect of a great display or product demonstration may dictate a consumer’s purchase decision.”
Gamers Spending $700 A Year On Games
Video and computer game enthusiasts are spending $700 a year on games software, according to a recent study conducted by IGN Entertainment, an internet research company.
IGN’s study found that consumers spend $341 on console titles; $233 on PC games and another $140 for accessories.
Survey respondents said they play games an average of 20 hours a week; 10% spend 40 plus hours a week. Respondents say they advise 5-6 people per month, on average about computer, console or game-related purchases.
More than 90% of survey respondents were male. They usually play multiple types of games. Almost 80% of respondents purchase Action games; 72% buy RPG games and 70% FPS titles. Large percentages also play Adventure games, Fighting games, RTS, Strategy and War games.
Consumers who buy from online stores make purchases an average of five times per month. Those who prefer to shop brick and mortar stores make purchases an average of just over three times per month.
The top reason for shopping in a specific location store or site was, “The store’s price, relative to other stores.”
Study Offers New Insights Into Habits Of Tween Mobile Entertainment Users
Tweens, defined as youth ages 10- to 13-years old is the market segment with greatest frequency of mobile gaming and is among the top segments in overall usage of mobile content, according to a study on the usage and purchasing behavior of consumers of mobile entertainment, conducted by Sorrent, Inc., a global publisher of mobile entertainment, and research firm U30 Group.
Tweens led mobile game usage with more than 84% playing mobile games one or more times per day. This compares to 64% of the general population of mobile gamers playing one or more times per day.
Beyond gaming, Sorrent’s research found tweens to be active users of other mobile applications. 82% of tweens actively text message, 83% use ringtones and half of tweens surveyed use picture mail.
Dark Chocolate M&M’s Are Introduced
New Dark Chocolate M&M’s have been introduced, available in both plain and peanut varieties, in celebration of the release of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. The limited edition Dark Chocolate M&M’s feature special Star Wars-themed colors and packaging.
“We look for innovative approaches to launch products and know that dark chocolate is in great demand from consumers,” said Martyn Wilks, V.P. at Masterfoods USA.
Samsung Debuts Music Smartphone
Samsung Electronics has unveiled the world’s first 3GB HDD embedded music smartphone, the SGH-i300. The 3GB handset is the first phone featuring “Plug & Play”Files-to-go, which allows the phone to function as a removable hard disk drive.
Capable of storing up to 1,000 music files and featuring scroll-wheel navigation, this handset enables users to easily search files. The device supports 3D-sound through its stereo speakers.
VTech Premieres Integrated VoIP Phone
VTech Communications, has introduced the first fully integrated Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) broadband cordless telephone, expandable to four handsets, configured with Vonage’s broadband service. The phone offers the benefits of cordless handsets with the added cost-savings of talking over the Internet. The new VTech 4106 VoIP Terminal Adapter converts corded or cordless telephones into a VoIP phone system.
Firefly Mobile Phone Targets Parents & Tweens
Firefly Mobile has launched the Firefly phone, a mobile phone for tweens aged eight to 12-years-old.
With just five keys instead of a regular dial pad, parents use a PIN to program up to 22 outgoing numbers into the phone, including speed-dial keys for mom and dad. The patented phone lights up like a firefly when in use.
Sony Unveils Digital Music Players
Sony is expanding its selection of portable music devices with new MiniDisc Walkman digital music players. The new MiniDisc line includes a hip, Psyc Net MD model and several high capacity Hi-MD players. With Hi-MD technology, users can record up to 45 hours of music on one disc utilizing USB high-speed transfer.
All the models are compatible with Sony’s Connect online music store.
Hip-Tops Launched As Marketing Platform
DMI Networks and Berry Plastics Corp. have launched Hip-Tops, a new platform for the distribution of branded entertainment. The marketing tool is designed to deliver music, video and interactive content in the form of CDs, ECDs, CD-ROMS and DVDs, direct to consumers via drink lids, consumer packaged goods and specialty retail plastic containers Berry Plastics’ produces for its multinational corporate customer base.
Hip-Tops will provide enhanced product visibility, messaging and brand recognition for major brands while simultaneously presenting an untapped promotional outlet for record labels, Hollywood studios, and gamers. The agreement establishes DMI as the provider of entertainment content for all products produced by Berry Plastics.
For more information, contact Disc Marketing, Inc., 35 West Dayton Street, Pasadena, CA 91105; (Web) www.discmarketing.com
PlayStation 2 LockerRoom Challenge Tour Hits The Road
PlayStation 2 LockerRoom Challenge Tour Hits The Road
Sony Computer Entertainment recently launched the PlayStation 2 LockerRoom Challenge Tour, where ardent PlayStation fans and casual gamers alike had the opportunity to sample the latest sports and entertainment games in an unparalleled locker room themed environment.
The Challenge allowed kids to compete with their friends to win cool PlayStation prizes.
A 30-foot state-of-the-art mobile truck featuring 11 PlayStation 2 and PS one gaming systems, a big screen TV and a thunderous sound system, visited retailers and various events across the country.
Microsoft Xbox Halo 2 Standee
The Halo 2 Standee is expressly designed for placement within specialty gaming stores. Targeted retailers don't permit the display of live product. The challenge is to create a powerful display with a strong retail presence, without actually merchandising the product which is locked in a glass case elsewhere in the store. Because of the need to gain retail placement 30 to 60 days in advance of the title release, the objective was to create a spectacular display that generates consumer excitement over the awaited return of the Master Chief in Halo 2. The Microsoft Xbox Halo 2 Standee won a Gold OMA in the Entertainment Category as well as Display of the Year - Temporary. It was created by Rapid Displays, 33l95 Lewis Avenue, Union City, CA 94587.
Kodak Multi Product Counter Unit
This display was created from injection molded styrene for cost efficiency. The use of the strong Kodak yellow acts as a brand statement for Kodak and 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. This display which won the Gold OMA in the Toys and Accessories Category, was created by Mechtronics, 1 New King Street, White Plains, NY 10604-1203.
Staples Digital Camera Fixture. This is a proprietary power and security system. As new cameras launch with increasingly more demanding requirements, new voltage is added with a simple, inexpensive power connector that supplies the precise voltage needed. Batteries are needed saving cost and maintenance time. The system utilizes an internal plunger and any removal of product activates the alarm. Consumers benefit from a more reliable demo as a result of a more robust powering system. Created by Diam International, 26-45 Brooklyn Queens Expressway West, Woodside, NY ll377. BRONZE AWARD.
Rogers Wireless Christmas Floor Display. This display was created to attract consumer attention at the store entry to promote Cellular Phone sales at the ‘gift giving’ season. It is screen printed 7 colors on 'E'flute corrugated. The two boxes on top revolved with a battery driven motor.The revolving gift boxes are highlighted with l6 flashing white LED lights. The bow on top was created from red holographic card stock. Created by Artisan Complete, l00 Bentley Street, Markham, Ontario Canada L3R 3L2. SILVER AWARD.
Lexar Media Best Buy Jump Drive Pallet. This display was designed to merchandise Lexar's new Jump Drive product. Prior to this display's introduction, Lexar had never sold through the electronics retail chain, Best Buy. The display is designed to carry Lexar into Best Buy, who required a pallet display holding 210 skus of product shipped with the display. Created by Rapid Displays, 33l95 Lewis Avenue, Union City, CA 94587. BRONZE AWARD.
Duracell Meijer Freezer Wing Rack. This display was designed to generate incremental sales by using previously dead space on the side of Meijer's Freezer. It had to devise a method to use the freezer side without mounting directly into the freezer side. The display uses non-productive space to generate sales using a special hanging device engineered to allow the rack to be hung over the side of the freezer case. Created by New Dimensions Research Corp., 260 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY ll747. BRONZE AWARD.
Pepsi Cola Standees
These Yoda and Darth Standees are 5' and 6' in height. They were screen printed on to corrugate, die cut with an easel attached to be immediately and easily displayed. The standees are part of many pos pieces produced to tie in the movie, The Star Wars "Call to Yoda" with Pepsi beverages. The standees attracted much attention and increased awareness at on premises locations resulting in increased sales volume. The Pepsi Cola Standees were created by Proprint Services Inc., 562l Finch Avenue East, Unit 5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada MlB 2T9.
Large Inflatable Product Replicas
Large inflatable product replicas may be used at trade shows to draw attention to the products and to the booth. Inflatables help to increase booth traffic as well as brand awareness. The inflatables are constructed of durable coated nylon material with silent internal blower motors. They are easy to set up and easy to take down. For more information, contact Alvimar Manufacturing Co., Inc., 51-02 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101-5875.
Disney Theatrical Productions Exhibit
This exhibit was designed to promote group sales of Disney Theatrical Productions' Shows such as "Beauty and the Beast" at tourism expos and events in Boston, Las Vegas, New York, etc. The exhibit was a customized Nomadic DesignLine kit enhanced with a raised floor and theatrical lighting. The backwall was a hybrid display that combined a Nomadic Instand pop-up with Nomadic Platinum panels and aluminum extrusion. It also included a small conference area, plasma monitor for DVD and director's chairs. The optional header is mounted to 2' pole extensions which bring the exhibit to a l0' height. The Disney Theatric Productions Exhibit was created by Nomadic Display, 5617 Industrial Dr., Suite E., Springfield, VA 22151.
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